Eucharistic Adoration is the respect and worship we give to Jesus Christ, who is truly present to us under the appearance of bread and wine. The Eucharist is a priceless treasure; by not only celebrating it but also by praying before it outside of Mass we are enabled to make contact with the very wellspring of grace. Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, He is to be honored with the worship of adoration. “To visit the Blessed Sacrament is . . . a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord.”[CCC 1418] Some of the purposes of Eucharistic Adoration are to draw us more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ, and to express our love, gratitude, and respect for Christ our Lord.

Responsibilities
Everyone is encouraged to come visit, worship, and adore the Blessed Sacrament. To make sure exposition can safely take place, there is a need to make sure that at least one person, preferably two, is with our Lord at all times. For those who can make a commitment of regular visits each week, they are responsible to keep their scheduled hour (Holy Hour) covered each week. If they are unable to attend the scheduled hour they have chosen, they are required to find a replacement guardian. Assistance is available when help is needed to find a substitute.

Helpful Attributes
A desire to pray, meditate, and enjoy being in the presence of Jesus Christ. The need to slow down in this busy, hectic, and stressful world. A yearning to know and follow God’s will for them in their lives.

Training & Time
No training required. For those who have questions or would like to begin attending a Holy Hour of Adoration, please contact the Adoration Coordinator listed below. If you would like to become a scheduled adorer the time commitment is one hour during exposition hours each week beginning every Tuesday following 8am Mass and runs continuously through the night ending Wednesday at 10:45am with Benediction and 11am Mass.

Contact Barb Smith 740-668-2202 or email djsandbms@gmail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the purposes of Eucharistic Adoration?

• To draw us more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist.
• To strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ.
• To express our love, gratitude, and respect for Christ our Lord.

What are some of the benefits of Eucharistic Adoration? Here are a few quotes:

• “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament consoles a soul far beyond what the world can offer.” -St. Alphonsus Ligouri
• “The spiritual lives of our families are strengthened through our Holy Hour.” -Blessed John Paul II
• “The only time our Lord asked the Apostles for anything was the night He went into agony. Not for activity did He plead but for an Hour of companionship.” – Archbishop Fulton Sheen
• “The love of God and neighbor, the greatest commandment, is expressed in, and the fruit of, Eucharistic worship.” – Blessed John Paul II

Who may participate?

Everyone! To help maintain a prayerful environment adults are encouraged to accompany any children in their care.

When is Eucharistic Adoration available?

You can always come adore Jesus reserved in the tabernacle while the church is open. There are also times available to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament while he is exposed on the altar in a monstrance. Adoration is for a 24 consecutive period of time beginning every Tuesday following 8am Mass and runs continuously through the night ending Wednesday at 10:45am with Benediction and 11am Mass.

How many people are needed during adoration while the Eucharist is exposed?

At least one person, and preferably two or more, are needed for each hour that Jesus is exposed in the monstrance. The people present who have signed up and commit to a holy hour are not only adorers, but also guardians of the Blessed Sacrament. When two or more people are scheduled at an hour, each adorer is expected to attend that hour each week. However, when one of those adorers is not able to attend their hour, they only need to contact another adorer to ensure that someone will be there and the hour will still be covered.

What is required of an assigned adorer?

Each assigned Adorer selects one hour during the week. They promise to keep this same hour covered each week. If they are unable to attend their hour, they are required to find a replacement guardian. Assistance is available when help is needed finding a substitute.

Which hour should I choose?

You should choose an hour that realistically fits into your schedule. The time from 12 AM to 6 AM is the greatest sacrifice for many, but the rewards are even greater. We are always looking for volunteers and substitutes for this particular, very quiet, relaxing and precious time before the Lord.

Also, the time from Friday 11am to 3pm is also very needed because many people are working during this time.  If you know someone who is retired and can help out during these hours, please contact Barb Smith 740-668-2202 or email djsandbms@gmail.com

What do I do at Eucharistic Adoration? Here are some suggestions:

• Pray the Psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours. Whether you are praising, giving thanks, asking for forgiveness or seeking an answer, you’ll find an appropriate psalm. The ancient prayer of the Church called the Liturgy of the Hours presents an excellent way to pray through the Book of Psalms throughout the year.

• Recite the “Jesus Prayer”

• Say “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner”, repeatedly as you quiet your heart and mind.

• Meditate using Scripture.  Choose a passage from the Bible. Read the words and ask God to let the passage speak to you. Pay special attention to anything that strikes you and ask God what He wishes for you to draw from that message.

• Read the life of a saint and pray with him or her. Most holy men and women have had a great devotion to Our Lord in the Eucharist. Therese of Lisieux, Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Peter Julian Eymard, Dorothy Day. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Baroness Catherine de Hueck are just a few. Read about them and pray their prayers before the Blessed Sacrament.

• Pour out your heart to Christ and adore Him

• Speak to Jesus, aware that you are in His presence, and tell Him all that comes to your mind. Listen for His response. Pray the prayer that St. Francis instructed his brothers to pray whenever they were before the Blessed Sacrament: “I adore you, O Christ, present here and in all the churches of the world, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”

• Ask for forgiveness and intercede for others. Think of those who have hurt you and request a special blessing for them. Ask God to forgive you for all the times you have neglected or hurt someone else. Bring before the Blessed Sacrament all those who have asked you to pray for them. Ask the Lord to address their concerns.

• Pray a devotion like the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary. Pope John Paul II reminds us, “…is not the enraptured gaze of Mary as she contemplated the face of the newborn Chris and cradled him in her arms that unparalleled model of love which should inspire us every time we receive Eucharistic communion?” (The Church and the Eucharist, Ask Mary to join you as you gaze on Christ in the Eucharist and as you pray the Rosary.

• Sit quietly and just “be” in the presence of God.  “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46)

Think of a visit to the Blessed Sacrament as coming to see your best friend. Sit quietly and enjoy being in each other’s company. Instead of talking to the Lord, try listening to what He wants to tell you.