Why Adoration?

The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Catholic life” (CCC1324). As Catholics, we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in the consecrated bread and wine. Eucharistic Adoration occurs anytime we pray before our Lord, present in the Blessed Sacrament, whether that be prayer before the tabernacle, which holds consecrated Hosts; prayer before we consume the Eucharist as we reverently hold the Blessed Sacrament in our hands at holy communion; or prayer before the monstrance that is set upon the altar specifically for Adoration. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament allows for more focused adoration of our Lord and time for prayer.
 
More simply, Adoration is a time to just be with the Lord, to take a break from the busyness of the day, the week, and life, to rest in the Lord’s presence and peace, to offer to Him all the troubles, joys, and prayers of our hearts.
 

Some ways to spend your time with the Lord during Adoration:

Pray:

• The Rosary (https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary )
• The Divine Mercy Chaplet (https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet)

Prayerfully read Scripture; some possible Bible passages to consider are:

• The “Bread of Life” Discourse: John 6: 22-71
• The Last Supper: Matthew 26: 26-29, Mark 14: 22-25, Luke 22:14-23
• Jesus Calms the Storm: Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4: 35-41
• The Psalms

Centering prayer (a word or phrase that is repeated prayerfully):

• Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God”
• Mark 4:39: “Peace. Be still.”
• The Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
• Listen to the Lord speak to you in the stillness and the quiet of this special time with Him.

FAQs about Adoration:

I’ve never done this before. Why should I attend?
Consider attending Adoration to take a break from the routine, to find some peace, some calm, some quiet time for prayer. If you’ve never been before, give it a try. It might be challenging to sit in the quiet in church, but you may find that it is just what you need. 

How long should I stay?
Any amount of time with our Lord in the Eucharist is time well spent, whether it’s ten minutes or all day. However, for Adoration, consider giving yourself at least twenty minutes to half an hour. Often, it takes a few minutes just to quiet our hearts and minds to focus enough on our prayer and our Lord. Some people like to offer a Holy Hour of devotion before the Blessed Sacrament.

What do I do while I am there?
Genuflect or bow reverently before our Lord when you enter the church. Sit or kneel in a pew as you are comfortable. Pray, read, or just sit quietly in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Listen to what our Lord may be saying to you during this time. Genuflect or bow before the altar when you leave.

What if I get distracted or have a hard time focusing?
It is natural for distractions to come. Try not to give too much time or attention to them—let them come, but let go of them quickly. Time in Adoration often takes practice, so consider coming regularly if you can. The benefits of this special time in our Lord’s presence can be so powerful and profound.

What if I can’t make it to First Friday Adoration?
There will be other opportunities throughout the year to spend time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Joseph.