What is Eucharistic Adoration?
The Eucharist is placed in a monstrance and set on the altar for people to visit and adore. In Eucharistic Adoration, Jesus comes and sits with us. It is a chance for one-on-one, face-to-face prayer with God. For the Eucharist to be exposed continually, there must be at least one person present. That is why each hour is assigned to a specific person.
Why should you go?
Adoration is quiet prayer with Jesus who is visible, exposed and truly present. It is a statement of your faith in His true presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration is prayer. It is a very personal prayer of thanks, worship, petition. And silence. It is being with Him and listening to Him. It is an act of love for Him.
Are there any general behavioral guidelines?
Do not use electronic devices for entertainment. Limit texting to quick, necessary communication. Please keep electronic devices set to “silent”. If you are using them as prayer or focus aides, please use earbuds for listening. No food or beverages allowed in the Adoration Chapel; water is permitted, if required. Dress appropriately (i.e. modest and respectful).
When I enter and leave the chapel and the Eucharist is exposed, should I bow or genuflect?
There are many ways to be reverent and the proper etiquette for the occasion is to genuflect on one knee as you enter or leave the presence of the Holy Eucharist, just as you would when you come to Church for Mass.
What is a Guardian of the Blessed Sacrament?
A Guardian of the Blessed Sacrament is a volunteer who prays before the Blessed Sacrament for a set amount of time (usually an hour) each week. The goal is to ensure that Jesus is never left alone.
Here are some responsibilities of a Guardian of the Blessed Sacrament:
- Schedule a time: Choose a time to pray each week.
- Arrive and sign in: When it’s time, arrive at the Adoration Chapel, sign in, and stay until the next Guardian arrives.
- Communicate with other Guardians: If you can’t attend your scheduled time, ask for a substitute through the AdorationPro software.
Use the button below to link to our sign-up software and the clink the “Weekly Commitment” button OR visit our website under the Sacraments/Adoration pulldown menu OR email Sundi Keeling below.
FAQ
What are the chapel times?
The Sacred Heart Adoration Chapel at this stage is open Monday – Thursday 9am-4pm. You may choose to drop-in when you are able; just know you are welcome any time during open hours even if you are not scheduled to be a guardian.
Can I bring children?
Yes, children accompanied by an adult are welcome, but it’s a good idea to talk to them about the reverent environment before they come.
What should I do during Adoration?
Your time in Adoration is personal and can take many forms. Some pray the Rosary, read Scripture, sit quietly in silence, or bring a journal for reflection. However you choose to pray, the heart of Adoration is simply focusing on Christ truly present in the Eucharist.
Like Mass, Adoration is not primarily about what we gain from it. While God gives many graces through this time, the purpose is simply to adore the Lord who is present before us.
Remember that you do not have to do anything complicated. The greatest gift God gives us is Himself, and Adoration is an opportunity to receive that gift by spending time with Him. Sometimes the most meaningful prayer is simply being there.
“Whenever I go to the chapel, I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to him, ‘Lord, I am here. Tell me what you would have me do...' And then, I tell God everything that is in my heart. I tell him about my pains and my joys, and then I listen. If you listen, God will also speak to you, for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen. God always speaks to you when you approach him plainly and simply.” – St. Catherine Labouré
