If you plan to participate in Eucharistic Adoration and have questions about what you can expect, please take a moment to read this email.
Eucharistic Adoration is a prayer experience that puts you in the presence of Jesus through the exposition of the Body of Christ (consecrated host) in a monstrance, a liturgical vessel that sits on the altar during adoration. Adoration is time spent meant to quiet your mind and heart; it will be experienced by everyone a little differently.
Often, I hear, “How long do I stay?” You can stay as little or as long as you like/are able. Our adoration begins at 3 p.m. Until 6 p.m., the church will be in silence. After 6 p.m., there will be a guided prayer with music. There is a formal conclusion called the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 7 p.m.; this is when the host is returned to the tabernacle (the ornate gold “box” behind the altar).
When you enter, you will find the lights low and the monstrance on the altar. Since Jesus is present in the Eucharist, we enter the space with reverence. People will be scattered throughout the space; some will kneel, others will sit. You might see some people praying the rosary, some sitting in silence, or some reading. Some might even be listening to music; Hallow has a variety of chants, meditations, books, and music. This is your time, so spend it in a way that seems meaningful (and appropriate); you come and go on your own. You may find that you can only stay focused for ten minutes. Great. The next time you come, you may be comfortable with 15 minutes. Regardless, Jesus celebrates your effort because he wants a relationship with you.
If you were to ask me how to best experience the upcoming adoration offering, I would suggest, if you are able, to arrive a little before 6 p.m. This way, you can experience the guided prayer through music. You can leave before it ends or stay until the formal close at 7 p.m.
St. Patrick Catholic Church - Christian Initiation 