The Most Holy Eucharist is the real and substantial presence of Jesus Christ under the forms of bread and wine. At the Mass, this “real presence” is brought about by the words of the priest and the action of the Holy Spirit because Christ Himself commanded the Church to “do this in memory of me” (Lk 22:19). Every time the Church celebrates Mass, she finds herself participating again in the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
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By adoring the Eucharist we are reminded in a very tangible way of God’s love for humanity and the promise to mankind … “Behold. I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20)
The fact that we can commune (or interact) with Jesus in the flesh is one of the greatest gifts that are Lord has given us. When we commune with the body and blood of our Lord, we are opening up our lives to Him so that He can strengthen us in body, mind and soul.
Perpetual Adoration is having available 24/7 the Eucharist exposed in the Monstrance and adorers present at all times. The more often Jesus is adored by the Church, the more graces the Church will receive.
In the words of Pope John Paul II: “The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic Adoration … Every member of the Church must be vigilant in seeing that the Sacrament of Love shall be at the center of the life of the people of God so that through all manifestations of worship due Him shall be given back …truly become the life of our souls… Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Jesus and..Our essential commitment in life is to preserve and advance constantly in Eucharist"
There are no hard and fast rules to follow, and Jesus will be there to help. However, here are some tips to ease your anxiety about your visit with our Lord.
• Reverence is the rule! Just ask yourself … how would I behave, dress, etc., if I were going to meet our Lord, because YOU ARE! • When you enter the Chapel be quiet and make as little noise as possible.
• As soon as you are able, genuflect on one or both knees and simply let the Lord know you are there to visit Him.
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Scheduled adorers commit to one or more hours during the week. When situations arise that make it impossible for a scheduled adorer to fulfill their commitment, the scheduled adorer arranges for a substitute to sit-in. A list of substitute adorers is available. There is a list of substitute adorers and contact information in the chapel. To have the Blessed Eucharist exposed (not in a tabernacle), a Catholic must physically be present to adore our Lord.
Some adorers are unable to commit to a weekly schedule, but want to participate in Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. These adorers can register as a possible substitute on an as-needed basis. This list of substitute adorers will be maintained for use by the scheduled adorers.
The Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Come visit with Christ at any time, regardless of hour. People of all faiths are invited to visit the chapel for quiet time of prayer and reflection.
The important thing is to realize that you need time … apart from the liturgical prayer of the Mass … where you experience God’s personal care for you alone. You can have time alone with Jesus to recite favorite prayers, read the Bible, contemplate acts of faith, hope, charity, thanksgiving, reparation, pray a rosary or do whatever type of prayerful devotion that suits you before Our Lord. Or, you can just sit and say nothing simply keeping Him company, just as you would with a dear friend.
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As a scheduled adorer, you are committing to regularly fulfill your scheduled hour or assure that a substitute has been obtained for your hour. If you cannot fulfill your scheduled hour, find a substitute. Possibly one with the same scheduled hour on a different day or the scheduled adorers preceding or following your scheduled hour or, contact a substitute adorer listed on the Substitute Adorer List. If neither works, contact the Coordinator for the six hour period.