Eucharistic Adoration

Experience the Real Presence of Jesus! Anyone is welcome to come spend some time in prayer with Our Lord!

Holy Spirit Catholic Church currently offers weekly Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel immediately following the Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 am Mass. All are welcomed and encouraged to participate in these most Holy Hours and no sign up is needed.

However, in order to ensure that our Lord is never left alone, we have created an online schedule for parishioners to sign up and commit to one hour every Monday, Wednesday or Friday between the hours of 9:00am and 6:00pm. (The First Friday extended hours have been and will continue to be covered by members of the Knights of Columbus and the Thanh Linh community but are open for all to attend.)

Please prayerfully consider committing to one hour each week. If you are unable to commit at this time, we encourage you to sign up as a substitute. What a blessed opportunity we have to bring extra Graces down upon ourselves, our families and our parish. Bring your thanks, your petitions, your concerns, your joys, your tears, your heart and yourselves to Jesus.

What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Eucharistic Adoration outside mass is when a parish reserves a chapel or room for selected hours or perpetually with the exposition of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharistic host is usually displayed in a monstrance that all adorers can see. It gives those adoring a chance to pray in the true presence of our Lord.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, “Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the “King of Glory,”respectful silence in the presence of the “ever greater” God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.” (CCC 2628)

Why is Eucharistic Adoration Important?

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsamane, he asked his disciples to watch and pray for one hour. He tells them that it is important to "watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:46)

Each of us need that time to be encouraged and strengthened by our Lord.

Through Adoration with exposition we proclaim to our parish and to the community that Jesus is here, truly present among us today. Saint Pope John Paul II said, "Your faith will help you to realize that it is Jesus Himself who is present in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting for you and calling you to spend one special specific hour with Him each week."

Why is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Beneficial?

The difference between spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance, rather than in the tabernacle behind the door, is the same as the difference between conversing with a friend face to face and say emailing them. Most adorers say that seeing Jesus under the appearance of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance is much more conducive to intimacy than Him being hidden in a tabernacle. It helps adorers to be faithful with their scheduled hours as well because they know that Jesus cannot be left alone in the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance. The scheduled adorers are guardians of the Blessed Sacrament, so their presence is necessary. Yet, the most compelling reason for exposition is because the Holy Spirit asks for it. During his Eucharistic discourse, Jesus made this unmistakably clear:

"Indeed, this is the will of My Heavenly Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in Him, shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day."

What are the Benefits of Adoration?

When we spend time in the presence of Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament we grow in holiness. We are encouraged that we are not alone in our lifes struggles and challenges. Within the parish community, we see increased Mass attendance, conversions, the return of Catholics who have been absent for a while, vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life are among the many fruits of Eucharistic Adoration. John Paul II once said, "In adoration, we look at the consecrated Host, the sign of creation speaks to us. And so, we encounter the greatness of his gift; but we also encounter the Passion, the Cross of Jesus and his Resurrection. Through this gaze of adoration, he draws us toward Himself, within His mystery, through which He wants to transform us as He transformed the Host."

How can my Holy Hour Change the World?

The Holy Eucharist is a mystery and the source and summit of our faith. Jesus said that our faith can move mountains.

Every man, woman, and child on the face of the earth receives some new, wonderful effect of God's goodness, of God's mercy, of God's grace and of God's love, when they put their faith into action and come to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Is Adoration Only for Clergy or a Mission of the Laity as well?

Vatican II emphasized the importance of lay involvement in the mission of the Church. Adoration is coordinated by the laity, in cooperation with the clergy.