Welcome to our Adoration page where you will learn about Eucharistic Adoration and our ministry!
You may say to yourself, what exactly is Adoration and why should I do it? Below, you will read important definitions and learn about things you can do during Adoration. But Adoration is so much more. Adoration is about your relationship with Jesus.
Think about it like this… When you meet to catch up with a long-time friend or go to visit your grandparents, do you do all the talking or, is some of your time spent listening? To be in a true relationship some of your time should be speaking but more time should be listening.
Adoration is just like that. You go and, in the beginning, you may start with saying prayers or the rosary. But at some point during your visit, you should shift to just listening. That’s right, you do nothing, and you just listen for Jesus to speak to you. The silence may feel uncomfortable.
Stick with it. Don’t be discouraged. Some people will hear Jesus the first time they do Adoration. For others, it may take much longer to hear Jesus. Have faith and trust that Jesus will talk to you when it is time. This is the beauty and mystery of Adoration.
What is Eucharistic Adoration?
Eucharistic Adoration is a Catholic devotion dating back to the early days of the church. It involves exposing a consecrated host (Blessed Sacrament) and people sitting quietly in prayer with Jesus. The host is displayed in the monstrance. This is also referred to as the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
What is Adoration?
Adoration is similar to Eucharistic Adoration. During Adoration, the consecrated host can be displayed in the monstrance OR can be within the closed tabernacle.
What is a Consecrated Host?
A consecrated host is the bread which has been transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. It must be handled with reverence as it is Jesus. It is also known as the Blessed Sacrament.
What is a Monstrance?
A monstrance is a vessel with a transparent window that is used to display the consecrated host. At St. Anthony of Padua, our monstrance is tall, gold/silver and may remind you of a sunburst. It is displayed on the church altar during Eucharistic Adoration.
What is a Tabernacle?
A tabernacle is a locked, secure container where the consecrated hosts are kept. At St. Anthony of Padua, our church and parish center tabernacles are large gold vessels located behind the altars.
What do I do during Adoration?
Adoration is a time of peace. No chatting. This is a time for quiet - a time to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
- sit quietly and listen for Jesus to talk to you or just enjoy being in His presence
- pray the rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet
- pray for vocations or say other spontaneous prayers
- read and reflect on readings from the bible or other catholic writings
- write messages to Jesus in a spiritual journal
When and where is Adoration?
At St. Anthony of Padua, we hold Eucharistic Adoration most Wednesdays from 9 am to 6 pm in the church. On the rare occasion that we do not hold Adoration, we make every effort to let you know in advance that we will not have Adoration. We communicate this in the church bulletin or during mass announcements.
How do I join the Adoration Ministry?
Anyone can come at any time during Adoration, but we have a team of volunteers who make up our official Adoration Ministry. Our ministry mission is to ensure Jesus is never left alone. This team of guardians have made a one-hour time commitment to sit with Jesus most Wednesdays. They commit to 9-10, 10-11, and so on. To join the Adoration Ministry complete the volunteer form.
Can I earn confirmation service hours?
A confirmation student can join the Adoration Ministry to earn service hours. Contact Sandra Roseth in the parish office to learn more.
