Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical on the Eucharist, sets forth as its underlying theme “the Church draws her life from the Eucharist”. Christ promised to “remain with us always, until the end of time” (Mt 28:20), and that promise has been kept “with unique intensity” in the Eucharist. “Consequently”, the pope continues, “the gaze of the Church is constantly turned to her Lord, present in the sacrament of the altar.” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, encyclical letter, April 17, 2003). The encyclical goes on to remark that “in many places adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is an important daily practice and becomes an inexhaustible source of holiness.” How to Make a Holy Hour Before the Blessed Sacrament
The Preparation (kneeling)
1. Enter now into the Eucharistic Presence. Focus your attention upon the One who is there with you. Take as much time as you need. 2. Use prayer to let the peace of Christ enter your soul. Some say the Rosary since the moving of your fingers over the beads and repeating the prayers over and over have a calming effect. 3. If there continues to be something preoccupying you, instead of trying to ignore it as a distraction, bring this also to prayer. Ask for the help you need. This prayer for help may be for someone other than yourself.
The Adoration (sitting or kneeling)
1. Read a passage from the scriptures as part of your meditation. 2. Let your mind roam over the spiritual expanses of the mystery of Jesus’ dying and rising. Keep your eyes on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament before you. Ponder how the paschal mystery has entered your life. 3. Simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Enjoy his company, wordlessly. Let his peace and joy fill your heart. 4. Express the gratitude you feel for this privileged time. Ask God for the grace you need to implement your holy resolutions so as to better carry the cross of Jesus more faithfully in your day-to-day life.
The Conclusion (kneeling)
Now is the time to say some of your favorite prayers. This should include above all the Lord’s Prayer. According to ancient Christian tradition, the Lord’s Prayer is recited three times a day: morning, noon and night. Notice that the Lord’s Prayer is composed of seven petitions, the first three centering upon God alone and the last four upon our relationship to him. This is the model of all prayer. Attention: If you are interested in regularly devoting one hour of your time to Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, please contact Doreen at 865.6724. If you cannot commit to a specific hour during the week, please feel free to visit the Blessed Sacrament on Thursdays in the Eucharistic Chapel at St. John the Baptist Church in Walton, NY. Also, anyone is welcome to attend our weekly Holy Hour every Thursday at 7:00 PM in the Chapel.
St. John the Baptist–Eucharistic Chapel
We have Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel beginning every Thursday at 7:00 AM continuously through 7:00 PM. Holy Hour begins at 7:00 PM on Thursday evenings. Holy Hour includes public recitation of the Rosary followed by quiet time for prayer and ends with Reposition of the Holy Eucharist.
St. Peter’s Church
We have Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.