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EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

“The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.”
+ Catechism of the Catholic Church #1324 +

What is Eucharistic Adoration?

Adoration is a way to be present with the Lord and focus on actively listening to His word through prayer. During Eucharistic Adoration, the faithful pray to Jesus Christ, who is present in the Eucharist through the miracle of transubstantiation that occurs at every Mass.

The Eucharist, also referred to as the Blessed Sacrament, is typically kept in a tabernacle at our parish church. For Eucharistic Adoration, the Eucharist is displayed in a monstrance — a metal stand that resembles a sunburst that holds a consecrated host.  

While it is true that you can pray to God anywhere and that He is always within you, it is especially powerful to adore Jesus in the Eucharist. In the presence of the Eucharist, we pray to the one who gave His life so that we may live. It is His body, blood, soul and divinity that is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist!

We adore and receive the Eucharist in communion at Mass, which is the most beautiful act of worship that we have as Catholics. We have Jesus truly present in all of the tabernacles around the world. We can continue to adore Him in the Eucharist after Mass in a quiet time of prayer and contemplation on Who we have just received. Being in the presence of the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ gives spiritual strength and nourishment in a uniquely powerful way!
What's the Point of Eucharistic Adoration?

SpiritualDirection.com hosts Fr. John Bartunek and Dan Burke as they talk about adoration, what it is, and why it is important.

Does the Bible Say How We Should Worship God?

On this video from Catholic Answers, Apologist Karlo Broussard gives evidence from the Last Supper, the Acts of the Apostles, and the epistles of St. Paul for why offering the holy sacrifice of the Mass is the primary way God wants us to worship Him.

What is Prayer?
The Catechism clearly defines prayer as a "vital and personal relationship with the living and true God" (CCC #2558). Prayer is Christian "insofar as it is communion with Christ" (CCC #2565), and a "covenant relationship between God and man in Christ" (CCC #2564).

Prayer provides the opportunity to communicate with God. When we pray, we are entering into a conversation with God. We are building up and engaging in a relationship with God. We are living out our deep desire to grow closer to God and to receive what God longs to give all of us: God’s unconditional love, which is always available, always freely offered, and always life-giving. But let’s not forget the other side of this relationship. If prayer is supposed to be a conversation, we need to remember that it should include both speaking and listening. Listening means allowing God space to speak to us: through the quiet of prayer, in our own deep desires, through the Scripture, or through the words of someone meaningful in our lives. As in any relationship, you are invited not only to speak, but also to listen with an open mind and heart. 
Do Catholics Worship Saints?

Father Mike Schmitz wants to address some confusion regarding Catholics’ veneration of saints. In this video from Ascension Press, he explains how statues, paintings, and icons of the saints are reminders of what God can do in someone’s life. Therefore, honouring the saints doesn’t take away from the glory we give God. It actually brings him greater glory. 

Is Mary Essential to Christian Worship?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church claims that devotion to Mary is essential to Christian worship. Tim Staples of Catholic Answers gives the two main reasons (with biblical evidence) why the Church makes this claim.

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

O God,
You have chosen the apostles to make disciples of all nations and by baptism and confirmation, have called all of us to build up Your Holy Church. Lord, help us listen and be open to Your call. May we be a Church of many Priests, Deacons, Religious, and Lay Faithful who love You with our whole hearts and gladly spend our entire lives to make You known and loved by all.
Amen.
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Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for the month of May (2024)

For the formation of religious and seminarians
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.

PRAYER FOR ST. JAMES SCHOOL

Heavenly Father,
down through the ages, You have called your servants to build up Your house for Your glory. Be with us now as we build a firm foundation for the future of Saint James School. Protect those who work for this end. Reward the many friends of this school community who have generously helped us in the past. Help us to build a strong community here where the children’s faith will be safeguarded and their academic education will be happily completed. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

St. James, and all the saints: Pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

OTHER PRAYERS

ANIMA CHRISTI

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, heal me.
Blood of Christ, drench me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Good Jesus, hear me.
In your wounds shelter me.
From turning away keep me.
From the evil one protect me.
At the hour of death call me.
Into your presence lead me,
to praise you with all your saints
forever and ever.
Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our protection
against the wickedness
and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray;
and do thou,
O Prince of the Heavenly host,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan 
and all evil spirits
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. 
Amen.
"Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)
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