Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

The Eucharist is the Heart of the Church

"These are words which concern the very essence of the Eucharist.Behold, Christ came into the world to bestow upon man divine life.

He not only proclaimed the Good News but He also instituted the Eucharist which is to make present until the end of time His redeeming mystery. And as the means of expressing this He chose the elements of nature - the bread and wine, the food and drink that man must consume to maintain his life.

The Eucharist is precisely this food and drink. This food contains in itself all the power of the Redemption wrought by Christ. In order to live man needs food and drink. In order to gain eternal life man needs the Eucharist. This is the food and drink that transforms man's life and opens before him the way to eternal life.

By consuming the Body and Blood of Christ, man bears within himself, already on this earth, the seed of eternal life, for the Eucharist is the sacrament of life in God. Christ says: 'As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me.'"

(Excerpt from Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II's homily. Jn 6:57).

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)

St. Peter Julian Eymard: "Devotion that has not a tent on Calvary and one near the tabernacle, will not result in solid piety and will never accomplish anything great. I find that we do not preach enough on this Mystery of Love par excellence. As a result, souls suffer, become sensual and material in their piety, and are inordinately attached to creatures because they fail to find their consolation and strength in the Lord"

Jesus to St. Maria Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament: "Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy." "Adore, in the Blessed Sacrament, My Heart, which is full of mercy." "I want Adoration to take place... for the intention of imploring Mercy for the world."

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: "Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God, whom I believe to be really present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, receive this most profound act of adoration to supply for the desire I have to adore You unceasingly, and in thanksgiving for the sentiments of love which Your Sacred Heart has for me in this Sacrament"

 

Prayers before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament

The Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds, hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me. And bid me come to Thee. That with Thy saints I may praise Thee. Forever and ever. Amen (St. Ignatius Loyola)

Pray to the Living Host
O living Host, my one and only strength, fountain of love and mercy, embrace the whole world, fortify faint souls. Oh, blessed be the instant and the moment where Jesus left us His most merciful Heart! (St. Faustina)

Prayer to Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament
O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be made worthy to receive Holy Communion every day.

Fatima Prayer to the Blessed Sacrament
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I offer You the most precious Body, Blood , Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the sacrileges, outrages and indifference by which He Himself is offended. And through the infinite merits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of you the conversion of poor sinners." Amen
 

Adoration at St. Helen

Where is the Chapel?
In Pawlicki Center, which is the last building on your right as you exit the church grounds heading towards Texas 29.

When can I go to Adoration?
Anytime of the day or night, 7 days a week, including holidays!

What do I do when I am at Adoration?
You can pray your favorite prayers silently, read Scripture or other religious materials, speak to Our Lord or listen to Our Lord speak to you in the silence of your heart.

What happens if I cannot make my Holy Hour because of travel, work, illness, etc?
First try to contact a dependable substitute, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor. (This is a way to evangelize). Next, contact your Prayer Partners (persons who share the same Holy Hour) to ensure someone will be present. If you have no Prayer Partner, contact your Hourly Captain or Division Leader. (List of TEAM members is enclosed, in the Chapel and on the St. Helen's website). In any case there should be a verbal confirmation of the substitution.

What if my Holy Hour ends and the next person does not show up?
Lock the Tabernacle door (instructions are in the Chapel). Do not lock the Chapel door!
Contact the TEAM member on call posted in the Chapel and leave a message that the Tabernacle door is locked. Use the phone in the kitchen behind the Chapel.

Can anyone come to Adoration (i.e. children, non-Catholics)?
Yes, Our Lord welcomes everyone!

Can I sign up for any hour I want?
Yes! There is no limit to the number of people who can sign up for any particular hour. The goal is to cover all 168 hours of the week by at least two adorers.
 

Guidelines

 

1. Be on time or a few minutes early for your Hour.
2. Do not leave the Blessed Sacrament unattended.
3. Be reverent, dress appropriately, observe a quiet and prayerful atmosphere.
4. Introduce yourself to Adorers who adore the hour before, during and after you do.
5. If you arrive at the Chapel and the Tabernacle door is closed, contact the TEAM member on call posted in the Chapel and leave a message that the Tabernacle door is locked. Use the phone in the kitchen behind the Chapel. Remember, Our Lord is still present.
6. Please sign in and out at the Register by the front door.
7. Pick up a Reminder form (by the Register) to keep handy to remind you of your Holy Hour.
8. Enter your prayer requests and pray for all requests in the Prayer Petition book on the stand.