Eucharistic Adoration: Spending Time with the Real Presence of Christ

Just like the first disciples of Christ, Eucharistic Adoration offers a unique opportunity to sit in the presence of the Lord. Here at Parishes on the Prairie, the St. Faustina’s Chapel at St. Paul’s Church offers parishioners to do just that.

“You’re face-to-face with Jesus,” says Linda Frericks, one of the adoration coordinators for St. Faustina’s Chapel. “He’s sitting with you; you’re sitting with Him. Holy Hour adoration is time with the Lord.”

The chapel, which will celebrate 20 years in April, has four pews and four wingback chairs, making it an inviting place to sit. Though not perpetual, the Eucharist is exposed for most of the week, from 1 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Saturday. This schedule allows for cleaning the church and for weekend Masses.

Whenever the Eucharist is exposed, there must be at least one adorer, and the chapel is always in need of volunteers. You can sign up to be a committed adorer and will be assigned to a specific hour weekly, or you can serve as a substitute adorer as often as you’d like.

Our parish adoration coordinators maintain a calendar, located at the sign-in desk in the lobby outside of the chapel, with a list of requests for substitutes. Anyone can come in and sign up to fill an hour slot in need of an adorer, without an ongoing commitment.

“People who sub on a regular basis are just as important as committed adorers,” Linda says.

Adoration is open to everyone. You do not need to be Catholic, and all ages are welcome. However, adorers are asked to please be respectful of the desire for quiet when considering bringing children.

If you’re intimidated by the commitment of adoration, there are many creative ways to be involved. Some families sign up for a slot and rotate attendance among the family members. The Knights of Columbus is signed up for three different times slots throughout the week, and members take turns attending. If you are worried about finding a substitute for when you can’t make it, consider asking a friend or family member. Also, though at least 48-hour notice is appreciated, if you let a coordinator know when you are unable to make your time or find a substitute, they will find a substitute for you.

What’s more, participating in adoration does not require much beyond being present.

“The goal of adoration is to just be there with the Lord,” Linda says. “Just sit there, in a quiet and peaceful place that doesn’t require anything of you other than to be present with the Lord. You can pray, rest in the Lord, listen for Him, read, or study.

“With everything that goes on in this world, it can be so hectic, and we don’t stop to listen to the Lord,” she adds. “And maybe He’s trying to tell you something. Our Lord desires for us to be with Him. Adoration provides the perfect opportunity to do that without interruptions or cell phones. It is an opportunity to reflect, thank Him, tell Him you love Him, ask for help, and to turn your life, desires, and problems over to Him.”

If you would like more information on Eucharistic Adoration at St. Paul’s, or to sign up as a committed adorer, please contact Linda Frericks at lindafrericks2@gmail.com or 320-352-0105.