ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

What is Perpetual Adoration?
It is our parishioners visiting their Lord and master for one hour at a time.  Only our desire is necessary to have a personal audience with Jesus.  The greatest act of Christian worship is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  Jesus does not leave His Church when Mass is completed.  He continues to remain in the Tabernacle.  Our Church is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays for personal prayer by anyone.

What is the purpose of Perpetual Adoration?
                     * to recognize continually and publicly the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist
                     * to offer reparation for the many sins commmitted against God and the sacredness of all life
 * To form a habit of daily prayer and silence


What are the benefits and results of Perpetual Adoration?
* An increased reception and reverence of the Holy Eucharist
* An increase of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life
*Alone time with your Lord and God
*Strengthening of faith and love witin your family

What is required of the individual adorer?
Each individual adorer selects one hour during the week.  They promise to keep this same hour each week, 52 weeks a year.

Who may participate?
Any adult who wishes.  Children are encouraged to accompany their parents so they will be eucharistically devoted as adults.  St. Patrick parish has many young families that participate in Eucharistic Adoration.

"I am not sure that I can keep the same hour each week."
In our human lives we set up a regular pattern of actions.  We have certain hours of meals, housework, shopping, TV, etc.  It is not really difficult to set aside the "Lord's Hour."  We all make time for someone we love and this someone is Jesus.

Is an attendance record kept?
A registry book is kept at the entrance of the church.  When the person arrives, they sign the hour they are spending with the Lord and the time they leave.

What if I get sick, or there is a blizzard?
If a list of the possible obstacles was made before any good work was begun, it would never be started.  If you are unable to attend your hour, it is your responsibility to find a substitute. Only after exhausting these sources should you contact your hourly coordinator--division leader.  Please give them as much notice as possible.  This is your hour and your responsibility.  In case of heavy snow, the Blessed Sacrament will be reposed.

Does the priest supervise the assignment of hours?
No.  An "hourly coordinator" is appointed for each hour of the day.  It is this person's responsibility to obtain new adorers for that specific hour, and get substitutes in case of an emergency.  The hourly coordinator also checks the registry book to determine if all adorers have signed in for their hour.

What do I do if my relief doesn't arrive?
                       1.  Check adoration schedule and call the person who follows
                           you (the phone in the sacristy does not have long-distance capability)
2.  Try to find your own replacement.
3.  Call Division Leader Marty Maher or Peggy Martin
4. Call  Head Coordinator Anne McDonald 

Must certain prayers be said during the weekly hour?
No.  You have the liberty to do what you wish.  Highly recommended is the practice of silence, peaceful prayer, and the use of Sacred Scripture.

Who promotes Perpetual Adoration?
"Anyone who has found a pearl of great price should share his treasure with a neighbor."

What is an adoration testimony?
There will be a book to write down the favors granted.  Names and/or hours of adorers are not necessary.  Just the petitions granted great and small.  You will be surprised at the beautiful blessings that come from one hour with our Lord.

How can I become an adorer?
Call one of the following.

Peggy Martin
386-2188
Evening - 6am hours

Marty Maher
386-2124 or 712-370-4503
6am-Noon hours

Anne McDonald
386-2177
Head Coordinator
all hours