Why is Adoration Important? Quite simply, Jesus longs for our company:
“Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Mark 14:37).
Holy Hour
Encounter Christ in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
A Holy Hour is spending an hour devoted to prayer in the presence of the Holy Eucharist where Jesus Christ is truly present in His body, blood, soul and divinity.
3 Reasons from the Teachings of the Church for Spending 1 Hour with Jesus in The Blessed Sacrament
- You are greatly needed! "The Church and the world have a great need of eucharistic adoration" (Saint Pope John Paul II, On the Holy Eucharist (3)).
- It is a personal invitation to you from Jesus! "Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration" (Saint Pope John Paul II, On the Holy Eucharist (3)).
- Grow spiritually in each moment spent with Jesus! "Our essential commitment in life is...to grow spiritually in the climate of the Holy Eucharist" (Saint Pope John Paul II, Redeemer of Man (20)).
3 Biblical Reasons for Spending 1 Hour with Jesus in The Blessed Sacrament
- Jesus is present; He is really there! "I myself am the living bread come down from heaven." (Jn 6:35)
- Jesus specifically asks you to love him in return by spending one quiet hour with Him in the Blessed Sacrament: "Where your treasure is, there is your heart." "Could you not watch one hour with me?" (Mt 6:21; 26:40)
- Peace. Time spent with Jesus will deepen His peace in your heart: "Come to me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you." "Cast all of your anxieties upon the one who cares for you." "My peace is my gift to you." (Mt 11:28; Pt 5:7; Jn 14:17)
What to expect. Each evening’s format for Holy Hour will vary a bit, some incorporating more music, or more Scripture readings, more silence or more reflection. Each Holy Hour will begin with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and conclude with Benediction. Throughout the Holy Hour there will be opportunity for individual confession with our priests.
What is Benediction? A benediction (Latin: bene, well + dicere, to speak) is a short invocation for divine help, blessing and guidance, usually at the end of worship service. It can also refer to a specific Christian religious service including the Exposition of the Eucharistic host in the monstrance and the blessing of the people with it. When the blessing occurs, by a priest or deacon, the people bless themselves with the Sign of the Cross. Incense is used during the Benediction.
At a recent Holy Hour, Erin Lawrence, Music Director at St. Mary of Gostyn, led a Spirit-filled evening with harp music. In the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, music draws the soul into deep praise and adoration.
