Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Do you know that we have a hidden gem in our parish? And how I wish it weren’t so hidden from so many. I know I’ve spoken about it and written about it, but now is a good time to remind us all of what a great resource we have within our community. And rather than speak in riddles or parables, let me state it plainly: one of our greatest assets in our parish is the Adoration Chapel.
In last week’s bulletin letter, I focused on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This week, I’d like to highlight one of the ways that belief is put into prayer practice. And that’s the Adoration Chapel. Going all the way back to 1993, and originally started in the space which is now the choir area in the front of our church, it’s a vital part of our parish community. For anyone that may not know, it is currently located in the same building as Marsh Hall to the left of the Barn in the back parking lot.
I firmly believe that if anyone is serious in wanting to deepen and strengthen their relationship with God, the most straightforward path is to engage in Eucharistic Adoration. If you spend time in the Adoration Chapel on a consistent basis, you are either going to grow in holiness, or you’ll stop going to the Adoration Chapel. There’s really not much of an in-between. How can I be so confident in making such a claim?
It has to do with what Adoration is and what it does for those who take part in it. Eucharistic Adoration is spending dedicated time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It can take a variety of forms; some pray the Rosary, others do spiritual reading, still others do Praise & Worship (singing and praying aloud), and oftentimes it’s just quiet prayer with our Eucharistic Lord. Now, to be sure, it’s not always the easiest prayer to do and it often takes some time to get the hang of what works at an individual level. But it is powerful prayer and over time, it is highly effective.
Adoration is so good for the soul and helping people grow closer to God and in holiness. How? Imagine the Eucharist like the Sun and the Adorer like a sunbather. The more time they spend exposed to sunlight, the more they tan. Likewise, being in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, makes us holier by the exposure to His grace and by our experience of prayer that way.
I think everyone should go to visit the Adoration Chapel on a regular basis. Start with ten minutes of prayer once a week. If you can even manage just that much, I think you’ll discover both the power of Adoration and the joy of the hidden gem of our parish. And don’t be surprised when you want more of it in your life.
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
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