Game changer

We've had two retreats here the past two Saturdays.  The first was with second graders who are preparing for First Holy Communion and First Penance and their parents. The second was with parishioners making a day retreat here.  We finished both retreats with 30 minutes of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction which is the high point of many Catholic retreats.  

I gave a brief reflection both times about my initial experience with Adoration in college.  Even though I was raised Catholic and very involved at the parish growing up, I had little or no idea what I was doing when I first started attending Adoration weekly.  It took me a few weeks to realize the Host is the center of it all! I eventually learned what it all was and even how to pray in Adoration for it led me to the seminary to pursue my Calling.

That scene in the Adoration chapel was so amazing and captivating.   It’s the same scene that we are working hard to have here soon.  I told the retreat groups that Adoration in the church with them is great, it’s really powerful.  But it’s so much greater in a chapel.  It’s quieter.  There’s a stronger sense of His Real Presence. When it’s just you and Him, it’s especially intimate.  It truly develops the relationship and conversation with Christ.  Hopefully, we will have the gift of a Perpetual Adoration chapel which means 24/7. It would be a game changer for our parish for any of us to be able to visit Jesus anytime.