Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
As Catholics, we have many ways to deepen our relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We can hear the words of the priest at our local parish and meditate on various Scripture passages. We can listen to the stories of modern and historical saints whose lives serve as an example of how we can live a life of deeper faith and dependence on God.
Another way we can grow in our walk with Jesus, is through Eucharistic Adoration. But what is Eucharistic Adoration and how do you participate in it?
What Is Eucharistic Adoration?
The Adoration of the Holy Eucharist, or Eucharistic Adoration, is an opportunity for the faithful to pray to Jesus Christ before the Eucharist at our local parish. The term “the faithful” refers to Catholics who wish to express and deepen their love of Christ. But what makes praying during Eucharistic Adoration any different than the prayers we say throughout our daily life?
True, we can pray to God anywhere. God is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere at all times. As the Word of God says in Proverbs 15:3,
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
God is always near, and thus, you can always enter into His presence in prayer.
God is also omniscient, which means He knows everything, including your thoughts. King David says in Psalm 139:1-4,
“Lord, You have probed me, you know me: You know when I sit and stand; You understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways You are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, You know it all.”
God’s omnipresence and omniscience are both wonderful truths that Catholics can take comfort in every day, whether at home, work or worshipping at your local parish. But Eucharistic Adoration differs from your daily prayers in one key aspect. Catholics believe the body, blood, soul and divinity are substantially present in the Eucharist. In other words, when you participate in Eucharistic Adoration, you pray and worship Jesus in a more intimate, present and real way.
Why Is the Eucharist Celebrated?
The Eucharist represents the body of Jesus, the son of God who died so that humankind could have eternal hope. Catholics believe that, in communion, we receive the actual body of Jesus. In that moment, you share in Christ’s suffering on the cross. It’s a sobering, beautiful concept to meditate on, one that can leave you with feelings of overwhelming love and adoration for Jesus and His work on the cross.
The symbol of the cross is front and center during Eucharistic Adoration. When you enter a time of adoring the Eucharist, you can have faith that you’re entering into the true, substantial presence of Jesus. As you contemplate drawing near the blood, body, divinity and soul of Jesus Christ, you can experience a rejuvenation of spiritual nourishment and strength in a more unique, powerful way than you might experience in your daily prayers.
When can you attend Eucharistic Adoration?
With Eucharistic Adoration offering the potential for such an impactful moment between you and Christ, you may wonder when you can participate in it for yourself. Adoration is available three times during the week in the Bourne and Deepings Parish. The normal times:
Our Lady of Lincoln and St Guthlac RC Church Deeping St James
Each Wednesday from 9.30 am* to 10.15 am, followed by Holy Mass. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is also available during Adoration.
Sacred Heart and St Gilbert’s RC Church Bourne
Each Thursday morning, following Mass at approximately 10.45 am* until 11.45 am. The Sacrament of Reconciliation ( Confession) is also available during Adoration.
Each Friday afternoon during the Flame of Love Rosary and Divine Mercy prayer group, from 2.15pm* until 3.30pm, when veneration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place various prayers are said including the Flame of Love Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00pm.
*Please always check the most recent week’s newsletter to confirm these times as they can be subject to change.
N.B. Please note it is VERY important to show proper reverence for the Blessed Sacrament when it is out on display during Adoration. Please ensure, if you are physically able, to kneel down on both knees and bowing your head before sitting down. If you are not physically able (God knows and understands if you are not able to), then please ensure you bow your head, again only if you are physically able, to show some reverence. Thank you and God bless you.
