Question about Adoration

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tommy999
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Tommy999

Guest
Hello all,
Could someone describe for me what ‘Adoration’ is and how it differs from a normal Catholic Mass?

For example, I heard someone on Catholic radio say how their faith has grown stronger after they started going to ‘Adoration’ and I was just curious what this is.

My only concept of what it might be is a scene from the movie, ‘Rudy’ when Rudy is by himself in a chapel – praying and pondering – when a priest comes over and talks to him, but this might not be a good example at all.

Thanks in advance for clarifying this concept for me.
 
Not a bad example. Adoration is, in simplest terms, spending time with the Eucharistic Christ. This may be structured or unstructured in terms of schedules. He may be in the tabernacle or exposed in a monstrance. If exposed, someone must be present at all times.

During your time, you… pray, worship, read, listen, etc. There’s no wrong answer as long as you’re spending the time (reverently) with Jesus.
 
Thanks for the description and explanation, Cor ad Cor and for the pictures, Tim.
Very helpful.

Follow up question:
Do most parishes have Adoration? Just curious as to how commonplace it is. Also, Do you have to be Catholic to attend one?

I realize as a Protestant that I couldn’t partake in the Eucharist, but I was wondering if Adoration is open to respectful inquiring non-Catholics, too. If it is, I was thinking about trying it out sometime.
 
Adoration is open to anyone. Most of the time, it’s silent and very individualized prayer. There is typically no distribution of communion.

If you’re there for the beginning or end (benediction) of a period of exposition, there are some prayers, singing, and a blessing that you may participate in (often these are in the hymnal or another booklet).

These are scheduled at parishes based on the availability of the clergy and volunteers to stay with the exposed Blessed Sacrament. “Unofficial” adoration is available anytime when the church is open and not in other use; just go in and spend some quiet time before the tabernacle.

www.masstimes.org will sometimes list adoration times, or they will be included with the parish bulletin/website.
 
Tommy999 said:
Thanks for the description and explanation, Cor ad Cor and for the pictures, Tim.
Very helpful.

Follow up question:
Do most parishes have Adoration? Just curious as to how commonplace it is. Also, Do you have to be Catholic to attend one?

I realize as a Protestant that I couldn’t partake in the Eucharist, but I was wondering if Adoration is open to respectful inquiring non-Catholics, too. If it is, I was thinking about trying it out sometime.
Click to expand...
You would be most welcome to go to adoration anytime! Not every Catholic parish has adoration so you should check first and since it is usually 24/7 the doors may be locked at night for security purposes to those who don’t have a key or the combination. Stay as long as you like and bring your bible.
 
Tommy999 said:
Hello all,
Could someone describe for me what ‘Adoration’ is and how it differs from a normal Catholic Mass?

For example, I heard someone on Catholic radio say how their faith has grown stronger after they started going to ‘Adoration’ and I was just curious what this is.

My only concept of what it might be is a scene from the movie, ‘Rudy’ when Rudy is by himself in a chapel – praying and pondering – when a priest comes over and talks to him, but this might not be a good example at all.

Thanks in advance for clarifying this concept for me.
Click to expand...
therealpresence.org/states/oklahoma.htm

I would add that if you are in a 24/7 chapel, that silence is required. Always a fantastic hour with our Lord. When I exit, life is just better, that is the only way I can explain It.

I love this quote I once hard when someone asked an old man what he did for the hour in the chapel. He said:

I look at Him, He looks at me.
 
Adoration is amazing and very moving. I hope you will go. Just you and Jesus (even if others come and go).
 
Tommy999 said:
Thanks for the description and explanation, Cor ad Cor and for the pictures, Tim.
Very helpful.

Follow up question:
Do most parishes have Adoration? Just curious as to how commonplace it is. Also, Do you have to be Catholic to attend one?

I realize as a Protestant that I couldn’t partake in the Eucharist, but I was wondering if Adoration is open to respectful inquiring non-Catholics, too. If it is, I was thinking about trying it out sometime.
Click to expand...
Yes, many parishes have Adoration. Go to their websites to check on the times. And YES, anyone can go. I was protestant when I started going. You come to adore our Lord, spend time praying, reading sacred scripture (Bible) and devotional books, just sitting and listening to our Lord is often what many do.( I do this often) I was overwhelmed by this experience of tremendous peace and love from the Lord while there! Simply be respectful…after all you are coming into the presence of our Lord. My prayer for you as you look for one to go to. It is so very, very,very special.
My love in Christ,
mlz
 
It is like visiting a spa. Quiet, relaxing, all your troubles float away.

A while ago I lived in a place where the church had an adoration room. This was strange since it was just a normal size room with some portable chairs and some kneelers here and there. Sometimes when I went in, there was no one there and I was the only adorer. I wonder why they did it that way.
 
I am a convert to the Catholic church going on 8 years now and I can’t say enough about how wonderful Adoration is. It has helped me so much. We have Perpetual Adoration at my church and I have a scheduled hour which I feel goes too quickly. If I am in the area I will stop in also. It is like visiting a friend. You can sit in silence, you can pray, you can journal, you can read the Bible or spiritual books. It is very peaceful. You might have to let someone admit you because most Adoration chapels are locked and you need a code to unlock the door. I highly recommend you find a church with an adoration chapel or has an Adoration scheduled during the week within the church.
 
Tommy999 said:
Thanks for the description and explanation, Cor ad Cor and for the pictures, Tim.
Very helpful.

Follow up question:
Do most parishes have Adoration? Just curious as to how commonplace it is. Also, Do you have to be Catholic to attend one?

I realize as a Protestant that I couldn’t partake in the Eucharist, but I was wondering if Adoration is open to respectful inquiring non-Catholics, too. If it is, I was thinking about trying it out sometime.
Click to expand...
You are sooo welcome to visit Our Lord, (HE’S your Lord too,) at any Catholic Church that is unlocked. Some keep the doors locked because of crime. Talk to the pastor and let him help you. He will be glad to do so. Or if you know someone that belongs to the parish they can help you. God Bless, Memaw
 
I would add that if you are in a 24/7 chapel, that silence is required.
Click to expand...
I would word this a little differently.

Silence is expected/polite if others are present. If you are clearly the only one present there is nothing to stop you from praying aloud. If another person were to then show up, I would switch to silent prayer immediately.
 
Tommy999 said:
Thanks for the clarifications, everyone. :tiphat:
Click to expand...
FYI…all the Adoration Chapels I have attended had Bibles, Rosary guides, devotionals and a decent selection of spiritual reading available.
 
drforjc said:
I would word this a little differently.

Silence is expected/polite if others are present. If you are clearly the only one present there is nothing to stop you from praying aloud. If another person were to then show up, I would switch to silent prayer immediately.
Click to expand...
Oh Tommy,
PLEASE visit our Lord and Savior in Adoration. Consider each and every day a personal, gold engraved invitation from our Lord to spend time with Him.

I’ve been known to pray aloud when alone with our Lord in Adoration. Even to sing to Him. What an honor!
 
Duane1966 said:
therealpresence.org/states/oklahoma.htm

I would add that if you are in a 24/7 chapel, that silence is required. Always a fantastic hour with our Lord. When I exit, life is just better, that is the only way I can explain It.

I love this quote I once hard when someone asked an old man what he did for the hour in the chapel. He said:

I look at Him, He looks at me.
Click to expand...
Love this. In addition to verbal prayer, we all need to sit in presence of the Lord in silence - and do our best to listen.

Our Church has the Adoration Chapel open 24/7 with a parishioner or two, always in attendance. This is not always possible depending on the size of the parish.

Also, I’ve invited a couple of my non-Catholic friends to stop in at any time (ok, couple of liturgical believing Lutherans).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top