Why are there no lines of people entering the Adoration Chapel?

[Brendan_64]

The graces one receives from spending time before the Blessed Sacrament are transformative.I have experienced this personally.

Absolutely it is.

Adoration of Our Lord and King in the silent, contemplative and deeply personal way that is experienced in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is immensely strengthening and transformative. It complements the Mass. Sitting in front of our risen Lord in physical form is deeply moving.

And the Eucharist as the source and summit of all our Christian life includes the Eucharist in the monstrance as well as the Eucharist at Holy Mass. Adoration of the Eucharist is part and parcel of the source and summit.

 

[commenter]

With regard to the idea that not everyone is “called” to this devotion, keep in mind most Catholics in recent years have never been properly catechized. People are only “free” to be “called” to a devotion where they understand the whole context. 50 years of religious education have presented the Eucharist as a social process, a way of bringing people together. Even when there is mention that Christ is “present” in the Eucharist, it has often been accompanied by other statements that Christ is (equally) present in the Bible, in ministry, in social gatherings of the community, etc. The whole idea of Real Presence has been diluted.

Part of people being “called” to Eucharist devotion is US: not only looking at sacramental preparation, but asking the priest to preach occasionally on the Real Presence. A few parishes have resumed Corpus Christi processions in my area. In parish they scheduled a social hour right after Sunday Mass, and restrain the socializing in Church right before and after Mass. That time in the Church historically had been, and still could be, the primary Adoration time for most people; the chapel is a more intensive time, for some.

 

[Brendan_64]

50 years of religious education have presented the Eucharist as a social process, a way of bringing people together. Even when there is mention that Christ is “present” in the Eucharist, it has often been accompanied by other statements that Christ is (equally) present in the Bible, in ministry, in social gatherings of the community, etc. The whole idea of Real Presence has been diluted.

You are very right there.

How often do we see Communion being presented as a ‘communal meal’, as a community gathering rather than a holy Sacrifice? The focus being placed on the congregation rather than Our Lord and God.

How often do we see people wandering past the tabernacle without as much as a cursory glance, let alone a proper genuflection? Or the casual manner in which many receive Communion?

We say that we believe, but do we, really?

 

[Vanez]

I don’t know if i better start a new thread or i can ask it here, but is an Orthodox allowed to visit Adoration Chapel and pray?

 

[Brendan_64]

I don’t know if i better start a new thread or i can ask it here, but is an Orthodox allowed to visit Adoration Chapel and pray?

You most certainly can. All are welcome.

 

[JakeWI]

You are very right there.

How often do we see Communion being presented as a ‘communal meal’, as a community gathering rather than a holy Sacrifice? The focus being placed on the congregation rather than Our Lord and God.

How often do we see people wandering past the tabernacle without as much as a cursory glance, let alone a proper genuflection? Or the casual manner in which many receive Communion?

We say that we believe, but do we, really?

I have seen this as well. Actually my wife (who is converting Sunday) and I were discussing this yesterday. How many people actually learn what the Mass really is, the Eucharist, etc. It is almost that same reason why the Catholic church gets such negative press sometimes. People don’t spend the time learning what beauty this Church really has.

Personally, I have experienced graces from God praying during my hour in the adoration chapel at our Parish. I have made it a point to visit Him more often during Lent, too.

 

[Brendan_64]

People don’t spend the time learning what beauty this Church really has.

And that is the truth. There is so much beauty and richness within our Church, yet many would rather close their eyes to it.

Personally, I have experienced graces from God praying during my hour in the adoration chapel at our Parish.

As have I.

Personally I find it hard to understand why people would not wish to go to exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. If the Pope turned up (or even just the diocesan bishop) parishioners would be flocking to see him, but Our Lord is there in the monstrance and very few people come.

 

[ronh4]

I believe all receive graces while spending any time before the Blessed Sacrament.

Those who fail to approach are missing much more than they can imagine.

 

[ProVobis]

I believe all receive graces while spending any time before the Blessed Sacrament.

Those who fail to approach are missing much more than they can imagine.

Also indulgences, including a plenary one. (I believe this is attained by at least 1/2 hour of adoration time, combined with confession, communion, and prayers for the Pope’s intentions.)

 

[Mongol]

Because adoration is an extremely difficult thing to do, for me at least.

My mind wanders enough just trying to say a rosary or go to mass, let alone sit in a quiet room for an hour trying to concentrate on the Host. I would love to go to adoration if I could read scripture or something, just to be in the Presence of God while I do it, or to just go for fifteen minutes and talk to God about my life.

But the problem is that after ten minutes or so I run out of things to say, and I start looking around, at my watch etc. As wonderful as the Sacrament may be, a consecrated Host is not interesting enough to look at for an hour–especially in a dingy Novus Ordo parish’s basement chapel. Also, kneeling for that long beats up my knees pretty good, even if I have a cushion.

I’ve always had a cool idea for a ministry that a parish could do, something along the lines of an “adoration cafe”–a quiet atmosphere where you can sit and read, drink coffee etc, but in the Presence of God. That’d be cool.

Cue an army of enraged traddies telling me that I should be more respectful, “Catholicism isn’t cool” etc. Deal with it.

 

[Brendan_64]

Because adoration is an extremely difficult thing to do, for me at least.

My mind wanders enough just trying to say a rosary or go to mass, let alone sit in a quiet room for an hour trying to concentrate on the Host. I would love to go to adoration if I could read scripture or something, just to be in the Presence of God while I do it, or to just go for fifteen minutes and talk to God about my life.

What gives you the impression that you can’t read scripture?
And what makes you think you can’t just go for 15 minutes, if that’s what you want?

There is nothing prescriptive about adoration. You do not have to sit and “concentrate on the Host” for a whole hour. You can read scripture, pray silently (in whatever form you wish), talk to God, concentrate on the Host, or simply just be.

But the problem is that after ten minutes or so I run out of things to say, and I start looking around, at my watch etc. As wonderful as the Sacrament may be, a consecrated Host is not interesting enough to look at for an hour–especially in a dingy Novus Ordo parish’s basement chapel.

This is actually God you’re talking about. That ‘consecrated Host’ is God in physical form, not a representation of God, but God himself.

Also, kneeling for that long beats up my knees pretty good, even if I have a cushion.

What gives you the impression that you have to kneel for an hour? While some people do choose to kneel the whole hour, most people do not. You can sit if you wish.

I’ve always had a cool idea for a ministry that a parish could do, something along the lines of an “adoration cafe”–a quiet atmosphere where you can sit and read, drink coffee etc, but in the Presence of God. That’d be cool…

This implies that we need external, secular things to relieve us from being bored of the presence of God.

ICue an army of enraged traddies telling me that I should be more respectful, “Catholicism isn’t cool” etc. Deal with it.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament isn’t a ‘traddie’ thing, far from it. I know some Catholics with views that I would consider to be very liberal, yet they regularly and devoutly attend adoration along with those of a more ‘traditional’ mindset.

Sitting in adoration is a great way to focus on our sins, it can help us to realise just who we are separating ourselves from by our sin. It can help put our sins in context, as we realise our unworthiness, and that God (who is physically just a few yards away from us) loves us despite that. It is through the realisation that we are indeed worthless sinners that shows us how great God’s love is for us. Adoration can heal our souls and give us real help in sinning less.

All I would say to you is bring your Bible, go along and spend some time. Don’t stay on your knees if you do not wish to, and stay as long as you feel comfortable for. Just remember that on front of you in the monstrance is Christ Our Lord in actual physical form. And stop, feel His grace, and ‘listen’. Don’t go with a closed heart and mind, remember who it is you’re going to spend time with.

 

[paperwight66]

Errrmmm… not ’ physical’, but sacramental. Appearing using physical signs, I’d grant you, but the Real Presence is not physical.

 

[Cat]

Because adoration is an extremely difficult thing to do, for me at least.

My mind wanders enough just trying to say a rosary or go to mass, let alone sit in a quiet room for an hour trying to concentrate on the Host. I would love to go to adoration if I could read scripture or something, just to be in the Presence of God while I do it, or to just go for fifteen minutes and talk to God about my life.

But the problem is that after ten minutes or so I run out of things to say, and I start looking around, at my watch etc. As wonderful as the Sacrament may be, a consecrated Host is not interesting enough to look at for an hour–especially in a dingy Novus Ordo parish’s basement chapel. Also, kneeling for that long beats up my knees pretty good, even if I have a cushion.

I’ve always had a cool idea for a ministry that a parish could do, something along the lines of an “adoration cafe”–a quiet atmosphere where you can sit and read, drink coffee etc, but in the Presence of God. That’d be cool.

Cue an army of enraged traddies telling me that I should be more respectful, “Catholicism isn’t cool” etc. Deal with it.

So why don’t you read Scripture? That’s OK. It’s also OK to read Catholic books, not just ancient ones, but modern ones by authors like Tim Staples.

And you don’t have to kneel. Lots of people can’t kneel or genuflect–I’m 57, and my knee is so shot with osteoarthritis that it hurts me to kneel for even a few minutes. So I sit.

We have a 24/7 Adoration Chapel in our parish, and people read all the time. And they sit, too.

In fact, on Sunday, I saw something really fun (for me). We have several super-traditional Catholics in our parish, including a traditional couple who would fit in a hundred years ago. Although most of the really traditional Catholics in our city are part of the Latin Mass parish, this particular couple attends our parish, and they are so traditional that they look like they’re dressed for a stage show sometimes. The wife must sew her own dresses because I don’t know where anyone would buy dresses like that except perhaps from an Amish family.

But they are kind people and they are very faithful to make a Holy Hour almost everyday. On Sunday they were in the chapel, and they were reading–wait for it…traditionalists, prepare yourselves for the horror!–they were reading (on their knees, of course)–IPADS!!!



I-Pads-in front of Jesus! Wow! What’s next? Apple watches?!

The light from those I-Pads was somewhat blinding even to me, who is a big supporter of the use of electronic devices in church! But perhaps the twinkling in my eyes was contributing to the light!

I say, Good for them! No one can accuse this couple of being flippant or irreverent in the Presence of Jesus!

My point is, as long as you are reverent, it’s OK to read in the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I’ve seen children coloring (religious coloring books). You don’t just have to sit there or kneel there and keep watch. I mentioned earlier that it’s really difficult for modern people who are constantly busy and working/playing to just sit in silence–it often leads to falling asleep. We’re just not used to time outs and silence.

 

[Jeanne_S]

**

Errrmmm… not ’ physical’, but sacramental. Appearing using physical signs, I’d grant you, but the Real Presence is not physical.

The host is the"Real Presence" body blood soul and divinity of Our Lord. It is not a sacramental.

 

[rotlex]

I our parish, and this will sound harsh, it is because the times are only conducive to those who either don’t work, are retired, or just happen to have jobs that aren’t day shift. It’s very frustrating actually I as I love adoration. The same thing has happened in the past two years since our new pastor took over in regards to daily mass. I used to attend at 6:30am and was still able to get to work by 7:30. Now, daily mass starts at 8am, same as adoration, and Inever have the ability to attend either, unless I go to another parish.

I’ve spoken to the pastor and office regarding this, and basically am told non of the priests are morning people. Nice. Real nice.

 

[paperwight66]

**

The host is the"Real Presence" body blood soul and divinity of Our Lord. It is not a sacramental.

You have misunderstood, I’m afraid. The word ‘sacramental’ there is used as an adjective. The Real Presence is as a sacrament.

It does not mean that the Blessed Sacrament is ‘A’ sacramental. That would be nonsense.

Here is a quotation from the Compendium of the Catechism.

‘How is Christ present in the Eucharist?
Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist in a unique and incomparable way. He is present in a true, real and substantial way, with His body and HIs blood, with His soul and His Divinity. In the Eucharist, therefore, there is present in a sacramental way, that is, under the Eucharistic species of bread and wine, Christ whole and entire, God and man.’

If you want to follow up the references given for the complete Catechism, they are given as 1373-1375, and 1413.

 

[Mongol]

What gives you the impression that you can’t read scripture?
And what makes you think you can’t just go for 15 minutes, if that’s what you want?

The last (and only) time I went was the other week and it was just me, Father, and a Sister. I wasn’t sure what to do so I just followed along with what they were doing.

There is nothing prescriptive about adoration. You do not have to sit and “concentrate on the Host” for a whole hour. You can read scripture, pray silently (in whatever form you wish), talk to God, concentrate on the Host, or simply just be.

Glad to hear that. Next time I’ll bring my bible and readings for the day.

This is actually God you’re talking about. That ‘consecrated Host’ is God in physical form, not a representation of God, but God himself.

I never said it wasn’t, just that God is not a terribly exciting thing to stare at for an hour when He’s under the accident of bread.

What gives you the impression that you have to kneel for an hour? While some people do choose to kneel the whole hour, most people do not. You can sit if you wish.

I figured that’s what you have to do since the Priest was doing it (actually pressing his forehead to the floor, which I did for about 20 minutes before giving up). The Sister brought me out a cushion to kneel on so I figured that’s what I was supposed to do.

This implies that we need external, secular things to relieve us from being bored of the presence of God.

Not necessarily. As you say there’s nothing prescriptive about adoration. If I can sit and read the Bible/pray the rosary or whatever in adoration, surely there’d be nothing wrong with me drinking a (Mystic Monk?) coffee while doing so. Heck, if the parish was nearby I’d probably hang out there between classes instead of going home.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament isn’t a ‘traddie’ thing, far from it. I know some Catholics with views that I would consider to be very liberal, yet they regularly and devoutly attend adoration along with those of a more ‘traditional’ mindset.

I was actually referring more to the Adoration Cafe idea.

Sitting in adoration is a great way to focus on our sins, it can help us to realise just who we are separating ourselves from by our sin. It can help put our sins in context, as we realise our unworthiness, and that God (who is physically just a few yards away from us) loves us despite that. It is through the realisation that we are indeed worthless sinners that shows us how great God’s love is for us. Adoration can heal our souls and give us real help in sinning less.

All I would say to you is bring your Bible, go along and spend some time. Don’t stay on your knees if you do not wish to, and stay as long as you feel comfortable for. Just remember that on front of you in the monstrance is Christ Our Lord in actual physical form. And stop, feel His grace, and ‘listen’. Don’t go with a closed heart and mind, remember who it is you’re going to spend time with.

Thanks, I’ll do that. I feel a lot more comfortable going now that I know I don’t have to stare at the Sacrament and kneel.

 

[jupiter2]

This will sound silly to ask this at this point - but what is the Adoration Chapel? I’ve seen a regular sanctuary with the altar/pulpit in front, and in one parish I saw a small room for kneeling with a statue of Mary. After reading through this thread I can see the value in this, but where is this chapel, and is it in every parish?

Sorry about that.

 

[Brendan_64]

Errrmmm… not ’ physical’, but sacramental. Appearing using physical signs, I’d grant you, but the Real Presence is not physical.

Yes, that is God in the monstrance, not a sign of God, but God himself, God’s Body, God’s Blood, God’s Soul, God’s Divinity. You can feel His presence, He is there physically and spiritually.

 

[Brendan_64]

Thanks, I’ll do that. I feel a lot more comfortable going now that I know I don’t have to stare at the Sacrament and kneel.

I’m very pleased to hear that. Remember that that is your time with God, you can kneel, sit, or a combination of both. You can stay for an hour or more, or you can simply pop in for 10 minutes. You can read scripture, pray silently, say a rosary, or just simply be in the presence of God.

There is nothing prescriptive other than to maintain a respectful silence. And you should genuflect on both knees before entering your pew, and then again when leaving.

I tend to do a mixture of listen, pray, say the rosary, read scripture, then meditate on the Blessed Sacrament. There is no prescribed thing to do, each person can do what suits them or stay as long as suits them.

This is your time with God on a purely personal and intimate basis. The more you go, the more you will want to keep going.

Not necessarily. As you say there’s nothing prescriptive about adoration. If I can sit and read the Bible/pray the rosary or whatever in adoration, surely there’d be nothing wrong with me drinking a (Mystic Monk?) coffee while doing so. Heck, if the parish was nearby I’d probably hang out there between classes instead of going home…

As for drinking coffee, there are others present and it would be quite selfish for them to have to smell your coffee or listen as you drink it as they sit there in silent prayer. In adoration you could literally hear a pin drop. I’m sure God Himself wouldn’t be personally bothered about you drinking coffee, but we need to respect those around us. Behaving in a self-centred way that impinges on others is not what it is about.