Eucharistic Adoration and Exposition

History of Eucharistic Adoration |

What is Eucharistic Adoration / Exposition?

Eucharistic Adoration is a Catholic devotion dating back to the early days of the Church. It has been celebrated at SMOY every Saturday since 2001 and it is currently experiencing a revival of interest throughout the universal Church. It involves exposing a consecrated host, the Blessed Sacrament, allowing us to sit and pray in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. Pope Paul VI said: To visit the Blessed Sacrament is a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord.

Adoration technically refers to any prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament whether in front of a closed Tabernacle or in front of an exposed host in a monstrance. Exposition refers specifically to the situation of an exposed host in a monstrance. So, you may hear these terms used interchangeably.

During Eucharistic Adoration or Exposition it is appropriate to do any of the following:

• Read and reflect on readings from the Bible or other spiritual writings.
• Pray a Rosary or any other favorite prayers.
• Converse with God through spontaneous prayer or journaling.
• Sit quietly and listen or just enjoy being in the presence of Christ.

What is available at SMOY?

• Eucharistic Adoration is available all the time, as the doors to the Eucharistic Chapel are always open for anyone to come and pray in front of the closed Tabernacle.
• Eucharistic Exposition is offered every Saturday in the Eucharistic Chapel from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.
• 24-hour Eucharistic Exposition is offered every third Saturday of the month from 8:30 am on Saturday until 8:00 am on Sunday morning either in the Eucharistic Chapel or in the Day Chapel.

How can I participate?

• Stop in anytime during Adoration and pray.
• Commit to be a Eucharistic Guardian (See below for what this means.)

What is required of a Guardian?

• During exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, it is required that someone is always present to be with Jesus. Guardians commit to praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament for 1 hour.
• Our goal is to have a team of Guardians for each hour of Exposition and that the team members would take turns being committed for any given Exposition session.

If you are interested in participating as a guardian, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.