Eucharistic Adoration has been growing in the Diocese of Madison with parishes having everything from a few hours of Adoration a week to perpetual Adoration at two sites — and a third close to providing Adoration every day.
The January 8 issue of the Catholic Herald features a story and photos from the blessing of the new Adoration chapel at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Aloysius Church) in Sauk City on January 1. The new chapel — the Mary, Mother of God Adoration Chapel — was appropriately dedicated by Bishop Robert C. Morlino on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Perpetual Adoration sites
This week’s paper also includes a “Witness of Faith” feature on Jeff Jackson, a member of Queen of All Saints Parish at St. Mary Church in Fennimore. Jackson has been a strong supporter of Perpetual Adoration held there for over 18 years.
The other Perpetual Adoration site in the Diocese of Madison is at Holy Redeemer Church (Cathedral Parish) in downtown Madison.
The Sauk City parish hoped to have Perpetual Adoration underway by January 1. There are six strong days of Adoration, with help needed only on the weekends.
Anyone who can spend at least one hour a week in Adoration at St. Aloysius Church is encouraged to make a commitment. To sign up, call Bill Liegel at 608-643-8674 or the parish office at 608-643-2449.
Importance of Adoration
Why is Eucharistic Adoration so important? It really extends what has begun at Mass. The U.S. Catholic bishops’ website has this explanation:
“The importance of Eucharistic Adoration is shown in the fact that the Church has a ritual that regulates it: the Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. This is an extension of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which occurs in every Mass: ‘Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.’
“Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament flows from the sacrifice of the Mass and serves to deepen our hunger for Communion with Christ and the rest of the Church. The rite concludes with the ordained minister blessing the faithful with the Blessed Sacrament.”
Special focus
The bishops have created a variety of reasons for Adoration that focus our prayer to Jesus Christ on peace, life, vocations, and other topics that are at the heart of the life of the Church and the world.
In our diocese, we have had Eucharistic Adoration weekdays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. in the chapel of the Bishop O’Connor Center with the focus on praying for vocations.
For over 10 years, members of the Serra Club and diocesan staff members — along with interested members of the community — have been praying each day for the Lord to bless our diocese with more vocations.
It seems as if our prayers are working, because our diocese has experienced an increase in the number of seminarians from six to 33. The Priests for Our Future campaign has been very successful. There also has been interest in vocations to the consecrated life in our diocese.
Power of prayer
Adoration is indeed a powerful form of prayer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 2628) says, “Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil.
“Adoration is homage of the spirit to the ‘King of Glory,’ respectful silence in the presence of the ‘ever greater’ God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.”
I personally find that time spent in Adoration is a highlight of my week. I encourage everyone to give it a try.
Check with your own parish for times of Adoration, come to one of the Perpetual Adoration sites (including the new chapel in Sauk City), or visit the O’Connor Center chapel weekdays. I can assure you that you will receive many blessings in the new year!