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What Catholics BelieveAs Catholics, we believe that Christ is
truly present in the Blessed Sacrament,
the Holy Eucharist. While we see only the
appearance of the bread in the host, we
are truly gazing at Jesus, alive and present
for us. In Eucharistic adoration, the host is
placed within a monstrance (from the Latin
“monstrare,” meaning to expose or to view),
which is placed on the altar in the church or
adoration chapel.
History of Adoration
According to The Catholic Encyclopedia,
Eucharistic exposition and adoration became
a general practice in the fifteenth century. It
was only practiced for a special reason, such
as “the cure of a sick person or on the eve
of an execution to pray that the condemned
would die a happy death.” Some liturgists
attribute the exposition of the Blessed Sac-
rament to the Feast of Corpus Christi. How-
ever, the first recorded instance of perpetual
adoration occurred in 1226 before the Feast
of Corpus Christi was celebrated. King Louis
VII asked that the Blessed Sacrament be
exposed in the Chapel of the Holy Cross in
Avignon in thanksgiving for his victory over
the Albigensians.
AdorationSacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Ministry Lead: Dianne Compton(913) 593-1242 or [email protected]
5501 Monticello RoadShawnee, Kansas 66226(913) 422-5700 www.shoj.org
Purposes of Eucharistic exposition:
♥ To acknowledge Christ’s presence in
the sacrament.
♥ To lead us to a deeper appreciation and
worship of the real presence of Christ in
the Eucharist.
What is considered proper etiquette
during Eucharistic adoration?
♥ When entering the Adoration Chapel,
bless yourself with holy water and genuflect.
Kneel on both knees if possible.
♥ Whenever passing before the Adoration
Chapel where the sacred host is reserved,
genuflect or bow to the monstrance and make
the sign of the cross.
♥ If the monstrance is covered, light the
candles (if not already lit), and uncover
the monstrance.
♥ Be attentive, be alert, and stay awake while
in adoration.
♥ Observe modest dress and decorum.
♥ Avoid disturbing or disruptive actions that
draw attention to yourself rather than Jesus.
♥ If you need to leave and no one has come
for their hour of adoration, genuflect, cover
the monstrance with the white cover, and ex-
tinguish the candles.
♥ If you are in the church during adoration
hours, remember to keep the noise down so
those visiting with Christ in adoration have
the quiet needed to hear Him.
How to pray during Eucharistic adoration:
♥ Meditate silently by gazing at the
sacred host.
♥ Silently speak to Jesus from your heart
and mind.
♥ Read devotions and prayers from Catholic
tradition such as Scripture, or recite the rosary
or litanies.
♥ Say your favorite prayers or read from a
booklet of meditations found on the back wall
of the chapel.
♥ A conversation requires one to speak but
also to listen. Spend time in quiet, simply lis-
tening to what Jesus says to you.
Holy hour framework if unsure of what to do:
♥ First fifteen minutes — Adoration (every
prayer is a prayer of adoration).
♥ Second fifteen minutes — Thanksgiving
or Petition.
♥ Third fifteen minutes — Reparation.
♥ Fourth fifteen minutes — Love and Charity
(give something to God).
How do I sign-up for a holy hour?
Adoration is available Monday through Fri-
day currently, but it ceases during Mass times. The
chapel serves as our cry room during Mass. If you
feel called to pray in the presence of Christ during
your week, just stop by. If you are willing to com-
mit one hour weekly, please contact our Adoration
Ministry Lead:
Dianne Compton at (913) 593-1242
or email her at [email protected].
Sources for brochure content: www.therealpresence.org;pope2008.typepad.com/weblog/2008/05/how-to-pray-a-h.html;
“What is Eucharistic Adoration” by Most Reverend David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh;Dr. Kay Farley’s article about adoration from The Grateful Heart, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Stewardship Newsletter
“ He said to Peter,
‘So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?’ ”
— Matthew 26: 40
