Frequently Asked Questions Regarding

Adoration of the
Real Presence
of Jesus Christ in the
Most Blessed Sacrament

"Beneath the veil of the
Eucharistic Elements is contained
 the Invisible Head of the Church,
 the Redeemer of the world,
the Center of all hearts,
through Whom all things are 
and through Whom we exist."
(Pope Paul VI)

The Eucharist is the most excellent of all the sacraments because it contains Christ Himself.

There are many names associated with Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.  The most common titles are: the Holy Eucharist, the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Real Presence, and Holy Communion.  Regardless of how we may refer to  Him, the fact remains that this is the Living  Glorified Christ veiled beneath the appearance of what looks like bread in the fullness of His Divinity and His Humanity. 

How is Christ made present?

He is made present with His body, blood, soul, and divinity through the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 

It is by the conversion of the bread and wine into Christ's body and blood that Christ becomes present in this sacrament. (Catechism 1375)  It is the Word of Christ (this is My Body, this is My Blood) through the action of the Holy Spirit that Christ is made present for us on our altar to be consumed as food for our soul and remaining present for us in our tabernacle to adore. As Catholics we must believe this Truth, and it is our duty to come to His Real Presence and adore Him.

The ministry of priests is necessary to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, making Christ really and truly present.

Why is the Eucharist reserved?

"Eucharist is reserved in churches or oratories to serve as the spiritual center of a religious community or a parish community, indeed of the whole Church and the whole of mankind, since it contains, beneath the veil of the species, Christ the invisible Head of the Church, the Redeemer of the world, the Center of all hearts, 'by Whom all things are and by Whom we exist."'
(Pope Paul VI, Mysterium Fidei)

 Reservation of the Holy Eucharist is also necessary to administer to the needs of the sick and homebound.

What is Adoration of the Eucharist?

Acknowledgment that, because the whole Christ is really present in the Blessed Sacrament, He is to be adored in the Eucharist as the Incarnate God.
(Modern Catholic Dictionary)

Why Eucharistic Adoration?

To adore God, to offer Him praise and thanksgiving, to make reparation for our sins and the sins of the mankind, and to petition Him for constant help we need.

When is Eucharistic Adoration?

St. Joseph's schedule of Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance begins Monday morning at 7:00 a.m. and continues through Saturday morning at 7:45 a.m.  However, entrance to the chapel may be obtained on the remaining days without exposition so that you may adore Our Lord reserved in the tabernacle. The door code may be necessary to enter.

Who can come?

Everyone is welcome to come before Our Lord Jesus Christ during Eucharistic Adoration.  Bring your children, they are our future adorers. Jesus said: "Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 19:14)  Invite family members, neighbors, and friends to join you.  Your joy with the Lord may be what others are looking for.

"You have made us for Yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee." (St. Augustine)

What am I to do during Eucharistic Adoration?

This is your personal time with God.  There are no set prayers. 

As you approach the Adoration Chapel, sign the book on the table.

After entering the chapel, you may offer a prayer of Adoration to begin your Holy Hour.  Spend this time in silence, contemplating that you are in the presence of God. Converse with Him.  You can read Sacred Scripture, or other spiritual reading, pray the rosary, or the chaplet of Divine Mercy.  There are blessed rosaries on the table, and a variety of reading material for your convenience.

You may desire to offer your holy hour for a special intention.   There are Spiritual Bouquet cards and postcards on the table that you may send to whomever you are praying for.  If you choose, there is a book to write prayer intentions. During your Holy Hour we also ask you to include prayers for our Holy Father, Holy Vocations to the Holy Priesthood, Consecrated Religious Life, Holy Marriages and persevering grace for those vocations we now have.  Keep in mind, without validly ordained priests there is no Eucharist.

If I commit to an hour, what should I do if I am unable to come to my hour of Eucharistic Adoration?

There is a list of substitutes on the sign-in table who may be able to sub for you if for some reason you are unable to come to your holy hour.  Please take a list home with you and keep it in a handy place so if the need arises  you will have access to their names, the time when available,  and telephone numbers.   If you are unable to enlist the aid of a substitute, please call a day captain, their names will be on the back side of the substitute list.  If you share the hour, and that person will be there, there will be no need to enlist the aid of a substitute.

Please do not take your time with the Lord lightly.  He has called you to be with Him, and regardless of how many share your hour, treat the hour as if you are the only adorer present.  God loves each of us and desires our individual and undivided attention.  Each one of us is special to the Lord.

Where is Eucharistic Adoration?

Here at St. Joseph Parish, we are blessed to have a Chapel specifically for Eucharistic Adoration.  The chapel is located behind the sanctuary. (The Altar area) There are glass doors that separate the chapel from the main body of the church.  You may enter the chapel by the doors on southeast side of the church near the cemetery.  After 3:00 p.m. a code is needed to enter.  This code may be obtained by contacting the parish office or a committee member. 

 

To all of our faithful adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament

We wish to thank you for being faithful to your commitment to your Holy Hour. Without your faithfulness, exposition would be impossible, as it is necessary to have at least one adorer present while the Most Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the Monstrance.  It is our hope, through your continued support and example, others may come to know, love and serve the Lord with a desire to spend time with Him too. 

"To visit the Blessed Sacrament is a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ Our Lord."  (Paul VI)

Please visit Our Lord.  There is always a need for faithful adorers, please consider committing to a specific hour of Eucharistic Adoration.

 "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mk 9:24)

For door code:

Parish office:  636 441 0055 ext. 100

Door code and more information contact:

Steve Bennett                         636 288 1156

Sharon Schultz                        636 447 3673

Inquiries:  ADOREHISREALPRESENCE@charter.net

Helpful websites to visit:

www.therealpresence.org/

www.lifeeternal.org/

www.vatican.va/

www.archstl.org/adoration/

www.usccb.org/

www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/euchmenu.htm

www.childrenoftheeucharist.org/

www.childrenofhope.org/

www.MarianCatechist.com