Eucharistic Adoration
Adoration: What is it?
Simply put, Adoration is prayer. Adoration celebrates Jesus, who is fully present in the Consecrated Host at Mass and reserved in tabernacles in Catholic churches and chapels. At Adoration, the Consecrated Host is reverently displayed on the altar in a receptacle called a monstrance. Adoration is a time for us to pray, to listen, and to be in His presence.
Where did it come from?
The Bible. After Christ instituted the Eucharist and celebrated the first Mass at the Last Supper, He took His disciples to the Mount of Olives and invited them to stay awake with Him, praying there in vigil for what was to come. Christ gave to the disciples, and to all Christians, this pattern of prayer. Jesus’s question to his disciples, “Could you not keep watch for one hour?” is the same question he asks us today…Could you not keep watch for one hour? (Mark 14:37)
How does Eucharistic Adoration relate to my life?
Whether it is homework, service work, faith, athletics, a relationship, friendships, or fun, everything you do can be rooted in Christ through Eucharistic Adoration. Pope John Paul II reiterated Vatican II’s proclamation, that the Eucharist is “the Source and Summit of the Christian life.” Eucharistic Adoration nourishes us, inspires us, and gives us the strength and grace to make Christ relevant, whether in our school work, our leisure time, our relationships, or our service to those who are in need. By spending time with Jesus in Adoration, we are made more mindful of Him and His presence with us throughout our day.
How is it different than Mass or private prayer in my hall chapel?
Prayer can be done at anytime, anywhere, by anyone. You can always find and make time for prayer.
Mass is the perfect prayer. When we gather as a community at Mass, we celebrate God’s gift to the Church in giving us His Son. By the words of the priest and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine offered at the altar become Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Jesus’ Real Presence remains in the Consecrated Host, which is reserved in the tabernacle following Mass. Outside of Mass, people are always welcome to pray in our churches and chapels in the presence of Christ at any time.
Eucharistic Adoration is that time set aside when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed (placed in a monstrance on the altar) so that the faithful may see, pray, and adore our Risen Lord. Jesus is just as present in the tabernacle as in the monstrance, but many believers find comfort and ease when they are able to adore while looking upon Jesus exposed in the monstrance.
Where do I go?
- Monday-Thursday: Coleman-Morse Chapel (Chapel of Notre Dame Our Mother) – 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.
- Friday: Basilica of the Sacred Heart: noon-4:45 with a rosary prayed at 4:15 and benediction at 4:45.
What do I do there?
Pray. When you walk into the Coleman-Morse chapel, you will find many resources to help you pray. Sometimes you might read Scripture. You might pray the Rosary or another favorite devotional prayer. You might read one of the guided meditations or another spiritual book. You also might simply have a conversation with Jesus, telling him about your day, about your needs, and giving Him time to speak to your heart.
We also offer a regular schedule of communal prayers (Mon-Thurs):
- 12:00 – Angelus
- 1:30 – Rosary
- 3:00 – Chaplet of Divine Mercy
- 6:00 – Angelus
- 7:00 – Evening Prayer
- 8:45 – Benediction (Final Blessing)
How do I get involved?
Two ways.
- Stop in the chapel during Adoration “business hours” (see “Where do I go?” above.) You are always welcome to pray during our regular Adoration hours, and 24/7 in any Catholic church or chapel.
- Volunteer for a particular time slot! During Eucharistic Adoration, someone must always be keeping vigil before Christ in the monstrance. We schedule at least two people for each time slot during our regular Adoration hours. You may sign up for 15 minute increments at any time. Just email adore@nd.edu to sign up or to request information.
Related Events
Annual Eucharistic Procession – Each year in the spring, we come together to publicly profess our faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist through an outdoor procession. We gather for Mass, and afterwards we process with the Blessed Sacrament across our campus, stopping at altars to offer prayers and sing hymns of adoration. The procession concludes with a final blessing, but the fun continues with a cookout and picnic dinner! All are welcome!
