St. Raphael Parishioners are encouraged to consider making Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament a part of their lives. If you would like more information or to schedule an hour, call 763-537-8401 x221 or email [email protected]
On December 2, 1981 Pope John Paul II established Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel at St. Peter's in Rome. It was his hope that this practice would be instituted in parishes the world over.
Perpetual Adoration began at St. Raphael's on June 1, 1997. The chapel in the parish convent was renovated to improve security and facilitate access to the chapel for this purpose. On June 24, 2017, the Adoration chapel was moved to the Southwest corner of our parish building. Someone has been present in our chapels with the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day, seven days a week June 1, 1997 - mid-March, 2020. Post-Covid lockdowns, we have not been able to maintain enough adorers for Perpetual Adoration at this time. We would love to get more committed adorers who will commit to a holy hour on a specific day and time.
The Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is handicap accessible. We also strive to be aware of people with asthma and environmental illnesses and ask that no colognes or perfumes be worn in the chapel. Adorers need an access code to enter the Adoration Chapel. For security reasons, this access code should not be shared with anyone, and adorers should not let anyone into the chapel who does not have the access code. If you wish to visit the adoration chapel or become a committed adorer during these hours, please contact one of the coordinators via email [email protected] or by calling 763-537-8401 ext. 221 to get the code.
Eucharistic Adoration Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adoration?
Adoration is a quiet time spent in prayer before Jesus present in the Eucharist.
“Adoring the Body of Christ, means believing that there, in that piece of Bread, Christ is really there, and gives true sense to life, to the immense universe as to the smallest creature, to the whole of human history as to the most brief existence. Adoration is prayer that prolongs the celebration and Eucharistic communion and in which the soul continues to be nourished: it is nourished with love, truth, peace; it is nourished with hope, because the One before whom we prostrate ourselves does not judge us, does not crush us but liberates and transforms us.” (Pope Benedict XVI)
WHAT IS PERPETUAL ADORATION?
Perpetual Adoration is the adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is always a committed adorer with Jesus – He is never left alone.
The Church of St. Raphael was among the first parishes in the Archdiocese to initiate Perpetual Adoration of the Holy Eucharist. In June 1997, the convent chapel was renovated to make the chapel available for visits from committed adorers and visitors. That devotion was been renewed annually and continued in the newly built Eucharistic Adoration Chapel located in the southwest corner of the Church building. On June 25, 2017, the parish celebrated the dedication of the new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel and the 20th Anniversary of Eucharistic Adoration at the Church of St. Raphael. Unfortunately, we have been unable to sustain Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration as we do not have enough committed adorers to allow us to have the Blessed Sacrament exposed 24/7. However, the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is accessible 24/7, but the Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the tabernacle during those hours which have no committed adorers. Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament - whether exposed in the monstrance or reposed in the tabernacle.
Why do we have Eucharistic Adoration?
Because Jesus wants it! “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Matthew 26:40)
Jesus speaking to St. Faustina - 'I desire that (Eucharistic) Adoration take place for the intention of imploring Mercy for the world’. (St. Sister Faustina)
“The Church's life should centre around the Mystery of the Eucharist both in the liturgical celebration and Eucharistic Adoration. During the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist in 2005, many Asian Bishops strongly proposed, at times insisting categorically to introduce perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in their dioceses and some of them stated that there where Eucharistic Adoration took place, greater reconciliation, peace and communion were experienced. This is possible because Jesus is present in the tabernacle as a magnetic pole 'attracting an ever greater number of souls enamored of Him, ready to wait patiently to hear His voice and, as it were, to sense the beating of His heart'.” (Cardinal Robert Sarah, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum)
St. Pope John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta were living examples of the fruits of Eucharistic Adoration, and always spent at least an hour a day in Eucharistic Adoration.
“Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is … an important daily practice and becomes an inexhaustible source of holiness … It is pleasant to spend time with (Christ), to lie close to his breast like the Beloved Disciple and to feel the infinite love present in His heart.” (Saint Pope John Paul II)
“Each one of us is a co-worker of Christ - we must labor hard to carry Him to the hearts where He has not yet been known and loved...But, unless we have Jesus, we cannot give Him; that is why we need the Eucharist. Spend as much time as possible in front of the Blessed Sacrament and He will fill you with His strength and His power.” (St. Teresa of Calcutta)
WHY SHOULD I GO TO EUCHARISTIC ADORATION?
We all have needs, hurts, joys, and sorrows that we can share only with our Lord and Savior. By coming to Adoration, we give Jesus great honor and act with humility by acknowledging our need for, and dependence on Him, our Creator. Spending time in Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament deepens our personal relationship with Him and helps us to grow in faith, hope and love.
“Each time you approach the Blessed Sacrament remember that Jesus has been waiting for you for twenty centuries for this personal visit from you.” (St. Joseph Escriva, 1902 to 1975)
"We must always have courage, and if some spiritual languor comes upon us, let us run to the feet of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and let us place ourselves in the midst of the heavenly perfumes, and we will undoubtedly regain our strength." (St. Padre Pio)
“Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us.” ~ St. Alphonsus Liguori
“Because Eucharistic Adoration is an intense encounter with Jesus Christ, many find that such extended periods of prayer make them somehow different, somehow better. People who pray regularly before the Blessed Sacrament become more tranquil, more patient, more charitable and more forgiving. Actually, they become more holy. No matter what attracts people to come to Eucharistic Adoration, many are learning that prayer before the Blessed Sacrament can and will transform them and make them more like Christ.” (Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, 1923 to 2012)
WHAT DO I DO DURING MY HOUR?
The hour you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament may be spent in the way you choose. Our Chapel has a quiet and relaxing atmosphere that lends itself to just sitting and enjoying the peace that comes from being in the Lord’s presence. Use this time to pray, read, meditate, journal, or relax. We have a wide selection of reading and meditation material, as well as the Bible, Liturgy of the Hours, and rosaries available for your use during your hour of adoration. Or feel free to bring your own material. The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament pleases Him very much.
Personal Reasons for Perpetual Adoration
On December 2, 1981, our Holy Father Pope John Paul II began Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration of the exposed Blessed Sacrament, in the chapel at St. Peter's. He appealed to all parishes to do the same. "I hope that this form of Perpetual Adoration, with permanent exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, will continue into the future. Specifically, I hope that the establishment of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration will be realized in all parishes and christian communities throughout the world."
Pope John Paul II
"When the Sisters are exhausted, up to their eyes in work; when all seems to go awry, they spend an hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. This practice has never failed to bear fruit: they experience peace and strength." Mother Teresa of Calcutta
"When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now. This is why we need Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in every Parish throughout the entire World."
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
"I come to the adoration chapel when I am feeling troubled, which is often. I take refuge in Jesus' arms. He is so comforting. He gives me peace, strength and faith. I have become very dependent on my times here with Our Lord, and wouldn't ever want to give my hour up. Thank you God."
St. Raphael's Adorer
"When I go to adoration at my appointed time to pray and adore our Jesus, my heart is filled with such sweet love for Him that when it is time to go, I do not want to leave Him behind, I take Him with me!"
St. Raphael's Adorer
"Going to adoration has been one of the most wonderful things that has happened to me. I love the real feeling of peace that I get in that little chapel. I love telling Jesus my problems. He is my best friend, and always listens patiently to me. I am so thankful for that hour."
St. Raphael's Adorer
