Can I do my hourly commitment online by watching the live stream on YouTube?

NO! We need our committed adorers to be physically present. A physical presence helps deter inappropriate behavior and actions that may occur by outside visitors. Should an issue occur, we would recommend pressing any of the panic buttons around the chapel walls to summon the police and then get to a safe area such as the basement or the lockable bathroom on the main floor.

Adoration is short for Eucharistic Adoration. It is a place where we can go and adore our Lord Jesus Christ in the form of the Blessed Sacrament outside of the holy mass itself.

The Blessed Sacrament itself is kept inside a clear glass receptacle known as the “luna” which is placed into an ornate vessel known as the “monstrance” which is in turn placed on the altar for all to behold.

In the fourth part of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, under the “Christian Prayer” section, paragraph 2628 sums up Adoration:

2628 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.

We are blessed at St. Mary Mother of God Church to have the opportunity to adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day. To maintain the gift of 24 hour adoration requires a dedicated community willing to commit one hour per week to ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left alone.

One of the most powerful testimonials I have heard comes from a fellow participant in a Life in the Spirit seminar I attended recently. Although I am paraphrasing and taking some liberties in the wording, her overall message was:

“When I look at the Blessed Sacrament on the altar, I am pulled into something special. I am transported from one place to all places at once, united through Jesus Christ to all my brothers and sisters around the world that are adoring Jesus with me at that time and at all times.”

The *process* of Adoration is unique to everyone. As a committed adorer, you are spending one specific hour per week in the Lord’s presence to ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended. What you do in that hour until you are relieved is entirely up to you! Bear in mind that you are coming before the Lord in His Real Presence, so your activities should be directed in a prayerful and respectful manner.

Usual activities at Adoration include silent prayer, rosary recitation, reading, and meditating. During extended visits, I myself use the opportunity to study and take notes; there is nothing more uplifting than studying at the feet of the Divine Teacher!

Upon arrival at the chapel, your first act should be to sign in. There is an iPad kiosk in the chapel that allows you to electronically sign in. For those more comfortable with paper, there is also a daily schedule kept on the table in front of the iPad kiosk. You do not need to sign in on BOTH, one or the other is fine.

As part of a team, we ask that you do not leave the chapel until your replacement has arrived. The schedule of adorers is always kept at the back of the chapel for you to review and to reach out to those in your hour, those next up, and also your hourly “captain” should the need arise.

We also encourage you to introduce yourself to the other adorer in your hour so that you can directly make arrangements should one or both of you not be able to make your hour.

In the event that you can’t find a fellow adorer, a friend or family member to cover your hour, please us the iPad kiosk by the sign in table and click on “Find a sub”. The password for that access is printed below the iPad. Fill in the information and send it out to the team of substitutes we are lucky to have!

Professional photography and videography are not permitted at the Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine Except by prior written permission from the Parish of Saint Mary’s. Email us at catholicmedia@stmarychurchnj.org to receive written permission.

Non-commercial photography is permitted at the Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine, but please respect this sacred space of Prayer and Reflection.