Time Spent in Eucharistic Adoration Puts Our Relationship with Jesus First

In Matthew Chapter 26, Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, before His crucifixion. Peter and the two sons of Zebedee fall asleep — Jesus asks them, “So, you could not keep watch with me for one hour?”

How fitting it is that we have the opportunity to keep watch with our Lord 24 hours per day, seven days a week here at Saint Michael Parish. Eucharistic Adoration means the Blessed Body of Christ is exposed in what’s called a monstrance — the Blessed Body of Christ cannot be left alone when exposed.

Thanks to a large group of committed adorers, or those who cover the same hour each week, we’ve been blessed with Eucharistic Adoration at SMP since 2000. In 2003, a visiting priest came to speak about adoration, and on Ash Wednesday of 2003, adoration was expanded to perpetual — or 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Eucharistic Adoration is held in the St. Joseph Chapel. Mike Landowski constructed the wood repository in which the monstrance sits and Julie Ziegler painted (wrote) the icons of the Annunciation of Jesus.

Kateri Neal has been covering an adoration hour for all these years. She currently prays at 5 a.m. on Thursday mornings, but she has covered a variety of hours over the years. Her husband, Dennis, started praying with her in the past few years. Kateri is thankful for the gift of Eucharistic Adoration, which Fr. Jim Lee started all those years ago. She believes it has strengthened the faith and vibrancy of SMP.

“I don’t know what my faith walk would look like if adoration wasn’t a part of my life,” Kateri says. “I have witnessed so many miracles over the years of adoration, some big and some little. I can always take it back to praying for it at adoration.”

Grace Ordos says the adoration chapel is one of her favorite places to be. She very much missed this opportunity to pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She feels blessed to have a weekly hour and to visit when she can.

A youth prays at the adoration chapel.

“What I’ve seen from being consistent in giving time to God in adoration, is that God is accomplishing beautiful work in my heart, every time I go to Him,” Grace says.

Adoration has been an extremely powerful place for Grace’s faith and prayer life.

“Letting God see my heart in adoration has drastically changed and improved my life, time and time again,” Grace says. “God offers me consolation in my fears and sorrows, direction in my confusion and stress, and so much richness of wisdom and clarity, with very little effort on my part. I just have to show up and be present to Him.”

Grace has seen that adoration makes it very hard to hide from God. A committed hour makes it easier to experience God’s unconditional love. She would invite anyone to try relaxing in God’s presence in the adoration chapel, a distraction-free and peaceful place.

“His presence is so palpable in the Eucharist,” Grace says. “He desires to be seen and known by us, and will richly reward us for all the time that we share with Him.”

Stanley Reimer believes adoration can help people re-center their priorities. He tries to attend twice per week if he can.

“Having a sacred space in front of the Real Presence solidifies the experience, draws one’s attention to what matters, and helps to decrease distractions,” Stanley says.

It takes time to build a routine of adoration, but Stanley believes it is worth it because of the life-changing power of adoration.

Rochelle Rothaus says putting adoration into words is impossible. It has impacted her life in so many positive ways since she started attending 15 years ago.

“There is a profound change in my relationship with Jesus,” Rochelle says. “I pray the love I receive being there in front of Jesus will pour out from me and into others.”

She is so thankful for the gift of Eucharistic Adoration at SMP. Being able to be in the presence of Jesus leaves her in awe.

“I have noticed over the years, since starting weekly adoration, that my thoughts turn to God at all times of the day, in almost every situation,” Rochelle says. “He has become my best friend. Spending time with Jesus in adoration helps me keep my eyes and heart fixed on Him — in times of struggle and in times of joy.

Kateri welcomes those who want to grow in faith to consider signing up for a weekly hour of adoration. “If you are looking to change your relationship with God and your perspective of life, adoration is one of the best ways,” Kateri says. “It’s the best gift you can give yourself.”

If you would like to sign up for an hour of adoration, please visit https://smpoly.weadorehim.com.