The Blessings of Eucharistic Adoration: Sitting in the Lord’s Presence

Imagine if the risen Christ were to appear to us right here in our parish — wouldn’t we all go running to meet Him? More likely than not, millions of people would travel from around the world just to sit at His feet and soak in the incomparable graces of His presence. It may be hard for us to picture this scenario, and yet the reality is that we already are allowed to rest in Christ’s presence daily!

In the Catholic Church, we are blessed to have the real presence of Jesus dwelling in our midst in the form of the Holy Eucharist during all Masses. Here at St. Francis Xavier, parishioners also have a special opportunity to partake in one of the most sacred experiences our Catholic faith has to offer — Eucharistic Adoration.

Due to social distancing guidelines, Eucharistic Adoration currently takes place in the main church rather than the adoration chapel. Adoration before the exposed Eucharist is offered twice a week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays following the 7 a.m. Mass until the 6 p.m. benediction.

For all who take advantage of this unique opportunity to draw closer to Christ, the spiritual rewards are abundant. Richard and Judith Cronk, coordinators of our adoration schedule, have enjoyed this spiritual devotion for many years.

“We first started when we heard a deacon call adoration ‘a personal hour with the Lord,’” Richard says. “It’s one-on-one time. I get away, and that’s the only thing I’m going to do in that dedicated hour. I don’t have to worry about anything else. All I have to do is sit there and talk to God and listen if He chooses to talk to me.”

For new and “seasoned” adorers alike, there are many ways to experience Christ’s presence in the exposed Eucharist. Whether you decide to spend your time in adoration reading Scripture or other spiritual books, praying the Rosary, or simply engaging in meditative prayer, drawing close to the Lord is always fulfilling.

Judith finds that journaling during her hour of adoration serves to bring her into conversation with Christ.

“I just find it so peaceful,” she says. “If I have something pressing, I will sit in the chapel and journal. There is such an inspiration that comes when I’m ‘letting go and letting God.’ There is such a connection. I think my experience of being in front of the Eucharist, and really talking and having a conversation with the Lord has always been profound for me.”

Scheduled adorers commit to spending one hour a week in adoration. With two to three adorers covering each hour of adoration, Christ in the exposed Eucharist is never left alone. Those who are unable to fill a weekly hour are still invited to come to spend as much or as little time as possible in the Lord’s presence.

Looking forward in faith, Richard and Judith hope to see our parish eventually have enough scheduled adorers to cover perpetual adoration for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“From the get-go, Father said that our goal was to evangelize all of Payne County,” Judith says. “And I think staying close to the Lord is the only way you can possibly do that. If we can touch 30 or 40 people in the parish each year, that would be phenomenal. We’re praying for the parish, that they are really on fire for adoration — it’s really so important.”

Here at St. Francis Xavier, we are blessed with an opportunity to experience the special graces God brings through the adoration of His Son in the form of the Holy Eucharist. In the words of Pope Paul VI in his Credo of the People of God, “The Blessed Sacrament... is, in the tabernacle, the ‘living heart’ of each of our churches. And it is our very sweet duty to honor and adore the Blessed Host” (26). Let us embrace this truly precious gift, and go now to sit and rest in His presence!

If you would like more information about Eucharistic Adoration at St. Francis Xavier, or to become a scheduled adorer, please contact Richard and Judith Cronk by phone at 405-269-9786, or by email at bendonker@hotmail.com or judyklynne@yahoo.com.

Eucharistic Adoration is available at St. Francis Xavier on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For new and “seasoned” adorers alike, there are many ways to experience Christ’s presence in the exposed Eucharist. Whether you decide to spend your time in adoration reading Scripture or other spiritual books, praying the Rosary, or simply engaging in meditative prayer, drawing close to the Lord is always fulfilling.