Anyone who has kids understands the difficulty in finding one-on-one time with each of them. If they’re involved in sports, band, theatre or other extracurricular activities chances are you are constantly on the go. Life gets hectic and finding time for yourself and your spouse (let alone each of the kids) can be challenging at best. As a mom of three, I know the struggle. Don’t get me wrong, I always enjoy our family time (especially now that they are grown and flown) but there is nothing like that one-on-one, focused time to stay involved and connected.

We are all children of God and just like we want to spend time with our children, God wants to spend time with us. Yes, He is always with us and we celebrate with Him during mass (family time) but like all the moms and dads out there, He craves alone time with us too.

Jesus wants to have a deep and intimate relationship with us. We can’t do that if we don’t spend quality time with Him. All relationships, even our relationship with God, needs to be nurtured and cared for. Eucharistic Adoration gives us that opportunity.

When I first started going to Adoration, I found it intimidating and a bit overwhelming. I had no idea what to do or say. How long did I need to stay? I wasn’t sure I could pray for more than 10 minutes straight. Were there certain prayers I should pray? Did I have to dress a certain way? I certainly didn’t want to look like I didn’t know what I am doing. (That my friends is pride and definitely not the right head space.)

All new things come with a certain level of uneasiness but the more you do them, the more comfortable you become. Trust me when I say I was totally overthinking this! Now I pop in to see Jesus 2 – 3 times a week 😊

Adoration is not going to look the same for everyone. We all have different things going on in our lives with unique situations. God meets each of us exactly where we are and we are all in a distinctive place in our faith journey.

For some, it’ll be a quick prayer of thanksgiving or a request for a special intention. For some there may be a sense of despair or a feeling of helplessness. For others, it’s a time to say the rosary, read the Bible or even write what can’t be said. And still others, it is simply a time of quiet reflection and reconciliation; a way to reset and ground oneself. There is no specific amount of time to spend and no right or wrong way to adore.

For those new to Adoration, expect the unexpected. Tears may fall. Transformations can happen. Pains and fears can become bearable and find purpose. Mindsets can be shifted and weights can be lifted. Answers can be found and doors can be opened. Clear your mind, open your heart and let God lead the way.

What started as an uncertain activity is now one of my favorite parts of the week! Are you ready to get closer to Christ?

Hope to see you there!

See the link below for the perpetual adoration chapels which are part of the Harrisburg Diocese:

https://www.hbgdiocese.org/liturgy-worship-and-prayer/eucharistic-adoration/

Below is the link for adoration sites in the Archdiocese of Baltimore:

https://www.archbalt.org/aob-eucharistic-revival/adoration-sites/

Thank you Fr. John for expanding Adoration at St. Mary of the Assumption (Pylesville, MD).