Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament occurs 24 hours a day/4 days a week.  For current open hours, please check the parish bulletin or call Mariane at the Parish office (610-367-2371 x 107)

Here at St. Columbkill, we will have it for the following hours and days in our Holy Family Chapel

Tuesdays 10:00 am. to 11:59 p.m. (14 hours)
Wednesdays: 12:00 a.m to 11:59 p.m. (24 hours)
Thursdays: 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (24 hours)
Fridays: 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (18 hours) 

A sign-up form is to the left.  
WHAT IS PERPETUAL or EXTENDED ADORATION?

Perpetual Adoration is a Eucharistic devotion whereby members of a given parish (or other entity) unite in taking hours of adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament (in most cases, exposed), both during the day and throughout the night.

Why is exposition in the monstrance preferred?

To see Jesus visibly present under the appearance of the small white host is much more conducive to intimacy than hidden away in the tabernacle. Moreover, it adds an extra responsibility on the adorers to be sure to be faithful to the hours they are scheduled since the suggested norm for having Jesus exposed in the monstrance is that there should be at least two adorers present, and He must never be left alone. Could not these words of our Lord be applied today: "Indeed, this is the will of My heavenly Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son, and believes in Him, shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day."

What are some good reasons for establishing Perpetual Adoration?

To provide an easy, attractive, and practical way of rendering God adoration which is His due as our Creator of giving Him thanks for our redemption of making reparation for our sins and the sins of mankind; of petitioning the good God for the constant help we need.

To show our gratitude to our Lord for remaining among us in our tabernacles, and to make at least some atonement for the many sacrileges, indifference, and ingratitude which He receives in His Sacrament of Love.

What spiritual benefits and graces can be attributed to the establishment of a parish Perpetual Adoration program?

• an increase in Mass attendance and reception of the sacraments;
• return of fallen-away Catholics, an increase in the number of conversions;
• increase in religious and priestly vocations;
• renewal of Catholic family life;
• the spiritual level of the people is raised with a resulting desire and courage to spread the "good news" to others;
• a greater community spirit, centered as it is on the heart of the parish, Jesus' presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Who is responsible for organizing a Perpetual Adoration program?

Vatican Council II had emphasized the importance of lay involvement in the Church's mission. It is the team principal of laity doing the footwork, but always keeping the pastor informed that makes an adoration program work. It is important that from its very inception that pastors and parish clergy be assured that it does not mean they're taking on extra work in an already busy schedule.

What is the best location for Perpetual Adoration?

The best location for Perpetual Adoration is a small chapel. A chapel can be kept warm economically in the winter. It creates a greater atmosphere for quiet intimacy with the Lord, and people generally feel more secure in a smaller place. If the church does not have a chapel, any small room can be converted into one such as an altar boys' sacristy, a crying room, a room in the rectory, convent, or parish center, are all suitable locations for a Perpetual Adoration chapel with proper security measures taken into consideration.

How does one spend an hour before Jesus exposed in the Blessed Sacrament?

This hour Jesus wants you to spend with Him is spent any way you want. You may bring your own prayer books, use the books in the chapel, read the Bible, pray the rosary, or just sit and relax and enjoy the sweet peace that comes from simply being in the Presence of God. You may feel that you can't pray well. Don't let this discourage you. The mere fact that you take time out at a specific time each week to spend an hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament pleases Him very much and is in itself a prayer of great faith. Please remember that Perpetual Adoration in a parish is not just for a day, a week, a month, or a year. Rather, it is for always. It is not temporary, but ongoing, lasting, and permanent.

(The Franciscan Friars of Marytown have devoted a special fifty-six-page issue of Immaculata Magazine to the Eucharist. It is available from the Conventual Friars of Marytown, 1600 West Park Avenue, Libertyville IL 60048. This text is abridged from an article that originally appeared in this issue.)

Electronic text (c) Copyright EWTN 1996. All rights reserved.