After a significant lull, the ministry of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration resumed in Hot Springs on November 1, All Saints Day at St. John's parish in a newly constructed chapel in part of the building that used to be their parish hall/school cafeteria years ago. Since my brother, Danny and my mother are adorers and Danny is a division leader, I have been hearing about the challenges of getting this ministry operating smoothly, especially when they are having their regular adorers sign up for two hour slots of adoration at a time.
I can remember the challenges of getting our Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration started here at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church 8 years ago. We were blessed with a wonderful Catholic man and leader, Roger Bresnahan of happy memory and division and hourly leaders who organized over 300 parishioners who volunteered to take one hour slots to make adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament go on 24/7 for a long time (until the effects of COVID and other factors led to the reduction of adoration hours by three during the late night hours). The main challenge during our first three months was winter weather forecasts and precipitation that led to the suspension of adoration sometimes for a day or more. Deciding when to suspend and when to resume was difficult on Roger and myself, but we made it through those bumpy times (and those that happen every winter) and have kept this blessed ministry going.
It is the only "ministry" that requires no qualifications or experience, but only an openness to spend time with the One that we should ALL love the most, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It allows us a time to "get away" from the activities of our worldly life and praise, thank, petition and express contrition to the Lord for our sins. It can be a time of spiritual reading and reflection, especially when we are using the bible. It can (and hopefully will) serve as an encouragement to come to receive the Lord more often in Holy Communion to give us strength , direction and peace that the Lord (and not the world) is ready to give. It is a foretaste of heaven where we will adore our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all eternity. Eucharistic Adoration has produced many blessings and at times even miracles in the lives of adorers and others, including those in our parish.
I truly hope and pray that more of you will choose to join in with your fellow parishioners either as a weekly, hourly adorer or as a substitute who is ready and willing to fill in when the need arises. I give special thanks to these adorers who are vital to keeping all the hours filled! While I give continual thanks to God for all the ministries and activities that have happened and continue to happen in this parish and the countless blessings that have touched many people's lives, it is the Mass and Eucharistic Adoration that are, I believe, the spiritual fuel that is necessary for all that we do in the name of the Lord Jesus and that bring us firstly into greater union with Him in thought, word and action. PLEASE join us, if you are not already participating in this ministry at Church (or if, due to sickness or disability) at home in a special prayer place that you have created. With God's grace readily available it can be the most meaniful hour (or hours) of your week! Contact our devoted leader, Tom Donnelly at 915-0880 to join us as a regular adorer or willing substitute.
I can remember the challenges of getting our Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration started here at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church 8 years ago. We were blessed with a wonderful Catholic man and leader, Roger Bresnahan of happy memory and division and hourly leaders who organized over 300 parishioners who volunteered to take one hour slots to make adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament go on 24/7 for a long time (until the effects of COVID and other factors led to the reduction of adoration hours by three during the late night hours). The main challenge during our first three months was winter weather forecasts and precipitation that led to the suspension of adoration sometimes for a day or more. Deciding when to suspend and when to resume was difficult on Roger and myself, but we made it through those bumpy times (and those that happen every winter) and have kept this blessed ministry going.
It is the only "ministry" that requires no qualifications or experience, but only an openness to spend time with the One that we should ALL love the most, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It allows us a time to "get away" from the activities of our worldly life and praise, thank, petition and express contrition to the Lord for our sins. It can be a time of spiritual reading and reflection, especially when we are using the bible. It can (and hopefully will) serve as an encouragement to come to receive the Lord more often in Holy Communion to give us strength , direction and peace that the Lord (and not the world) is ready to give. It is a foretaste of heaven where we will adore our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all eternity. Eucharistic Adoration has produced many blessings and at times even miracles in the lives of adorers and others, including those in our parish.
I truly hope and pray that more of you will choose to join in with your fellow parishioners either as a weekly, hourly adorer or as a substitute who is ready and willing to fill in when the need arises. I give special thanks to these adorers who are vital to keeping all the hours filled! While I give continual thanks to God for all the ministries and activities that have happened and continue to happen in this parish and the countless blessings that have touched many people's lives, it is the Mass and Eucharistic Adoration that are, I believe, the spiritual fuel that is necessary for all that we do in the name of the Lord Jesus and that bring us firstly into greater union with Him in thought, word and action. PLEASE join us, if you are not already participating in this ministry at Church (or if, due to sickness or disability) at home in a special prayer place that you have created. With God's grace readily available it can be the most meaniful hour (or hours) of your week! Contact our devoted leader, Tom Donnelly at 915-0880 to join us as a regular adorer or willing substitute.