St. John Paul II said that worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass is of “inestimable value” to the Church.

It’s no wonder, with many parishes in the archdiocese offering times for eucharistic adoration, whether perpetually around the clock or at certain times of the day.

We can be closer to Jesus through eucharistic adoration, which acknowledges the source and summit of our Catholic faith, in that He is entirely present in the Blessed Sacrament.

So why should we participate in eucharistic adoration? Dominican Father Robert Goedert wrote about the urgency in which Catholics must understand how we are different from other Christian beliefs.

“That, of course, is our belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist,” he wrote. “We believe that Jesus gave us His own body and blood in the special sacrament we call the Holy Eucharist. … For us Catholics, the Holy Eucharist is not just a symbol. It is not just a memory. It is not just a promise. It is really Jesus Christ. The Holy Eucharist is not some ‘thing.’ It is some ‘one.’ It is Jesus, our Lord and our God.”

In adoration, we are invited to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. We suggest offering prayers of adoration, thanksgiving, reparation and petition while in adoration. Other suggestions include an examination of conscience or perhaps a reflection on a virtue that appeals to you.

Other ideas include meditative reading, reading about the lives of the saints or praying the Rosary, the Psalms or Liturgy of the Hours,

Alternately, it’s acceptable just to sit quietly and be in God’s presence. Think of the experience as visiting a friend and just enjoy being in His company. This is a good opportunity to listen to what He might be telling you.

Eucharistic adoration resources

The Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association: www.therealpresence.org

The Archbishop’s Committee for Eucharistic Adoration: archstl.org/adoration

“Manual for Eucharistic Adoration,” by the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, St. Joseph, Saint Benedict Press www.saintbenedictpress.com

Visit Mount Grace Convent and the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters (Pink Sisters) in St. Louis: www.mountgraceconvent.org

Eucharistic devotion from the USCCB: www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/eucharistic-devotion/index.cfm