Parishioners are also permitted, and invited, to visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at anytime, not just the days and times listed above. As long as the church building is open, parishioners may spend as much time as they like in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

However, only during the times specifically reserved for Eucharistic Adoration will the Eucharist be available for viewing in the monstrance. The monstrance is the vessel used in the Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, and Anglo-Catholic Churches to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host, during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction. During the times stated above, adorers will have the opportunity to see the Eucharist displayed in the center of the monstrance. Below is a picture of a monstrance.

The setting is one of quiet and prayerful reflection. Every adorer spends time in the presence of The Lord in his or her own way. Some bring a prayer book or small bible. Others pray the rosary. Some simply sit quietly and pray to the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is always in the chapel. When not displayed in the monstrance, the Eucharist is locked behind the closed doors of the tabernacle. The picture below shows the chapel where you can see the tabernacle in front of the windows.

The Setting During Adoration

While always a place to be considered among the most revered in the church, the chapel is additionally special when the Eucharist is exposed during adoration evenings. Appropriately candles are lit, spotlights shine upon the Eucharist, and there is always someone present from 7PM through 11PM.

It is required that someone be present whenever the Eucharist is exposed for viewing. Therefore, a St. Joseph’s Eucharistic Ministers (EM), Deacons, or Priests volunteers to sit in adoration for certain hours during adoration evenings in order to have adequate coverage. At least one EM, Deacon or Priest will always be there for each hour.

During the 7:00 hour, the EM assigned will open with a prayer. Anyone present is asked to recite the Opening Prayer along with the EM. (Booklets are available which include the Opening and Closing Prayers and a variety of material that can be used as desired by adorers.) Once the Opening Prayer is said, the EM and any adorers present are free to use the rest of their time as they wish in quiet prayer and reflection.

There are no prayers said aloud during any other hour. Each adorer spends their time as they like. At the end of the night (11PM) the EM assigned will say a Closing Prayer and then returns the Eucharist to the tabernacle. For security reasons, no one is permitted to remain past midnight.

How Should I Spend My Time?

Adoration is a very special time and people find different ways to spend that time in His Presence. Some guidebooks suggest you consider bringing your favorite prayers or the Bible or Rosary Beads. Or, consider that you are there to spend time and visit with Jesus Christ. Treat the time the same way you would if you wanted to just sit with a close friend or relative. There are no rules and therefore it becomes even more personal for each adorer.

The following is provided to offer suggestions, ideas, and other thoughts that may help you determine how you wish to spend your time:

Adoration evenings are provided on Friday. Has it been a long week? Do you just want to reset yourself and transition from the hectic week before you spend time with family and friends? Adoration is ideal for peacefully transforming us from the burdens we deal with day after day.

Have you had some news this week that has caused you anxiety or suffering or pain? Bring yourself to Him and seek the guidance and the strength you and others need.
Is someone else in trouble or suffering? Tell Him about it and pray for those individuals.
The Bible: Perhaps it has been a goal to read the Bible from cover to cover, or maybe you have favorite passages. What better place than in His Presence?
Pray the Rosary. When is the last time you prayed this wonderful prayer? Don’t worry if you don’t know how. The reference table available for adoration has guides to show you how to pray the Rosary.
Prayer cards and Prayer books. The reference table also includes pamphlets and material for your use.

How Long Is Adoration?

There is no time limit placed upon adorers. Stay as long as you like (you just have to be out by midnight). The following are suggestions.

Most times people select an hour for adoration. From 7:00 to 8:00 or from 9:00 to 10:00, etc.. The assigned EMs will arrive at the start of the hour. This usually signals that EM from to previous hour to leave. There is no formal transition and this does not mean that others must leave when the EM does– how long you stay is up to you.

There are no repeated prayers or services that take place at the start of any hour. Therefore if you want to spend an hour, but don’t arrive until twenty minutes after the hour...fine. Stay until twenty past the next hour (or longer). No one is keeping track.

If you can only stay 30 minutes, that’s perfectly OK. You are not obligated to stay for any length of time. Just make sure your time there is spent appropriately so that you get the most out of your visit with Him.