Eucharistic Adoration

What it is

EucharisticGlossaryPrayer and rites centered on the Blessed Sacrament—adoration, Benediction, processions, and hymns of the Real Presence. adoration is the worship of Jesus Christ present in the Blessed SacramentGlossaryOne of seven efficacious signs of grace instituted by Christ: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing, Orders, Matrimony.. Outside MassGlossaryThe Church's central act of worship—the Sacrifice of Calvary made present, and the sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood., the faithful pray before the tabernacle or before the Host exposed in a monstrance. A Holy Hour is a common form. This is latriaGlossaryClassical terms: latria is worship of God alone; dulia is veneration of saints; hyperdulia is the unique veneration due to Mary.: the same Lord received in Communion is adored on the altar.

What it is not

Adoration is not a replacement for receiving Communion worthily at Mass. It is not "more Catholic than Mass" as a lifestyle brand. It is not merely aesthetic silence; it is confession that the Incarnate Word is there. Casual chatter in the chapel treats Him as furniture.

How a Catholic encounters it

Find your parish's adoration schedule. Make a weekly hour if you can—or fifteen faithful minutes. Bring Scripture, a rosary, an examination of conscience. Speak little. Listen. Let the Presence judge your distractions. See also BenedictionGlossaryA rite of Eucharistic devotion: the Host exposed, hymns sung, and the priest blessing the people with the Blessed Sacrament., the rite that often closes exposition with the priestly blessing of the Sacrament.