St. Mary-Holy Cross Parish

                                             Adoration is not being held at this time. 

At the center of this adoration is the consecrated host that we call Eucharist. The host on display is the body of Christ as it was consecrated during Mass. The Blessed Eucharist is displayed in the monstrance, a gold colored vessel with the Blessed host in the center of it. There are multiple lit candles on either side of the monstrance to signify the light of Christ. The Blessed host is incensed by the celebrant upon exposition and reposition to signify our prayers rising to heaven like the smoke of the incense.

During Adoration, occasionally the liturgy of the hours are prayed, or possibly rosaries are prayed, possibly a homily or reflection is shared, but usually it is total silence. That silence gives those present the opportunity to ponder, to meditate or contemplate upon the meaning, the story of how what was formerly bread has become the real presence, the very body of Christ. Issues to be pondered upon during this silence include, how did this come to be, what is the meaning of this Eucharist for me or to me, how could I be loved this much, or what is God asking of me in my life.    The difficulty during this period of silent adoration is a racing mind that goes to everything except the Eucharist. That is common, that is to be expected and anticipated because of our human condition. We never have or never take the time to quiet ourselves and listen to what the Lord has to speak to us. In this form of powerful prayer, we are called to listen to what God has to speak to us rather than us asking of God as we usually do in prayer.