A few weeks ago, I was happy to share with you that the Diocese of Boise and the Catholic
Church throughout the United States will begin a three year period of Eucharistic Renewal. As a
part of that renewal Bishop Peter has asked all parishes in Idaho to begin offering an hour of
“Adoration” one day a week during Advent.
Most people in our parish already know we have “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament” once a
month in our beautiful church. Adoration begins after Mass on the morning of the First Friday of
the month and continues for twenty–four hours until Mass on the First Saturday of the month.
During the twenty–four hour period that our church is open, the Eucharist, on the altar, is
never left alone.
People come to be with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament all day and at all hours of the night.
St. Mary’s even has a ministry that allows you to sign up for a specific time when you want to
come in and pray. Otherwise, you can come in any time, for as long a visit as you like. Some
people simply come in the front door, say a prayer, and go out the side door. A moment with
Jesus is an eternity with Jesus.
Adoration is not “hard to do.” There are no rules, directions, or specific things you have to do.
Being present in front of Christ allows Jesus to lead you to Him. Everyone prays differently so
there are a lot of suggestions, but ultimately it is between you and the Lord to figure out what you
both need from each other.
Our parish has chosen each Thursday evening during Advent, from 6:00–7:00, to offer everyone
the opportunity to pray before the Blessed Sacrament; December 2nd, 9th,16th, and 23rd.
Don’t forget, we will also have our First Friday Mass and twenty–four hour Adoration on
December 3rd and 4th. Watch this space! As Advent approaches we will
have more information and ideas about how our parish will participate in this wonderful period of
Eucharistic Renewal with the more than 72 million Catholics in the rest of the United States.
Peace,