When you’re in the presence of the Eucharist, you are really in the presence of Jesus. We can spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist at Mass, but there are also special opportunities such as Euchristic Adoration–and these opportunities will deepen your faith and change your life!
“In Eucharistic adoration we allow the love of Christ to persuade our hearts to love him in return. There is no more powerful way to allow God’s love to penetrate the hardness within us and to melt any coldness and indifference in our hearts. As we let the love of Christ penetrate our hearts we find that over time we are being changed into his likeness. When we give him time to soak us with his love we discover a new power to love him and to love others.”
Fr Ken Barker MGL
Eucharistic Adoration is being in the presence of one who loves you. It is spending some quality time with Jesus in a particularly real and sacred way.
During adoration, a piece of the Eucharist—the small white bread being displayed—is preserved from Mass, and exposed. Eucharist communicates many things about God; his love for us, his sacrifice, his desire for union. God's transformation of mere bread into the Body of Christ is the greatest miracle and gift known to mankind. Adoration then, is a way this gift is highlighted and elevated. As we gaze upon Jesus in the Eucharist our desire for him increases.
Absolutely not! Many people from all walks of life find peace and healing in Adoration. Make yourself at home here and do reach out to if you’d like to find out more about our church.
Allow God to do the doing! In our everyday lives, we are so used to doing, we assume prayer must also be active. Yet the unique invitation of Adoration is to be still and to be open. Let your soul rest and simply receive.
We live in a busy world. At the begining of prayer, it is helpful to spend a few moments slowing down and gently guide your attention to the present moment, because God is awaiting you in the present! Use whatever form of prayer brings you closer to God (e.g. the rosary, bible, journaling). Note however, that Adoration offers a particular grace that invites you to be, more than to do, “to be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46). As such, you may like to commit to five mins of silent prayer, and build up from there.
Assume whatever posture will best allow you to be present and alert, yet comfortable. Kneeling, sitting and lying prostrated are all suitable postures. A brief word on etiquette: To show due reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, the church invites you to make a double genuflection when you enter and exit the church. This is simply a brief kneel on both knees, accompanied by the sign of the cross. Note that Adoration is also a space of silence.
This sometimes happens and it is fine! If however you’re finding yourself falling asleep more often than you’d like, evaluate your posture and adjust to what will allow you to remain most attentive.
No, we’re all very busy, but offer God the time you have. You’ll also find that coming and staying becomes easier, as you enter deeper and deeper into the mystery of being in Christ’s presence.
Monday & Tuesday Evenings: Adoration at St Joseph's Oatley
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Start your week with a serene hour of worship and reflection. Our Monday and Tuesday evening Holy Hours at St. Joseph's Oatley provide a peaceful environment to meditate and pray.
Thursday Mornings: Mass and Adoration at St Declan's Penshurst
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Join us for Mass at 9:15 AM, followed by an hour of Eucharistic Adoration starting at 9:45 AM. This is a perfect time to reflect and rejuvenate your spirit for the rest of the week.
Thursday Evenings: Holy Hour, Prayers, and Confession at St Joseph's Oatley
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday evenings at St. Joseph's Oatley are dedicated to Adoration, featuring prayers and the opportunity for confession. This sacred hour allows you to seek spiritual guidance and forgiveness.
Saturday Mornings: Holy Hour, Morning Prayer & Mass at St Declan's Penshurst
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Start your weekend early with Adoration followed by Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Mass at 8:00 AM. This quiet time in the early hours is ideal for personal reflection and connection with God.
Emmaus Nights: Worship and Community at St Joseph's Oatley
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
The last Friday of each month we host Emmaus Nights, a special event with music, adoration, confession, and prayer ministry. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth of community and deepen your faith through various forms of worship.
Watch Fr Chris' homily on the significance of Adoration and how the Mass leads us to Adore Him in this special way.
To watch the whole 5 week series visit the playlist on our Youtube channel. Praying the Mass 5 week homily series