A plain guide
What do you do at Eucharistic Adoration?
At Adoration you come in quietly, genuflect toward the Blessed Sacrament, and spend as long as you like in prayer with Jesus. You don’t need any special prayers, and you can come and go at any time.
What it is
Catholics believe Jesus is truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity, in the consecrated Host, the Blessed Sacrament. At Adoration the Host is placed in a stand called a monstrance on the altar (this is called “exposition”), and people come to spend time with him in prayer. You can also pray before the tabernacle, where the Blessed Sacrament is kept, any time a church is open.
Coming in
- Genuflect when you arrive and before you leave: go down on your right knee, facing the Blessed Sacrament. Some people kneel briefly on both knees when the Host is exposed. If kneeling is hard, a reverent bow is fine.
- Keep it quiet. Silence your phone and put it away. Others are praying, so whisper only if you must.
- Sit, kneel or stand, whatever helps you pray. Nobody is watching.
Coming and going
- Stay five minutes or an hour. You can come in and leave quietly at any time.
- If you’ve signed up for an hour, stay until the next person arrives: the exposed Blessed Sacrament shouldn’t be left alone. If no one comes, let the parish know.
- At the end of exposition a priest or deacon may lead a short Benediction (a blessing with the Host). Kneel and join in, or just stay quietly.
Simple ways to pray
- Just be there. Look at the Host and rest. Silence is prayer too.
- Talk to him in your own words: what you’re thankful for, what worries you, who needs prayer.
- Read a Gospel passage slowly, and stop on whatever line catches you.
- Pray the Rosary, or a psalm or two.
- Try A-C-T-S: Adoration (praise), Contrition (sorrow for sin), Thanksgiving, Supplication (asking).
Distracted? Everyone is. Gently come back each time.
Find adoration near you
See where adoration is happening now in West Michigan, or browse by town: Muskegon parishes, Grand Haven parishes and Ludington parishes.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to stay at Adoration?
As long as you like. Five minutes is a real visit. You only need to stay for a set time if you signed up for an hour.
Can non-Catholics go to Adoration?
Yes. Anyone may come in, sit quietly and pray, or simply look and rest. Just follow the same quiet manners as everyone else.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. A short visit is a lovely way to teach children about the Eucharist. Keep it brief and step out if they get restless.
Can I read or use my phone during Adoration?
Reading the Bible or a spiritual book is common. If you pray with an app, keep your phone silent and the screen dim, and avoid anything else.
What is perpetual adoration?
In perpetual adoration the Blessed Sacrament is exposed day and night, and parishioners sign up for hours so someone is always there. Some chapels use a door code at night, so check with the parish.
What if I’m not sure whether the Host is exposed?
If you see the Host in a monstrance on the altar, it is exposed. If not, the Blessed Sacrament is in the tabernacle, and you can still pray there any time the church is open.
Learn more
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