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APOSTLES
OF THE REAL PRESENCE
Devoted to Restoring the Faith and Understanding in the
Real Presence of
Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist
GUIDELINES TO IMPLEMENTING EUCHARISTIC ADORATION PROGRAMS
1. The desire for Adoration in a parish usually begins when several lay people seek each other and begin discussing how to approach their pastor about this subject. When this group is formed, you may begin encouraging other interested people within in your parish. There needs to be about 5 to 10 people who would be willing to act as leaders, coordinators and adorers.
2. The group of people would then approach the Pastor to request, on behalf of the whole parish, the desire to initiate Eucharistic Adoration.
3. These people would assure the Pastor that once the program is developed, they would be responsible for the entire administration of the Eucharistic Adoration program. Also, remind the pastor that the Apostles of the Real Presence can provide advice and support, such as educational discussions, materials and the implementation of the adoration program, all with no burden on the pastor.
4. At the first meeting with the pastor, only ask for his prayers and the consider this request for adoration.
5. The lay group should pray for the pastor during the entire period. If the pastor denies the request, keep doubling the prayers. It is advisable to approach him after a considerable amount of time has passed in which he may reflect on this request.
6. If the pastor is receptive, the group should again meet with him, together with representatives from the Apostles of the Real Presence, so that detailed plans can be discussed. It is recommended that a minimum of one day a week of Adoration be proposed, with two committed adorers per hour. Also consider people who work during the day and include a few evening hours for them. At the beginning of the program, it is recommended that your pastor or a designated lay person speak at all weekend Masses to introduce the program to all your parishioners. It is also recommended that similar information be included in a bulletin announcement explaining the entire program, including dates of important events.
7. The series of twelve educational sheets from the Apostles of the Real Presence can be used effectively as part of the parish program to increase or start Eucharistic Adoration. It is recommended that one sheet at a time be inserted into the church bulletin each weekend for 12 or 13 consecutive weeks. This educational technique can also be supplemented with speakers, films, etc., as the particular parish situation may dictate.
8. Once the educational program is completed, it is recommended that someone, such as a representative from the Apostles of the Real Presence, give a final talk about adoration after all weekend masses to encourage parishioners to make a commitment to sign up for an hour to adore Jesus and develop a personal relationship with Him. The pastor should give one’s week notice in the bulletin announcing that the talk will take place on the following weekend and that adoration sign-ups will be taken at that time.
9. It is recommended that the sign-up sheets be made available after the subsequent weekday Masses until the following weekend Masses. Schedule a meeting of all adorers during the subsequent week after sign-ups are completed to review any adoration guidelines and to make any adjustments to the schedules, if necessary. Start your adoration that same week or the following week.
10. Provide a
sign-in book for the scheduled adorers and any visitors to adoration. This is an
excellent way to monitor whether assigned adorers are visiting regularly.
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament should not be left alone; an adorer must
be present at all times. Provide
some books and pamphlets for adorers to read during adoration.
11. It is very important that committed coordinators and leaders actively administer the program to ensure its continued success and growth in the future. More detailed information on the organizational structure between the coordinators, leaders and adorers is included in other materials provided with these guidelines.
12. Successful adoration programs are formed by a friend bringing a friend to Christ, earthly friends, and our best friend, Jesus Christ!
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