CHILDREN IN ADORATION

As I have said in past Blogs, I think the only hope for the future of the Church is a return to a deep love for the Eucharist. I was encouraged to read recently of a grammar school in South Bend, Indiana that started an after school club dedicated to adoration of the BLESSED SACRAMENT..

 “Our main purpose for starting the adoration club is for students in Kindergarten all the way up to eighth grade to have time to spend time in Eucharistic adoration, to teach them how to use their time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and [to] really deepen their relationship with Christ,” Katherine Soper, a second grade teacher  at St. Joseph Grade School.

Ms Sober said she is excited to offer students an opportunity to pray weekly in the presence of the exposed Eucharistic host. There are now 22 students enrolled in the club, Soper said, but more are expected to join.

The first few lessons will discuss reverence, proper manners in adoration, and expectations. The next series of lessons will review adoration history and miracles.

Afterward, the students will head to the chapel for an hour of adoration. During adoration,  students will be led in a rosary, the Gospel, and reflections on scripture. Music will also be incorporated into club, using contemporary and Latin hymns.

“The goal for the Eucharistic adoration time is to give the students a time to reflect and silence. We see a need for students to have a time for silence [and] prayer… These students have a burning desire to deepen their relationship with Christ.”

Young children are hungry  for a relationship with God and what better way to start them on a path to holiness.

St. Pope John Paul II wrote from the Vatican on May 28, 1996, “I urge priests, religious and lay people to continue and redouble their efforts to teach the younger generations the meaning and value of Eucharistic adoration and devotion. How will young people be able to know the Lord if they are not introduced to the mystery of His presence? Like the young Samuel, by learning the words of the prayer of the heart, they will be closer to the Lord, who will accompany them in their spiritual and human growth.”

The saint's favorite place to pray was before the Blessed Sacrament. In fact, his great love for Jesus Christ would cause him to delay his schedule, which upset his assistants.

St. John Paul knew that the Eucharist was the greatest treasure the Catholic Church possesses.