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LEAGUE OF EUCHARISTIC GUARDIANSPERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATIONLeague of Eucharistic Guardians Official Manual for Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament | |||||||
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Section 4: A Room in the Inn | ||
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The ideal location for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (PEA) is a small room that can be converted to an adoration chapel. Most parishes should easily be able to find a location for Our Lord to receive the many parishioners who will want to visit Him each week; whether it be a sacristy, a cry room, a baptistry or a room in the rectory, convent or school. Some parishes even build a new chapel for PEA. Remember that the room doesn't need to be large since the program is structured around having only a few regular adorers for each hour.
The advantage of a small chapel is that it provides a quiet atmosphere for intimate prayer with Jesus as opposed to the parish church, which has many activities each week that would require the Blessed Sacrament to be reposed (funerals, weddings, baptisms, daily and weekly Mass) or would distract an individual from quiet prayer and adoration (confessions, choir practice, catechesis, prayer meetings, cleaning, maintenance etc.). Furthermore, the temperature can easily be controlled in a small chapel without spending the small fortune it would cost to do the same in the church. Finally, a small chapel makes it unnecessary to keep the entire church open which may be a consideration in areas where security is a concern.
People generally feel more secure in a smaller place. In a small chapel, this secure feeling can be enhanced with actual security measures if necessary. Arrangements should be made to provide access to the chapel while keeping the rest of the building securely locked. A room should be chosen that has a well-lit entrance and nearby parking. Many parishes have installed a doorbell at the outside entrance so that it is possible, if necessary, to lock the door during the night hours, i.e., a Guardian hears his/her expected replacement ring the doorbell and opens the door from the inside. Finally, a telephone could be kept near the entrance to the chapel with a list of emergency numbers. These measures together provide a very secure environment allowing everyone to maintain a prayerful frame of mind. Additionally, the constant presence of Guardians enhances the security of the entire parish compound. It should be noted that bishops, priests and lay people have consistently reported that the parish grounds and surrounding neighborhood have become noticeably safer after the introduction of PEA.
The Coordinator should work with the parish priest to select a suitable site for a chapel and to make the preparations detailed in the following subsections. A "St. Joseph's Committee" can be formed to assist.
Chapel construction and decor need not be elaborate and can be accommodated to the resources of the parish and the preferences of the parish priest, parish council, Coordinator and parishioners. In general, however, the following guidelines should be observed.
A monstrance and altar must be provided for our Eucharistic Lord to be enthroned in glory. Altar linens, at least two vigil lamps (candle, oil or electric) and flowers are also appropriate.
Many parishes have, in the past, created elaborate and ornate displays. We suggest that it is better that the Blessed Sacrament be exposed in a monstrance that is simply placed upon an altar. This is a visual reminder that the Real Presence of Jesus in the Sacred Host flows from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The presence of the altar makes it possible to offer Mass once per month in the chapel. This provides a good opportunity for the officers of the Chapter to meet regularly with the parish priest and for the regular renewal of the Sacred Host. For the purposes of Holy Mass, a chair can be placed in the corner to one side of the altar for the priest-presider. A Crucifix and small ambo (lectern) can be placed in the opposite corner.
An image, statue or icon of Our Lord (Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, Nativity, Passion, Crucifixion, Transfiguration, Resurrection, etc.) can be placed on the wall behind the altar and a statue of the Blessed Mother can be placed in the rear of the chapel facing Jesus as a reminder that true devotion to Mary leads us to the Eucharist. A small statue or image of St. Joseph can be placed near the entrance as a reminder of our role as Guardians of the Redeemer.
For security, some dioceses have directed that the monstrance be enclosed in a transparent case. Such case is not a tabernacle but an extension of the monstrance and, therefore, the presence of at least one person is always required when Our Lord is thus exposed. In any case, the monstrance should not be so ornate as to provide a cause of temptation for thieves.
If permission has been granted for a tabernacle of repose (Section 3) it should be placed against the wall behind the altar. A sanctuary lamp and veil are required wherever there is a tabernacle of repose.
A sign should be affixed at the entrance to indicate that this is a "Chapel of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration". In large buildings or compounds, signs should be posted at each entrance to direct people to the chapel.
When people we care about visit our home we want to make them feel comfortable. How much more so does Jesus, Whose Heart is infinitely more sensitive and caring than our own, desire to make those who visit Him in the chapel feel comfortable. For this reason, and because comfort is conducive to prayer, reasonable efforts should be made to create an appropriate setting. It is recommended that a chapel have at least four padded chairs, each one having a padded kneeler. Also, and especially if the chapel is not carpeted, a few throw pillows are always appreciated by those who prefer sitting or kneeling on the floor.
A small halogen spotlight can be installed to accentuate Our Lord's Presence. This prevents the need of burning many candles at a time. Ambient lighting should be sufficient for reading yet not too bright. Some parishes opt for dim lighting yet install individual reading lights near each chair / kneeler.
Spiritual reading is an essential element of Christian prayer and formation, therefore each chapel should have a selection of books on a shelf or table including, at the very least, one or more copies of the Holy Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A small selection of other books, pamphlets and materials can be made available, at the discretion of the Coordinator, following guidelines approved by the parish priest. Suggestions are available from this apostolate. Each book should be labeled to the effect that it belongs to the parish and should not be taken from the chapel. A small sign should also be posted over the bookshelf asking people to refrain from leaving books, pamphlets and other materials in the chapel without approval from the Coordinator. Donations can be solicited from the Guardians to purchase books.
Though usually obvious, it is a good idea to post a sign at the chapel entrance asking visitors to cooperate in maintaining a prayerful atmosphere of silence so as not to disturb others.
A rest room should be available somewhere near the chapel. If the rest room is not within sight of the chapel, a sign should be conspicuously posted giving directions.
The Log Book, discussed in Section 3, needs to be available for the Guardians. A second registry should be available for other visitors.
A list of special procedures, if any, may be affixed to an inside cover of the Guardian's Log Book to discuss matters such as: What to do if the next Guardian fails to show up; What to do in the case of a major storm; What to do in the case of a power outage et cetera.
A conspicuous sheet should be kept near the entrance inviting newcomers to become a Guardian and providing contact information for visitors who would like to know more.
A sheet can be placed near the visitor registry indicating those hours for which we need either substitutes or permanent Guardians and inviting interested persons to leave their name and phone number for a return call from the Coordinator. This is an excellent way to invite occasional visitors to become committed Guardians.
A telephone can be installed near the entrance to the chapel in case of emergency or in the case that a scheduled Guardian does not show up for his/her assigned hour. Please note that it should be set for local calls only and the ringer turned off.
A list should be posted near the telephone and in the Log Book containing the phone numbers of the Coordinator and Division Leaders as well as the phone number for the parish office or rectory and any appropriate emergency numbers such as fire, police and ambulance.
Trust in God's providence is strengthened by outward signs, therefore a container labeled "Petitions" may be placed before the altar. A note should be posted asking all of the Guardians to remember these petitions during their holy hour of prayer; a simple yet effective reminder that the Eucharist is the sacrament of unity and that, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are invited to intercede for each other in prayer. Paper and pencils for this purpose can be provided on the shelves that hold the reading materials.
Many visitors appreciate a means to express gratitude and give witness to graces received and petitions granted. One easy way to provide for this desire is to place a container labeled "Thanksgiving" next to the "Petitions" container.
Some parishes include these containers of petitions and thanksgiving in the offertory procession, to be placed before the altar, during Sunday Mass. This serves as a simple yet highly effective instruction that adoration of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament flows from the Mass and is directed towards a deeper appreciation of and participation in the Eucharistic Mystery. After obtaining permission from the parish priest, the Coordinator can assign someone to do this on a weekly basis.
It is important that the two chairs in front be reserved for the Guardians on duty. This is important for verification of attendance by the parish priest and Coordinator. More important is that it serves as visual instruction that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is worthy of such honor, glory and praise!
It may be advantageous in some parishes to install a glass divider that separates the front area, which is reserved for the two Guardians on duty and other visitors who are staying for at least an hour, from the rear area where visitors can stay for brief visits. This ensures a quiet and prayerful atmosphere for those who are staying for protracted periods of time.
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| Click here for DONATION FAQ |
Please help us by making a donation now (as low as $1.00) using your Credit Card or Checking Account and Paypal's free online service. You may also help us by ordering our products. Your generosity is much needed and greatly appreciated! |
|
LEAGUE OF EUCHARISTIC GUARDIANSPERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATIONLeague of Eucharistic Guardians Official Manual for Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament | |||||||
|
HOME |
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration |
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| NEW EVANGELIZATION | MISSIONARIES | PRODUCTS | CHAPELS | LIBRARY | LINKS | FAQ | ||