By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 1/27/05)

Day in and day out, people walk into perpetual adoration chapels throughout the diocese. They walk in carrying all of life’s burdens. When they walk out, their burdens are lightened and their spirits are lifted.

Perpetual adoration is defined by the fact that Jesus makes Himself present in the Eucharist 24-seven, 168 hours every week. When the Eucharist is exposed in the monstrance, instead of veiled by the tabernacle, He should not be alone. In order to have perpetual adoration, people need to spend time with Christ in the Eucharist — traditionally an hour a week.

The few parishes that sponsor perpetual adoration — St. Michael in Annandale, St. Agnes in Arlington, Our Lady of Angels in Woodbridge and Sacred Heart in Winchester — serve the entire diocese. People and priests from many parishes come and spend time in adoration.

The Eucharist "is the sum and substance of the Catholic Church," said John Hurly, adoration coordinator at St. Agnes, and perpetual adoration is an affirmation of that. It should be celebrated especially during the Year of the Eucharist.

"People can say ‘I believe,’ but these people show they believe, once or twice a week," said Rosemary Duffy, coordinator of St. Michael’ perpetual adoration chapel. "Because of the fidelity of the adorers, there are few challenges."

The coordinators of perpetual adoration agree that there are administrative details that need to be worked out. The difficulties arise with bad weather and popular vacation times.

"I would love to see it in every other parish," said Theresa Henderson, coordinator at Our Lady of Angels. "I don’t think people realize the benefits and graces they receive."

One of the benefits for the parish includes an increase in vocations.

Father Brian Bashista, director of the Office of Vocations, said that adoration is a good place to beg the Harvest Master for more laborers in the vineyard.

"It is the first and foremost effort that this office has in promoting vocations — to encourage adoration in the presence of the Lord, in any church," said Father Bashista.

Along with an increase in vocations, there are many who have converted or returned to the Church after spending time in adoration, according to Hurly and Duffy. At each of the chapels, there are prayer books where people can list prayer intentions. Adorers can skim through the list and pray for others.

During adoration, the adorers participate in any number of prayerful activities such as the rosary, reading the Bible, talking to Jesus as a friend and being silent to listen.

"When you first become an adorer, you’re a clock-watcher," said Henderson, adding that the second time is better and the third time, the hour goes quickly. Everyone feels antsy at first and is unsure of what to do or say. "Eventually, you want to be there."

According to Hurly, St. Agnes has about 500 regular adorers.

"Once people understand what it is to visit the son of God, they start to feel it," Hurly said. "Adoration focuses you back on the eternal pulse."

St Agnes parishioner Bernadette Michael has noticed that she and her husband are rarely the only people in the chapel. She also believes that the adoration chapel has reaped many benefits for the entire parish.

"When I come out of there, I’m more calm," she said. "It keeps us focused on what is important in this world."

The St. Michael Perpetual Adoration Society is starting its 21st year with 650 adorers.

"It’s a humbling thing for me," Duffy said, adding that it is easier to deal with life’s daily challenges.

"You don’t come to a locked church door," she said. According to Duffy, there are many people who come to the chapel late at night in tears.

After midnight, there is always a man scheduled for adoration so that women aren’t alone. The local police know that the church is open, and a security guard is on duty each night. Security is a valid concern, but there have never been any problems. "The Lord protects them," Duffy said.

"I don’t see how anyone can get along without (adoration)," said Sam Stinson, a member of the St. Michael Perpetual Adoration Society. "You don’t need to put any effort into it. Just be there."

The perpetual adoration chapel at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Winchester serves the parish, as well as the nearby hospital, according to Father Stanley Krempa, pastor. Open for nearly 10 years, the Sacred Heart chapel has nearly 200 regular adorers and more than 5,000 visits each year, said Pat O’Boyle, coordinator.

"There is a closer intimacy with our Lord, through visits and prayer time," O’Boyle said. "It’s the Eucharist that keeps us going."

O’Boyle said that the adoration chapel has enriched the prayer life of the people of the parish. Both priests stationed in Winchester take advantage of the chapel at different times during the day, Father Krempa said.

"It gives people a quiet place to be with the Lord," he said. "A chance to be in the presence of someone who loves them a great deal."

Father Krempa has noticed that there is a wide cross section of people who go to adoration, both young and old.

"The cars have been coming steadily every hour of the day," he said.

The perpetual adoration chapel at Our Lady of Angels Parish in Woodbridge is in its ninth year and has nearly 325 adorers.

Going to Mass on Sundays is not enough time spent with the Eucharist, said Henderson, adding that even 15 minutes of adoration is worth the time.

Forest McGarry, an adorer at Our Lady of Angels, said that by walking into the adoration chapel, all of life’s burdens are lifted. The adorers feel at peace in the chapel.

"Sometimes, you just need to sit there in silence and let him fill your heart with love," he said.

According to Father Krempa, silence is very hard to find. The quiet of the adoration chapel gives people "a place to pull together all the threads of your life."