Tips for participating in Eucharistic Adoration as a family:
Prepare your child for the experience - explain that this is prayer time, time to sit with Jesus and talk to Jesus. Explain the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and discuss what to expect.
Here is an outline of the hour to help you explain the time to your child and plan what part of the hour you will participate in.
Meditative music prior to procession
Procession - silence
Scripture reading
Clergy reflection
Salve Regina
Alternating 10 minutes of silence/10 minutes of music
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Benediction
Remember, Holy Minutes will provide the best experience for all! If you have not done it before, expecting anyone (your child or you) to do a Holy Hour is too much.
3-5 minutes is a great starting point.
A Holy Hour is like training for a marathon, you will need to train yourself and your children in smaller goals first.
Consider watching the livestream to "see what happens" if that is more comfortable than coming in person just yet.
It's okay if the kids are squirmy, though the quieter the squirm, the better. Regular participation will help them understand what is happening and will help them know what to expect and understand what is expected from them.
What if I've never done this, how can I prepare my child? It's okay. Watch Deacon Cirmo's video, read through some of the resources below to help prepare yourself and watch the livestream this month to prepare for an in-person experience in a future month.
Reach out to Deacon Andy ([email protected]) or I with questions. There is no reason to be embarrassed. Most people have not experienced adoration, but try it because you might really like it.
Use these resources from Look to Him and Be Radiant to teach your children about adoration before you participate.
Encourage your child to read prayers from their prayer journal during the moments you are before the Blessed Sacrament.
Encourage your child to color a picture for Jesus or to write a letter to God in their Prayer Journal.
Recite a decade of the Rosary - 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Mary prayers and a Glory Be.
Read the Readings of the Day from your Reading God's Word Book and sit quietly before the Blessed Sacrament.