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PERPETUAL ADORATION

At Saint Bernadette, the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is exposed in the chapel for personal prayer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visitors are welcome to come and adore at any time, but a visit would be especially appreciated during one of the open times listed here. Contact the parish office for information and assistance with the entry code. Please park in the front parking lot, entering through the doors of the foyer between the church and the ministry center.

Adorers are currently needed at the following times during the week:

  • Sunday: 2am, 4am, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm;

  • Monday: 1am, 2am, 3pm;

  • Tuesday: 9am, 11am, 2pm;

  • Wednesday: 1am, 8am, 3pm;

  • Thursday: 1am, 3am, 12pm;

  • Saturday: 1am, 2am, 4am, 5am, 3pm, 4pm, 10pm.

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To sign up for a Holy Hour, please contact Gidget Podkulski at (716) 481-2720, or at gidgetp@saintbopny.org

History of Perpetual Adoration

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is a manner of honoring the Holy Eucharist by exposing It to the view of the faithful in order that they may pay their devotions before It.  The practice traces Its roots to the elevation of the Host during the Mass, and reminds us that Jesus is truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity, in the Blessed Sacrament.

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Throughout history, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has been expanded beyond the Mass so that the faithful would have additional opportunities to pray before It and offer devotions.  Exposition first expanded to special occasions, such as vigils to pray for the sick.  Extended exposition may have first occurred in 12th or 13th century A.D. during the Easter Triduum. During the 16th century A.D., churches began observing the "Forty Hours Devotion," which began and ended with celebratory masses and during which the Blessed Sacrament was continually exposed.  Finally, during the 17th century A.D., the practice of continual exposition and perpetual adoration was instituted.

 

Perpetual adoration is the tradition of continually exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the presence of at least one member of the faith community to adore It at all times throughout the day.  At Saint Bernadette, the tradition of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament dates back to September 14, 1997, when it was initiated by Monsignor Nugent and the first group of adorers.  Today, adorers volunteer for one-hour periods throughout the day so that the Blessed Sacrament can remain exposed and available whenever the members of our faith community want to pray before It.  At certain points throughout the year, the Blessed Sacrament may be reposed (returned to the tabernacle) for a time.

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