At St. Therese, we are all about building relationships.  Our first and deepest relationship is with Jesus.  The relationships that we build with one another are in and through Christ.  

Naturally, all relationships have rules.  Without rules, relationships fall apart and people get hurt.  St. Paul mentions the commandments on the second tablet in today’s second reading.  Adultery seriously damages the relationship between a husband and wife.  Killing or murder obviously ends a relationship.    Stealing damages a relationship.   It is an injustice to take something that does not rightly belong to you.  Coveting or jealousy eats away at a relationship and kills gratitude in the soul.   St. Paul summarizes by saying that charity fulfills the law.  
         
This weekend, we celebrate our ten-year anniversary of Eucharistic Adoration.  Our Eucharistic Adorers have been truly amazing over the years, offering their prayers and love for their families, our parish, and our country.  I like to say that whereas the Mass is the heartbeat of a parish, Eucharistic Adoration keeps the blood flowing!    

We began Eucharistic Adoration at St. Therese in 2016 so that we can grow in love.   When you take time in front of Jesus, who is love, it will have an impact on you!  Think of sitting in the sunlight and the sunrays shining on your face or the heat from an oven when pulling out dinner.  

In Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, you sit in front of Jesus in silent love.  Eucharistic Adoration is a school of divine love.  Jesus teaches you how to sit quietly, to be at peace with yourself, and He invites you to bring your suitcase of life’s burdens and challenges to Him.

Imagine you are sick and they check you into the hospital.  The medical team hooks you up to an IV, which nourishes you with nutrients.  Sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament is your IV.  Jesus nourishes you with Himself and all the fruits – peace, joy, rest, delight, contentment, etc.  Adoration is like an oasis in life.  It gives you refreshment as you tackle the burning challenges of the day.
         
During the school year, classes from our school regularly visit the chapel to spend quiet time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  Little by little, they are learning to become comfortable with silence and to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd.  While our little ones can be a little squirmy, it is delightful to see them with their hands together saying their prayers! 
         
On a personal note, time in Eucharistic Adoration grounds me.  I can get anxious or worried about a million things but sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament I can take a big breath and say, “Things are going to be okay because Jesus is in charge.”  Adoration reminds me that the parish belongs to our Lord.
         
Currently, we offer almost 40 hours of Eucharistic Adoration.  I am extremely grateful for all our parishioners who have signed up for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration each week.  I am also grateful to those who stop in to offer their gratitude, love, and prayers before the Blessed Sacrament!  It is not uncommon to hear that an hour of Eucharistic Adoration is the best hour of the week.
         
Prayer is essential as we are about to embark on the capital campaign to grow our beloved parish in Christ very soon.  Each day I have been asking Jesus to bless, protect, and guide our capital campaign according to His will.  May our Lord’s will be done!  

Currently, we have some hours in need of adorers each week.  If the Lord is tugging at your heart to spend a little more time with Him, please be open and respond!  Keep in mind that you can always share an hour with someone where you rotate with another person each week.  Again, thank you to our adorers and all those who spend time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  The most needed hours for Eucharistic Adoration are:   

• Tuesday, 8–9 am
• Tuesday, 3–4 pm
• Wednesday, 12–1 pm
• Wednesday, 1–2 pm
• Wednesday, 7–8 pm

                                                       ~St. Thérèse, pray for us!