As Catholics, we believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  During the Mass, at the consecration, the priest speaks these words as he holds the communion host, "...He took bread and gave you thanks. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take this all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you". When the priest says "this my body", it is at that instant when, through the miracle of transubstantiation, the bread and wine truly become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus. It is His true Presence in the form of bread and wine. It is Christ.

Perpetual Adoration Is offered at St. Patrick Parish beginning Sunday Evening at 6 p.m. through Saturday morning at 8 a.m.  During Adoration, the Priest places a consecrated host in a monstrance, an ornate vessel for the display of the Eucharistic Body and Blood of Christ. The monstrance is then placed in front of the tabernacle or on the altar of the church or chapel for adoration.

What do you actually do during adoration? During Adoration you can have some time alone with Jesus to contemplate the mystery of His true Presence in the Eucharist.  Adorers often recite favorite prayers, read the bible, contemplate acts of faith, hope, charity, thanksgiving, reparation, pray a rosary and grow closer to our Lord. You can just sit and say nothing, simply keeping Him company, just as you would with a dear friend.  

You may visit the Adoration Chapel at any time during the daytime Adoration hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.  For the safety of our adorers, visits from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. will require key card access.
You may sign up to be a Scheduled Adorer in which you commit to one or more hours per week to pray before the very presence of Our Lord, exposed in the monstrance. 

For more information concerning Adoration or to sign up to be an Adorer please contact:  Sharon Anderson, 630-553-0184.

Corpus Christi is Latin for the Body of Christ and is also known as the Holy Eucharist.  This Sacrament, in which we believe Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is truly present among us, not only spiritually but also physically, was instituted by Christ on Holy Thursday at the last supper.  The Church’s custom of having a procession on this feast dates back to the 13^th century.

As part of our celebrations, the parish participates in an annual procession with the Body of Christ from our church through the adjoining neighborhoods and back to the Parish Center.  Friends and parishioners are invited to participate in the festivities in any way that they feel comfortable.  Participants may choose to process with us, watch as the procession passes, decorate the curb along the route with flowers or plants, or join us for adoration.

The Feast of Corpus Christi falls on June 7th, 2015.

 

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,“ Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Matthew 26:26-28