Praying at Eucharistic adoration

Second in a Lenten series on Stewardship -- A Life of Prayer

	Stewardship Stewardship: A Way of Life is the diocesan thrust. It invites Catholics to acknowledge that all of life is a gift of God and to respond through prayer, service and sharing. This series will look at ways to do that.

My wife, Sue, and I have been members of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Green Bay for more than 20 years. Just over three years ago we attended a meeting about the vision of starting a Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

Lent
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I had no idea what this meant, but I thought I could volunteer my time on occasion to sit with our Lord for an hour. In fact, when it came time to sign up, I thought that an hour from midnight to 1 a.m. would fit into my schedule well, as I work until 10:30 or 11 p.m. and could stop by occasionally on my way home.

What I didn't realize was that I was making a weekly commitment! What is more, Sue said she would accompany me each week. Now, I literally drive by the chapel on the way home to pick her up.

Our Perpetual Adoration Chapel is in the lower level of Ss. Peter and Paul. It is open to all. Its name is Christ the King Chapel. The entrance is just off University Avenue on the east side of the church.

Perpetual Adoration began here on Dec. 12, 1999. My mother asked me in all seriousness about how long we have perpetual adoration. I laughed and said, "Mom, it is perpetual. It goes on forever!" Actually from Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday morning there is no adoration, but the chapel is open for prayers. Sue and I are there from midnight until 1 a.m. on Friday.

Many of my friends from work know I do this after work on Thursday. A question often asked is why? There are many answers but I believe the most important one is to show our devotion to Jesus. It can be a place of comfort. No matter what is going on in our hectic lives, we can go there and know that Jesus is there loving us always.

As one enters the chapel there is a book of petitions on the counter next to a quality library of Catholic books. Many people look to the chapel as a place to present our petitions to the Lord. It is also a place for thanksgiving. How often do we forget to take time out and to thank God for all of the wonderful blessings provided for us each day?

The chapel also represents a safe, quiet place for meditation. It is non-threatening and non-judgmental. I must say that I have used the chapel as a place to go and "cool off" when my temper gets the worst of me. At first, I thought this would be inappropriate, but who better to listen to your frustrations and anger then the Lord, Jesus Christ. I can say that I always leave there feeling better and apologetic for having lost my temper.

Hopefully at this point you may be thinking, how can I get involved? Or I would like to visit. It is easy. Call Sharon Van Ooyen at 465-1637, or e-mail me at Weather414@aol.com. Don't worry, there is no need to sign up for a time each week. But I'd be willing to bet that you find yourself committing to that.

And by the way, if you are looking for a petition, remember the local weatherman and how he is trying to guess tomorrow's forecast.

(Mahoney is the chief meteorologist at WFRV, channel 5, Green Bay, and a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish.)

-- Next: Liturgy of the Hours