One Hour That Changes Everything

Dear Parishioners,

Continuing our testimonies from last week, we are blessed to have the witness of a parishioner impacted by Eucharistic adoration!

“When I returned to my faith in 2016, I honestly can’t recall exactly how I was first introduced to adoration and exposition. The parish I attended at the time had 24/7 exposition—a practice I had never seen or experienced before. Yes, I had been raised Catholic, but I couldn’t remember ever seeing a monstrance. For those who may not know, a monstrance is the beautiful gold vessel that holds the consecrated host and often resembles a radiant star. Only later did I realize how rare and precious this gift truly was.

When I began committing to a weekly holy hour, I had no idea what I was doing or even why I was there. Some hours felt like four. But within a couple of months, something shifted. I moved from simply “doing something” in adoration—such as praying the rosary, reading a book, or reciting prayers (all of which are still wonderful ways to spend the hour)—to having a genuine, personal conversation with our Lord.

I had never truly prayed that way before, at least not in a way that felt personal and real. I was never taught how, and at first, it felt a little awkward. But as I showed up week after week, something remarkable happened: my relationship with Jesus began to transform. I started talking to Him as I would to my closest friend, sharing thoughts and feelings I wouldn’t share with anyone else, sometimes even speaking out loud. And to my surprise, I began to experience a response. Not in a booming voice from heaven, but in a quiet, unmistakable voice in my heart, sometimes through words, sometimes through a deep sense of peace or clarity.

Now, whenever someone asks me how to begin praying or how to grow in prayer, adoration is the first thing I recommend. Because all it really requires of you is to show up.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that when I take long breaks from adoration, my life is deeply and negatively affected. That’s why I would love to see our whole parish embrace this extraordinary gift from God. And if you ever wrestle with believing in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, there’s no better place to bring that struggle than to sit right in front of Him.”

—Ryan Mascarello

May you all consider participating in this great gift God has given us.

In Christ, Fr. Luke Fleck