This week our Junior and Middle Syndicate will go to church on Friday morning to experience Eucharistic Adoration. The young people from our senior school are already participating in this once each week. We plan to do this once per month in both junior middle syndicates.

Pope John Paul was eager for young people to have an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. He said, “I urge priests, religious and lay people to continue and redouble their efforts to teach the younger generations the meaning and value of Eucharistic adoration and devotion.” (from the Vatican, 28 May, 1996). Our Lord is accredited with these words in Sister Faustina’s diary:

"Today bring to me the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children, and immerse them in my mercy. These souls most closely resemble my heart. They strengthened me during my bitter agony. I saw them as earthly angels, who will keep vigil at my altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with my confidence."

Leading our young people to a greater devotion to the Blessed Sacrament can help lead them to personal friendship with Christ and an understanding and appreciation of his real presence. Not only can it give them an unshakeable faith, but more active participation at Mass and a deeper desire to pray.

Below are just some of the benefits that we hope our young people from St. Joseph's will gain from these wonderful encounters in silent prayer and reflection.

1. Children who previously had only the weekly experience of Mass, can identify that the Host is actually the person of Jesus, mysteriously hidden.

2. They can develop a greater interest in the mysteries of our Faith and the liturgy of the Mass.

3. They gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the gift of the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus and His sacrifice on the Cross out of love for mankind.

4. They develop a deeper sense of prayerfulness and appreciate the time of reflecting upon their faith in silent prayer.

5. Families accompanying their children witness a growing desire for peace and forgiveness within the family.