Behold the Real Presence of Our Lord, Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.


"In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering."

                                      - Pope Benedict XVI

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Come join in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Martin's Parish in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Please continue to pray for Perpetual Adoration and the completion of our new chapel.

The Adoration Schedule (until December 31, 2009) is as follows:

Sunday:         2:15 pm - 10:00 pm (Parish Office)
Wednesday:   12 noon - 6:00 pm (Church)
                    6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Church Hall)
Thursday:      12 noon - 5:00 pm (Church)

Check the bulletin boards by the Church doors for changes to the schedule.

THE LORD'S SUPPER

While they were eating, Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. "Take and eat it," he said; "this is my body."

Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God, and gave it to them. "Drink it, all of you," he said; "this is my blood, which seals God's covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink this wine until the day I drink the new wine with you in my Father's Kingdom."

Pope Benedict XVI has declared the "Year of the Priesthood" beginning on June 19, 2009.

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service. Amen.

Help us, Lord, to truly believe in Your Presence in THE HOLY EUCHARIST.

Strengthen our weak faith so that we may come to know that it is really You, our risen Savior, hidden behind the appearance of bread.

At the words of the Consecration, You offer Yourself as a sacrifice to Your Father in heaven, a true reenactment of Your self-offering on Calvary. You humble Yourself by choosing to become present in a simple piece of bread, made by simple human hands.

Otherwise, our human eyes would never be able to look at You in Your magnificence, power, and glory if they were not hidden by the appearance of a simple Host. How wonderful You are, Jesus, to make Yourself so accessible to us in the Blessed Sacrament!

Teach us then, Lord Jesus, to believe in Your Presence in THE HOLY EUCHARIST. May we always love You and adore You, and offer to You this simple prayer: “Blessed be Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament, now and forever.”

Amen.

(Excerpt from the roses prayer recited during the Women of Prayer retreat, November, 2006).