Adoration & Prayer

At the start of the time of adoration (called exposition) everyone kneels while the priest places the host in the monstrance, "O Saving Victim" is sung. This song can be sung in Latin or English, at Newman it is sung in Latin and can be found on the second to last page of the missalette. After this there could be additional prayers, if this is also a time when confession will be available the priest will then head to the confessional.

At the end of the Adoration time (called Benediction), The priest will return to the front and everyone will kneel again. A song, "Tantum Ergo" will be sung. Benediction can be found on the second to last page of the missalette. After some words by the priest and responses the Divine Praises are said. Lastly, the song "Holy God we Praise thy Name" is sung as the priest processes out. This song is in the missalette or #657 in the red songbooks. 

There is not a single answer to this question! Adoration is a time of prayer and how one prays is up to them. A few things you could do are read and reflect on passages from the Bible, pray any prayers you enjoy (Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet), journal, or quietly enjoy the presence of Christ. You may also notice that some people choose to kneel and some sit, either are appropriate. Jesus is present in the monstrance and we should be respectful while in the space, but you may choose the posture that feels the most appropriate and comfortable. When entering the Chapel, it is customary to genuflect and when entering while Adoration, many people choose to kneel on both knees before entering their pew to show additional reverence during Adoration. 

That is up to you! While Newman has a Holy Hour (an hour of time spent in Adoration) every weekday, don't feel like you have to spend the whole hour. If you are new to Adoration it may be easiest to start at a shorter time and work up to the hour, or if you're schedule doesn't allow still feel free to pop in for as long as you can! Some places even have perpetual Adoration chapel where people have access to adoration 24/7. Epiphany Catholic Parish in Normal has one, more on their Adoration Chapel can be found here.

Source & Summit is an hour of Adoration Wednesdays 8:00 - 9:00 pm. This time of adoration follow the same process as the regular daily holy hours except there is worship music played during it. This offers a different form of worship, and you can join in singing or simply pray with it!

No, if you are not Catholic you are welcome to join us! Catholics believe that the host present in the monstrance is truly the Body of Christ and all can join in praying! Adoration can be a great thing to experience if you're interested in Catholicism or simply want to experience more. 

The Newman Center has a second chapel! There is a small chapel that is accessible and available anytime the building is open. You are, of course, always welcome to pray in the main chapel but if you are looking for something different this can be a great option! It is a small, intimate space with a tabernacle (this means Jesus is present, but it is not exposed in the monstrance). The door to the side chapel can be found in the back half of the building, across from the kitchen on the opposite wall. This space is a favorite for many students as a quiet spot to pray. (Another favorite spot to prayer is in the back yard at the grotto, with the benches and statue of Mary many love to say the Rosary here or simply enjoy being outside.)