St. Pats Youth YOUTUBE SUGGESTIONs

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Teen Testimonies about Eucharistic Adoration

“When I was required in middle school, a Catholic school, at least 15 minutes every week would be spent in Adoration. Each time I went, it seemed like a chore or something that had to be checked off a list, always checking the clock to see how much time was left. Adoration was never something I looked forward to, or felt like I got much out. In high school, now a public school, as part of the St Patrick's youth group each Sunday night would end with at least 20 minutes of Adoration. Again this was not something I was immediately excited about or looked forward to each week. Through the consistent and continuous time spent in the presence of our Lord, I have come to genuinely enjoy the moments I get to sit in front of the Monstrance. Over my senior year, during my partial period at school, or after sports practices, I set aside time to come up to Adoration or even to just sit in the Church on days without Adoration. This change was nothing immediate or awe-striking, it was a gradual change from countless hours over a period of four years. Now, nearly every time I exit the Church, I feel like skipping down the steps to the parking lot, and if no one is watching, sometimes I do.”

• Ryan McDermott (Class of 2020, now attends Colorado School of Mines)

“I am so thankful that Adoration and Confession have been incorporated as a part of Life Teen. It only makes sense for them to be present. It is through the sacraments and spending time with Jesus in the Eucharist that has enabled me to grow closer to Him. Being able to go to Confession and examine my conscience on a regular basis has developed within me a greater sense of humility that I hope to carry with me throughout my life. Through the mercy of Jesus in the sacrament I have grown to understand more and more, and through His graces I have made better decisions over my years of high school.  I am grateful to have had the opportunities to grow my relationship with God through Eucharistic Adoration and Confession, and without them, my faith would not be as strong as it is today. I have come to know truth in the sacraments that I cannot ignore and I plan on keeping them as a part of my life to guide and challenge me throughout my journey to come to know and love God better.”

• Bethany Harris (Class of 2021, now attends Benedictine College)

“Adoration became important in my life at a time when I felt unstable and that my life was out of control. During this time my soul was longing for something, yet I didn’t know what. I had been going to Adoration weekly but I wasn't getting anything out of it. It felt like I was worshipping a piece of bread and that it was a waste of time. Eventually, when I felt like I had had enough and I was in a dark place, I came to Christ with an open mind and an open heart. I remember crying in Adoration and finally understanding His love for me. I began to enjoy the intimacy with Christ and the feeling that it is just Him and me. I wanted to be in Adoration and to this day have a longing to be with Him every second of the day. Adoration opened my eyes to the beauty of my faith and the beauty of Christ being present in the Eucharist. I have learned that sometimes when we feel God has abandoned us, He is waiting for us to take that first step and have the faith to say, “Jesus I trust in You. Your will be done.”

• Megan Bayer (Class of 2023)

“When I was younger, I always had trouble sitting still, and, because of this, adoration was something I did not necessarily enjoy. I used to struggle because I never felt a connection to God and my faith. That all changed during my junior high years. I can remember, quite clearly actually, sitting in my seat during adoration at a youth rally. Except this time, something was different. I could sit still. I felt…peace. All of a sudden I felt overwhelmed with emotion. There is not much else I can describe it as. Something changed that day and my faith and prayer life was never the same. During the next few years, I did not mind sitting in silence. When kneeling in front of the Monstrance, or the Tabernacle on days when Eucharistic Adoration does not occur, one realizes how—in the earthly silence—all His glory and power are revealed. Adoration made a profound impact on my life. It still does. Whenever I am feeling down, alone, or lost, I know that He will guide me. And what better place is there to find such guidance than in the silence and reverence of Eucharistic Adoration.”

• Brandon Bayer (Class of 2021, now attends the Colorado School of Mines)