Forty Hours

What is the Forty Hours Devotion?

The Forty Hours Devotion is an opportunity to gather as a community before the Blessed Sacrament and to pray before the Lord in solemn adoration. It gives us time to deepen our appreciation of the importance of the mystery of the Eucharist in our lives.

What will happen during the Forty Hours Devotion?

It will begin with the noon Mass on Sunday November 6, 2011. At the end of this opening Mass the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed. Over the next few days people are invited to assemble in prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament, and to in the evenings for preached reflection on the Eucharist with Msgr. Rick Hilgartner. The devotion will end on Tuesday evening with a closing Mass.

Why is it Called “Forty Hours”?

Answers vary. Most information suggests the name came from the number of hours Christ spent in the tomb and that some sort of prayer or devotion would take place during an equal length of time. Early celebrations were gatherings of common prayer to atone for sins. Later, these devotions focused on imitation Christ’s prayer during his forty days of fasting in the desert. Over time, the devotions took on purpose of appreciating the gift of the Lord’s presence in the Eucharist.

Why are we having a “Forty Hours” Devotion?

It is a wonderful opportunity to explore, develop, and deepen our appreciation of the Eucharist. The primary setting for the promotion of a life centered in the Eucharist is, of course, the celebration of Mass, but the Church also offers other means of deepening a Eucharistic-centered faith. One such practice is adoration where we gather to pray before the Lord as His presence is revealed to us in the mystery of the Eucharistic bread which is truly the Body of Christ. The Church recommends such solemn adoration at least once a year for each parish.

How can I participate?

• Come to the opening Mass on Sunday at Noon,
  
• Sign up for a specific period for adoration on Sunday, Monday, and/or Tuesday,
  
• Come to the preached closing service with Msgr. Rick Hilgartner on Monday at 7:30 PM,
  
• Come to the closing Mass with Msgr. Rick Hilgartner on Tuesday at 7:30 PM, or
  
• Just show up during any of the periods of adoration and spend a few moments in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

Mark your calendars now to take part in our annual observance of Forty Hours Eucharistic Devotion. Former Associate pastor Msgr. Rick Hilgartner will be preaching our Forty Hours which will begin with the Noon Mass on Sunday, Nov. 28. Msgr. Rick is a gifted preacher.

Schedule:

Sunday, November 6
Msgr. Hilgartner preaches at all masses
12 Noon - Opening Mass with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
1 PM - 5 PM - Church open for private adoration
5:15 PM - Evening Mass
6:15 - 9 PM Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; Life Teen hosts Holy Hour from (7-8 PM) Church open for private adoration

Monday, November 7
8:30 AM - Morning Mass
9 AM - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament all day; Church open for private adoration
7:30 PM - Evening Service of Vespers and Benediction; Msgr. Rick preaching

Tuesday, November 8
8:30 AM - Morning Mass
9 AM - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament all day; Church open for private adoration
7:30 PM - Closing Mass for Forty Hours with Msgr. Rick, concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament