June 2026 - From the Pastor’s Desk
My Dear Parish Family,
Blessings!
One of the greatest blessings God has given us at St. Agnes Parish is our Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Day and night, Jesus waits for us in the Blessed Sacrament, offering His love, His peace, and His grace to anyone who comes to spend time with Him.
Sometimes we think the purpose of keeping the chapel open is simply to ensure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left alone. While that is certainly important, the greatest benefit is not for Him, it is for us. The Lord does not need our presence because He lacks anything. We are the ones who need Him. Every hour spent before Jesus strengthens our faith, heals our hearts, gives us peace, and reminds us that we are never alone.
I can personally testify to this blessing. Every morning, I get up at 5:00 a.m., and the very first hour of my day is spent before the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel we have at home. I thank God every day for that sacred hour. It is there that I pray, receive His strength, consecrate the day to Him, and surrender myself to His holy will. Those quiet moments with Jesus have become the foundation of my priesthood and my daily ministry.
I also encourage you to read the beautiful spiritual book The Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle, which tells the story of St. Manuel González García, the great apostle of Eucharistic Adoration. His life was transformed when he encountered an abandoned tabernacle, and he spent the rest of his priesthood inviting people back to Jesus in the Eucharist. His words still challenge us today: "Jesus is here! He is here! Do not abandon Him!"
This invitation is not meant to make us feel guilty but to remind us of the extraordinary privilege we have. The King of Kings is waiting for us.
As summer arrives and many of our regular adorers travel on vacation, we are especially in need of parishioners willing to commit to one Holy Hour each week. Perhaps this is something you could do personally, as a couple, or even as a family.
Why should we make Eucharistic Adoration part of our lives?
It deepens our friendship with Jesus.
It gives us strength to overcome temptation.
It transforms our hearts to become more like Christ.
It strengthens our parish, our families, and encourages vocations.
It becomes a powerful prayer of intercession for those we love and for the needs of the world.
Jesus once asked His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?" (Matthew 26:40). He asks the same loving question of us today.
If you are already one of our faithful adorers, thank you for your beautiful witness. If you have never committed to a weekly Holy Hour, I invite you to prayerfully consider doing so.
Jesus is waiting for you.
God bless you always,
Fr. jc
