Realization of a Dream

Details: 26 April 2013

One of the first things my predecessor, Father Joseph Walsh, showed me after starting at Catholic Social Services was our Eucharistic adoration chapels. I noticed this was one of the most distinctive characteristics of our office sites. As we have expanded, Bishop Bruskewitz has given us permission to have chapels in our new office sites. Thanks to Bishop Conley, we will have a beautiful adoration chapel in our new St. Isidore Center in Imperial.

That said, one of my dreams was having Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our St. Joseph Chapel in Lincoln. Realizing this requires one to two persons to always be with the Blessed Sacrament, I knew that this would require additional volunteers.

At a recent dinner for Spirit Catholic Radio, Jan Broer said, "Father, we need Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at your chapel downtown!"

I was excited to hear her suggest it and informed her that this was one of my dreams from the very start. I am elated to inform you that as of Friday, April 5, we now have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our St. Joseph Chapel (located on 23rd and O streets in Lincoln) each and every Friday. Our goal, of course is having Exposition each day that we are open for business.

I was told that Jan was amazed at the number of visitors who came into the chapel during her hour. I knew this would happen because many people off the streets wander in our chapels and discover the peace that only Jesus can give. This is leading to many blessing and fruits.

For example, one single mother who came in for assistance wandered into the chapel and after many visits over several years, decided to attend the Easter Vigil at one of the parishes in town. She is, I am confident, on the road to the Catholic Church.

I am grateful to our volunteers who are covering Fridays and would like other volunteers to step forward for an ‘hour with Jesus Christ’ in Adoration. We would love to cover Mondays next. After this, we will tackle the other days of the week. The next goal after this will be starting Adoration in our other chapels across the diocese.

Please keep this dream in your prayers. Can you imagine what the fruits of this program will be? Please know that whenever I am in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I will remember you in my prayers!