It is difficult to put into words the experience of praise and worship adoration at St Joan of Arc. Key word: experience, because one has to experience it in order to get it. 

It is truly an experience, and I will try to describe it for you. I would call it a feast for your senses.

1st your sense of sight: The many votive candles lit on the altar and on the steps, the picture on the screen, and the background lighting lights up the statue of Jesus and His image reflects onto the ceiling. You can gaze upon Jesus, as He looks at you, and holds open His arms, and draws you close.

2nd your sense of smell: The fragrance of the incense is so sweet. Psalm 141, verse 2 says, ‘Let my prayer be incense before you, my uplifted hands an evening offering.’ This is a beautiful image of our prayer and adoration rising to heaven, especially when you don't have the words.

3rd your sense of hearing: Maybe you have been to other praise and worship events where the music is loud rock and roll music. It is not that at all. It is simply beautiful, meditative music (and it varies from week to week). Again, if you don't have the words, just kneel or sit, and listen, and let the music gently lead you.

I feel like praise and worship adoration is a well-kept secret. Anywhere from 20 to 30 people come every week. It is so quiet and peaceful. There are no distractions. I would LOVE for all of you to have this amazing experience as well.

Praise and worship adoration takes place the first three Thursdays of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. You will be amazed how quickly an hour flies by. 

I brought my 11-year old grandson, and he is looking forward to coming again. I am inviting you, but more importantly, Jesus is inviting you. You don't know what you are missing, and I guarantee you will come back again and again. It is truly the experience of this lifetime!

Our pastor tells the children in our parish it's a time for you to look at Jesus and to reflect on him looking back at you. That visual image is striking to me in my worship.

Years ago, I remember standing in church at a daily Mass — after being a Sunday-only church-goer — and I had two profound a-ha moments: I thought to myself, (1) I can do this every day! and (2) If I have time to play tennis two times a week, I have time to go to Mass two more times a week." 

Life-changing. 

I love Mass. I love Jesus in the Eucharist.

I was late to the party on eucharistic adoration, not even knowing it was a thing until my mid-30s. (I'm now in my mid 50s). Once I became a eucharistic "adorer," my life changed. My relationship with Christ and His church changed. My relationship with others changed and my mission as a Catholic Christian changed. I knew I had to respond.

There have been many moments at Mass when I have known the healing power of Christ and He has given me inspiration for my daily struggles. Many times, I’ve cried during prayer after receiving Holy Communion. I am coming to know the joy of surrendering my suffering and uniting it to Jesus' at Mass, and that brings great peace. No matter how I feel, or whether I experience consolation from going, I know in my mind and heart that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. I missed it acutely during the covid shutdown in 2020.

I also love hearing and meditating on the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass, and gain many insights from the priests' homilies. It’s very calming and restorative for me to spend time with Jesus in adoration. He helps me sort out my problems and lets me know His great love for me.