When I was growing up, my mom made sure my siblings and I knew Jesus. We went to a variety of churches. We had a church that we went to more often than others and I had seen the so called ‘sanctified thing,’ where people were yelling and screaming and jumping up and down.

And I've heard really great choirs. But never in any of those places did I ever feel the presence of the Lord.

Some years ago, a friend invited me to attend the Stations of the Cross. Immediately when I walked through that parish door I said, ‘Oh my goodness, He is here. His presence is here.’

We were walking along the Stations, really walking with Jesus and through the Passion. It was something I had never experienced in any of the churches I visited. I knew immediately that something was different in the Parish.

I continued to go to Mass for a very long time with my friend, and I entered the Church six years ago. I was confirmed the same week my son was baptized. Fast forward to two years ago, and my husband also entered the Church in part because of the unceasing prayers of my son. I and ultimately my family came through the Stations of the Cross and know that He is there in the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is everything to me, as it is where I find the most peace.

I know He listens. I know this is going to sound crazy, but within the last month, I was at a parish where adoration is held all day on Friday. So after I finish working, sometimes I just go there. And so I'm sitting there recently and — I don't know why I did this selfish thing — but there were quite a few people in there and I said, 'I just want to sit here with You by myself.' Within three minutes everyone was gone. I was blown away. It was strange but beautiful. He does listen and He responds.

I used to go before the Blessed Sacrament with printed Prayers. Now, I look at Him and listen, and that has been very, very powerful.

During adoration, I experience great peace. I feel like I can sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament and just rest. Sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament provides me with an opportunity to talk with Jesus and leave the chaos of the world outside. I encounter Jesus in a true way. I talk with Him and He talks to me, and like one saint said about a parishioner of long ago, ‘He looks at me and I look at Him.’ I love the intimacy of Communion with the Lord through the Eucharist.

I love the peace of adoration and praying with Him who is with us in every parish throughout the world!