St. Joseph’s celebrates 20th Anniversary of Perpetual Adoration

St. Joseph’s is a rare Catholic Community that has met the daunting challenges of offering a Perpetual Adoration ministry. Over the past 20 years, almost 1000 adorers and substitutes have served. Long-time coordinators Nina and Larry Wagner took over the ministry several years ago after Andy and Sondra Geyer departed. Nina says, “The Geyers pretty much chose us after praying and conferring with Pastor Wayne Dawson. I grew up in a parish in Torrance, CA which had Perpetual Adoration and I used to accompany my dad who founded the ministry when I was in high school. Larry and I have a joint hour together, which is really special, sitting as a married couple before the Lord. Adoration is what keeps us at St Joseph’s. Because Jesus loves each of us so much, He had to find a way to stay physically and intimately near to us, and He did, in the Most Blessed Sacrament. If people really knew WHO was sitting on that humble little altar, the chapel would be over-flowing with people. Jesus -- GOD -- is really on that altar. He’s humble because he doesn’t want to scare anyone away.”

There are many people who drop in to visit who are not registered. The Wagners would love to harness those visitors to fill the vacancies, even if just temporarily. They have a google sheet with the list of upcoming openings which is emailed out to registered adorers and subs. Signs are posted on the doors of the chapel to reach visitors.

Parishioner Emalou King, who has been an adorer from the beginning, says that she was introduced to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the discipline of the Holy Hour while in Catholic School in the Midwest. “I knew it was very special because we always genuflected on both knees and never touched the Monstrance. Only the Priest did that with his covered hands.”

Thankful to have exposure to the Blessed Sacrament 24/6 at St. Joseph’s she feels that it is truly a gift and is grateful for the dedication of the two married couples who led this ministry over the years. “I feel peace, comfort, consolation, blessings, and renewal. Volunteers who serve before and after your hour become new friends in Christ by sharing this sacred space. A man once asked me about Adoration and I explained it this way. ‘If you go to the beach and do nothing but sit quietly for one hour, the SUN changes your appearance (tan or burn) and your attitude. Well, if you go to the Adoration Chapel and do nothing but sit quietly in sacred space for one hour, the SON changes your appearance and your attitude.’

She shares that there are now cards with mailing envelopes in the chapel for your use after offering time for someone needing your prayers. The picture of the Divine Mercy is on the cover reflecting our chapel, the Monstrance, candles, and Bible.

On Sunday, December 8, a special 11 a.m. Mass will be celebrated to honor the 20th anniversary of St. Joseph’s Perpetual Adoration Ministry. The Mass honors all past and present adorers and substitutes who have offered countless hours of prayer for our community. A luncheon celebration for adorers and substitutes will be held in the hall following Mass. If Jesus is calling you to an hour of contemplation each week, contact nina-wagner@hotmail.com or call (831) 479-8597 to register as an adorer or substitute, and to reserve your space at the luncheon.