Family Holy Half Hour Brings Christ to the Center of the Domestic Church

By Genevieve Rivera, Religious Education Director at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista 

“To know Jesus and to make Him known.” Our pastor, Fr. Greg Adolf, has many beautiful “one-liners” that stick in the mind and heart. But this one struck in a particular way as our St. Andrew’s Religious Education team prepared for a new year. How do we truly bring families and children face to face with Jesus Christ? The almost immediate inspiration was Eucharistic Adoration.  

So, on Friday, September 1st, we held our first Family Holy Half Hour. About 100 parishioners from our religious education and youth ministry programs responded to the invitation to come and be with Jesus. Parents brought their children, from infants to teenagers. Some were familiar with Adoration; many had never experienced it before. But they came. Our music team led us in moving worship songs, interspersed with silence. Silences punctuated by hiccups, “Mamas”, “Dadas,” and other babbles. Deacon Bill Polakowski led the parents in praying over their children, and then guided the older children in praying over their parents. 

After Benediction, the Eucharist was reposed, and we began packing up the diaper bags. As we went outside, one parent commented, “We should make this a potluck afterwards next time, so we can see everyone!” Another parent thanked us deeply for providing this opportunity. The little ones ran around screaming with delight, chasing each other around the sidewalks until we gradually dispersed for the night, eager to do it again. 

If you are interested in organizing a Holy Half Hour of Adoration for families at your parish, reach out to Deacon Bill Polakowski at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Sierra Vista, at [email protected].