During activity period, many students around campus find comfort and peace in the chapel as they attend weekly Eucharistic Adoration. This special service, which aims to provide a space for students to pray and silently reflect during the school day, takes place every Friday and is usually lead by Father John Ulrich.

Activity period weekly adoration is unique to the Marist community and different from a regular Mass. It is not necessarily a service, as there is no sermon or communion. “Adoration is more of an opportunity for students to pray and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” said Fr. John Ulrich.

Last year, Fr. John was asked to provide a time for adoration during activity period in order to give students a chance to have a reflective time in an otherwise busy day.

Every Friday, Fr. John takes the Blessed Sacrament out of the tabernacle and places it on the altar. Because activity period is typically a busy time, students are free to come and go as they please and enjoy the peace of the chapel. There is no pressure for how much or how little time students spend with the Blessed Sacrament.

Fr. John stressed the importance of a spiritual break during the day. “The quiet of the chapel soothes people,” he said. “Some people can pray the rosary, while others can quietly reflect.”

Quiet, peaceful music is also played throughout activity period to encourage the right mindset and spiritual openness.

Junior Thomas Mastella shared his thoughts on adoration. “It gives us a chance to talk to Fr. John and to access a quiet space for prayer,” he said. “It is easy to just show up and pray at any point of the activity period,” Mastella added.

For those interested in attending adoration, they should plan on coming to the chapel on Fridays.