Our parish has had Perpetual Adoration in the Chapel of Divine Mercy ever since 1995. All day and all night, every day of every year, parishioners maintain a vigil of prayer and meditation there. It is an awesome spiritual undertaking that brings great rewards to those who keep an hour with Our Lord.

Here, according to Patti Hunt, who chairs the program, are the details of what the commitment to Perpetual Adoration means for those who undertake it:

First, saying yes to an hour is saying yes to Jesus’ bidding His disciples — those closest to Him — to come be with Him. Saying yes to an hour means we will not leave Him alone

Second, always sign in. Not signing in causes someone to have to phone the person who follows, to see whether the chapel and the Blessed Sacrament were left unattended.

Third, remember that Jesus said to them, "Sit while I pray." With His words to guide us, we realize that this isn’t the place for chatting with each other.

Fourth, even if you are unable to be there, the hour needs to be covered. There are "Sub Lists" of substitute parishioners in the last section of the sign-in book. Look for the appropriate list; for example, "6P-Midnight" for the 10-11 p.m. hour. It is our responsibility to cover the hour.

Fifth, if unable to find a substitute, one should call the Hour Captain. Their names and phone numbers appear on the sign-in sheet. If unable to reach the Hour Captain, call the Quad Captain. Their names and phone numbers also are shown there.

Sixth, if nobody shows up for the hour following yours, don’t leave. Make a call to the next Hour Captain, who will come or get someone to come right away. If the Hour Captain does not answer, phone the person whose hour it is. This information is in the book on the bottom shelf of the sign-in table in a folder marked "Eucharistic Adoration." If no answer, call the Quad Captain. If no answer, call someone from the appropriate Sub List or call the person who follows your hour to see if that person could come early. Keep trying; ask the Lord to supply whomever He has in mind. Don’t leave until someone comes.

Seventh. Regarding Mass or Benediction: Whenever the Blessed Sacrament is in exposition in the chapel, someone needs to be present in the chapel. If the Blessed Sacrament is reposed, or if in exposition in the church, one should be in the church.