When Steve Shover spends an hour before the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration at St. John Vianney Church in South Burlington, it’s what he calls “a time of prayer, reflection and thankfulness.”

A member of Knights of Columbus Council #7525 in South Burlington and immediate past state deputy, Shover responded last year to a call at a state deputies’ training from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly for all councils throughout the world to engage in a Holy Hour at least once a month. “When I returned from my training in New Haven and began visiting individual councils, I asked the grand knight to set up an appointment with the pastor and request to have a Holy Hour sponsored by that particular council,” he explained. “Each Knight is expected to participate when he is available and to promote the Hour of Adoration as well.”

Shover, who attends Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, said the purpose of the Knights’ Eucharistic Adoration program that began in July 2021 is “to bring the Knights to a deeper understanding of the real presence of Christ — body, blood, soul and divinity — in the Eucharist.”

Though he did not know how many councils are participating, “there are more and more,” he said; participation is completely voluntary.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the ‘King of Glory,’ respectful silence in the presence of the ‘ever greater’ God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications” (# 2628).

In Eucharistic Adoration, people spend time adoring the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

—Originally published in the Fall 2022 issue of Vermont Catholic magazine.