Most Catholics have gone to adoration to visit our Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle. For some of us this visit is a recurring pilgrimage, part of our weekly or even daily routine. Some of us may have gone once or twice but remain uncertain about the difference between common prayer and adoration. We might wonder about the purpose and meaning of frequent adoration, and whether we should do it more often.

What exactly is happening when we receive the Eucharist during Mass or pray in front of the Eucharist in the Blessed Sacrament? Is it worth our time? Is something real taking place?

When we look at the host held in the monstrance during adoration, we’re able to meditate on the reality that Christ made it possible to sacrifice Himself for us, but never leave us, just like He promised. When He takes the form of the host, He is there with us physically in the room.

The Catholic Mass and other Sacraments are the most important reasons we are here, as the model representative of Christ’s church in action, led in Omaha by the Archbishop. The Cathedral parish has been the anchor of the community, active in social justice concerns: serving those in need; maintaining the neighborhood during suburban exodus; providing a gathering place for city-wide prayer vigils; ecumenical sharing and neighborhood associations; these are all part of the work we do as Saint Cecilia Cathedral parish.

Our mission is to bring all to the beauty, truth, and joy of Christ. Worship of Jesus Christ in the Cathedral is offered through the celebration of the Eucharist which is the “source and summit” of our faith.

See a selection of spectacular white Eastertide vestments and liturgical implements on display in the Cathedral until May 27.

The Catholic Mass and other Sacraments are the most important reasons we are here, as the model representative of Christ’s church in action, led in Omaha by the Archbishop.

We parishioners, who experience the beauty of the Cathedral of Saint Cecilia on a regular basis, hopefully never become indifferent to the beauty around us. But even if we do – beauty is temporal, fleeting. We are invested and engaged in our faith community, it’s the truth that keeps us coming back. The beauty of our faith is the truth that exists whether we worship together in the grandest cathedral or the most meager chapel.

Marie Rubis Bauer will be completing her time as Archdiocesan Director of Music and Cathedral Organist at St. Cecilia in June of this year.