Group in Ogden teaches children about Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Intermountain Catholic

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Celia Remkes believes that teaching young children about the Eucharist helps raise them in the Catholic faith. IC photo/Laura Vallejo

OGDEN — Parents and children adoring the Eucharist together might sound like something that Catholics do not do very often, but that’s not the case with Saint James the Just parishioners.

Celia Remkes was already going to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by herself but something told her to go further.

"I felt kind of call at first," said Remkes. "The more I went to Adoration with my children, the more I felt it was good for me and for my children and I began to see how important it is to make a visit to Jesus outside the Mass on Sunday; to make that time and effort and go and build that relationship with him."

Stephanie Mitchell also wanted to expose children to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In the beginning the two women didn’t know exactly how they were going to organize an Adoration for children, but then they discovered some programs designed by Father Antoine Thomas, CSJ at childrenofhope.org.

Remkes and Mitchell began using the program for a one-hour Eucharistic Adoration with children in the parish.

"We can keep the children interested and grow in their faith so as they grow up they will continue it," said Remkes. "It has worked out wonderfully."

About a dozen children ranging in age from 18 months to 14 years old participate in the Adoration group at St. James the Just Parish. Remkes’ husband, Cooper, helps as needed.

"My wife is a great inspiration for me," Cooper said. "She brought me closer to my faith and my participation here is an example for my kids."

"The family is the first Church. I really feel a lot of responsibility trying to raise my children in our faith; showing them about Jesus," Remkes said, adding, "What better way to do it than sitting at his feet at Adoration? Just trying to teach my children how to listen and pray and understand the importance of Jesus and the Eucharist have been our biggest motivators."

The group starts their hour of Adoration by praying together and singing a song. Then they are divided into two groups. The youngest (4 and under) are usually taken to the playground.

"In the meantime we can spend some more focused quiet time praying and having a learning part," said Remkes.

"I think it’s wonderful that we have children learning about the Adoration. I grew up without knowing," said Cindy Mostela, a St. James the Just parishioner.

The children’s Adoration program runs every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the summer; plans are to modify the schedule with the school year.

"If you want to see something really powerful, come to the Adoration and see the children prostrating in front of our Lord. It’s just heart melting," said Remkes.