PARISH DEVOTIONS

Popular devotions are powerful forms of prayer and a spiritual benefit to many. Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Divine Mercy of Jesus, and the Blessed Mother are frequently part of parish life, and often include a novena, nine days of prayer associated with the particular devotion.

Prayer groups have both a strong liturgical foundation and a vibrant devotional component.

Among the forms of popular devotion, the rosary holds a unique position because of its relationship to the mysteries of Christ and the faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council recognized the importance of popular devotions in the life of the church, advising that they "are to be highly recommended."  Because the spiritual life is not limited solely to participation in the liturgy, and the Christian is to pray without ceasing, they wrote, popular devotional practices play a crucial role in helping to foster this ceaseless prayer.

According to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, "Properly used, popular devotional practices do not replace the liturgical life of the Church; rather, they extend it into daily life." 

At St. Thomas Aquinas parish, popular devotions help us fill our lives with praise and worship of God.

Eucharistic Adoration and devotion flow from and lead to the Eucharistic Liturgy, the Mass.