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St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Angola, Indiana
Oratory of St. Carlo Acutis
It is with great joy that I announce the official opening of our Oratory, a sacred place where we will be able to worship Jesus, who will remain always present in the Tabernacle.
The renovation process took a little longer than expected, as Bishop Rhoades requested that a representative from the Diocesan Liturgy Department carefully inspect and ensure that all work was carried out in full compliance with Canon Law and our Diocesan norms. Thanks be to God, we passed the inspection, and the bishop has expressed his happiness with this project. However, we are asked to follow the instructions the bishop has given us, including what is prescribed in Canon Law #1223:
By the term oratory is understood a place for divine worship designated by permission of the ordinary [Bishop] for the benefit of some community or group of the faithful who gather in it and to which other members of the faithful can also come with the consent of the competent superior [Pastor].
Therefore, the proper title for our sacred space is “Oratory,” a name to which we will all become accustomed.
In addition, Bishop Rhoades has encouraged us to dedicate the Oratory to the recently canonized young saint, Carlo Acutis. I believe this is both a wonderful idea and a providential choice, since—as we know—St. Carlo Acutis deeply loved the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, the official title of our sacred space will be: Oratory of St. Carlo Acutis. We are especially blessed to already have a photograph of him, as well as a second-class relic (a piece of his clothing).
The Oratory of St. Carlo Acutis is a space where Jesus is truly present—body, soul, blood, and divinity —in the tabernacle and, at designated times, exposed in a monstrance on the altar (only on special occasions designated by the Pastor). Our Oratory is a sacred space, and we are pleased you wish to receive a key fob, which will allow you to come before the Lord twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
By requesting a key fob, you agree to fulfill the following guidelines:
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The Oratory is open to registered parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua Church and St. Paul Chapel to visit seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, provided the adorer has been assigned a key fob. Key fobs are available for parishioners who are 18 years of age or older. They are assigned to a specific individual and are not to be shared or transferred. Each person wishing to access the Oratory, including family members, must contact the parish office to obtain their own key fob. Parishioners may bring family members or friends during their visit; however, everyone in the group must leave the Oratory at the same time.
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There is no initial cost for the key fob; however, if it is lost, a $10 fee will be required to issue a replacement.
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Overnight sleeping within the Oratory is strictly prohibited.
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Before entering or leaving a seat in the Oratory, adorers are to genuflect (go down on one knee), with a gentle bow of the head while making the sign of the cross. This is a sign of reverence for the presence of the Lord. Those unable to genuflect are to make a respectful bow, while making the sign of the cross when entering or leaving the presence of the Lord.
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Adorers must be mindful of proper, respectful attire. Clothing should be modest and appropriate for solemn occasions, just as at Mass.
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Adorers should maintain a quiet reverence in the presence of the Lord. Casual conversation is inappropriate and discouraged. The Oratory is a place of Adoration and silence.
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Spontaneous events or sermonizing are not allowed. Adoration is a peaceful, private time for each adorer. Praying in a loud voice is not permitted.
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Eating and drinking in the Oratory is not permitted. Water bottles are acceptable if needed.
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Adorers must treat the sacred images and furniture with respect and help maintain the Oratory in a clean and orderly condition.
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Cell phones and pagers must be silent or on vibrate mode. Talking on cell phones is not permitted. For emergency calls, please leave the Oratory area with reverence.
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No electronic toys or games are permitted.
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Under no circumstances should children or teens have any handheld email/web devices, small computers, cell phones, pagers, electronic games/toys, or other electronic devices in the Oratory.
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If you have spiritual reading, a Rosary application, Liturgy of the Hours, or other devotions or spiritual reading applications on a hand-held digital device, and you would prefer to use your device in the Oratory, please ensure that the sound is turned off and the display light from your device does not cause an undue distraction to other adorers.
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All spiritual materials provided on the bookshelf - books, Bibles, rosaries, etc.- belong to St. Anthony Parish, and are for use only within the Oratory.
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Nothing is to be placed on the altar or altar area. Trespassing onto the altar area (as marked by the carpet surrounding the altar table) is strictly forbidden.
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Only clergy should go up to the altar. Do not go up and touch the altar or the tabernacle. Please adore Our Lord from the chair area only.
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No materials (books, pamphlets, statues, etc.) are to be left in the Oratory without the expressed permission of the Parish Priest.
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I acknowledge that the Oratory is under 24/7 video surveillance for the purpose of safety and security. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the suspension or revocation of key fob privileges.
