DECATUR — Decatur area Catholics will gather Sept. 22, 23 and 24 for a 40-hours devotion at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3850 Lourdes Dr., Decatur.

Mary Comerford, a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and an organizer of the event, says the hope is to educate residents of the importance of eucharistic adoration.

"We need new people to pray at perpetual adoration which we have now held for 19 years at St. Mary's Hospital chapel," said Comerford. "Some of our loyal adorers and captains are aging and we always need new people."

Fathers Chuck Zmudzinski and Lou Guardiola of the Fathers of Mercy will celebrate Mass and preach each evening at 7 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will follow Mass and continue for 40 hours. Everyone is encouraged to pray and be with Our Lord.

Comerford said all of the Decatur area Catholic churches are participating in the event and participants will learn about the power of the Eucharist and the holy sacrifice of the Mass, how the Eucharist can transform lives, neighborhoods and the world, and why eucharistic adoration is necessary in the church today.

The schedule of Masses and adoration is:

Sept. 22 — 7 p.m. Opening Mass and procession. Hosts: Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Thomas. "The value and importance of eucharistic adoration" — Father Louis Guardiola, CPM.

Sept. 23 — 7 p.m. Mass. Hosts: Holy Family and Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Mt. Zion, "Eucharist as source and summit of our faith" — Father Chuck Zmudzinski, CFM.

Sept. 24 — 7 p.m. Closing Mass, procession and benediction. Hosts: Ss. James and Patrick. "Eucharist as sacrifice, Communion and real presence" — Father Louis Guardiola, CFM.

More information on signing up for a time to pray is available by calling Mary Comerford (217) 877-6716.