Confraternities and archconfraternities
Nocturnal Adoration Society
NAS · National Nocturnal Adoration Society · Adoracion Nocturna · Nocturnal Adoration Society of the Blessed Sacrament
An international association with local chapters. The national headquarters for the United States is at 184 East 76th Street, New York, New York 10021, the address of the Church of St Jean Baptiste, served by the Blessed Sacrament Fathers. Chapters are set up in parishes with the pastor's agreement, and some are run deanery wide.
Worth some persistence
In person, with a priest. Free. Chapters take a good will offering to cover their own costs.
There is no online form for this one, and that is often a good sign: someone enrolls you by hand. You contact the leader of a local chapter and are received at an induction ceremony in the church, so you first have to find a parish or deanery that has a chapter, or work with your pastor to start one.
You contact the leader of a local chapter and are received at an induction ceremony in the church, so you first have to find a parish or deanery that has a chapter, or work with your pastor to start one.
This society keeps watch with Christ at night. A chapter gathers in its parish church, usually on the first Thursday or first Friday of the month, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, and members take turns through the night hours so that someone is always praying. Part of the hour is spoken together, often the Little Office of the Blessed Sacrament, and part is silent. A member's whole commitment is one hour, once a month, at night. Membership is open to all Catholics with no age requirement, so families and young people join alongside older adorers.
Where it comes from
Began in Rome in 1809 and 1810 in the aftermath of the French Revolution and Napoleon's occupation. Approved as a Pious Union and raised to the status of archconfraternity in 1858. Established in the United States in 1911.
What you promise
One declared promise: to spend one hour, once a month, during the hours of the night, in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a church where a chapter of the Society is established. Once enrolled you remain a member until death or voluntary withdrawal.
What the Church attaches
Indulgences of the archconfraternity to which the Society was raised in 1858. Chapters offer an annual Mass for deceased members, and when a member dies the chapter gathers for prayers of commendation. Members also share the ordinary graces of Eucharistic adoration and the support of a praying community.
Enrollment checked 2026-10-22. Details change without notice and parish practice varies. Confirm before relying on this sheet.