The month of May we will be doing Ministry Fairs after all the Sunday Masses. Each weekend will highlight a different category of these ministries. This weekend May 4/5 we are highlighting prayer ministries. This includes:
Parish Vocations Cross - specifically pray for an increase and renewed strength for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and marriage.
Eucharistic Adoration - Spend an hour (or more!) with our Lord each week in the Blessed Sacrament, located in our parish Adoration Chapel.
First Friday Holy Hour - Join us the first Friday of each month at 6PM in the Church for Adoration and Benediction.
Prayer Groups - Check out our many prayer groups, such as Early Bird Rosary, Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Cell, and Guardian Angels Prayer Chain.
Why be involved in one of POP’s prayer ministries?
- We all need to pray.
Then Jesus told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. (Luke 18:1)
Prayer connects us to God, nourishes us, changes us, and is necessary for so many reasons. It is the single most important thing we do.
- Families pray for one another.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. (James 5:16)
It is so important to pray for one another. That is what a family does, and our parish is a family!
- Praying together is particularly powerful.
Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19–20)
It is great to pray alone, but clearly Jesus teaches that if two or three gather, the prayer is powerful!
- Especially powerful is praying with the Eucharist.
When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40–41)
To spend an hour with Jesus, like is done for those who sign up for Eucharist Adoration, is to show love and friendship to Jesus. Can we not give him a little time?
- A parish goal is to have perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
We are called to pray always. I dream of the day when our parish is covered in 24/7 prayer with Eucharist.
- Being part of a prayer ministry helps us to be consistent.
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42–47)
It is just a fact that on our own, we often struggle. But when we have commitments to gather with others and have that sense of responsibility, we find consistency. And consistent prayer brings awe and wonder in the results!
- A prayerful parish is an fruitful parish.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
In the end, our parish fruitfulness (whether good things happen here) depends on remaining in Jesus, which is what prayer is all about.
In summary then, thank you for your prayerfulness, and please consider getting involved in one of our parish prayer ministries! Check out the ministry fair, and learn more at https://www.popolathe.org/
Peace,
Fr. Greg