In his book Priests for the Third Millennium, New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan tells the story of an older man on his deathbed, surrounded by his children and the parish priest. Wanting to settle his affairs before he passed away, he gave each of his sons and daughters an assignment based on their profession: to the attorney went the responsibility for settling the estate, to the accomplished businesswoman daughter went taking care of the family store, and so forth. Each had a stated responsibility except the priest, who asked “sir, and what would you like me to do?” To which every head in the hospital room turned and looked with surprise at the priest and the old man said “Well Father, you pray of course!”

Cardinal Dolan tells the story to aspiring and ordained priests to emphasize how important is our responsibility as professional “pray-er.” Every day in the Eucharist, breviary, devotional prayers and rosary, we bring the needs of our parishioners, the community, and the poor to God in prayer. Of course we bring our own personal needs and hopes, too.

But we know that it’s not just priests who need to spend time in prayer each day! In fact, by our baptisms each of us Christians is anointed to remain members of Christ: Priest, Prophet, King. Our parishioners take this calling and responsibility very seriously, visiting the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, praying in Church and forming a great diversity of prayer groups.

One of the most inspiring places in this big and busy church/school campus is in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel next to the Church’s vestibule. Each weekday from the morning Mass until late at night faithful come by for a Holy Visit to Our Lord really present in the Eucharist. Sometimes it is packed, sometimes there is just a single soul praying with Jesus there. But always I know that the true furnace of our parish is found there in the Holy Presence! Please feel free to stop by and spend some time with Jesus.

As well, these groups of faithful parishioners (indeed, sometimes non-parishioners too!) gather regularly for prayer and spiritual reflection. Call our parish office for more information and we’ll get you connected to the group’s contact person. Many friendships and small communities have grown from these groups and there is no doubt the Holy Spirit blesses us all by their prayers!

• Divina Misericordia
• Apóstoles de la Palabra
• Agua Viva
• Guadalupanas
• Men’s Fellowship
• Fellowship of Catholic Christian Women
• Legion of Mary
• Sacred Heart Healing Ministry
• Sanación con oración carismática
• Escuela de la Cruz
• Perpetual Novena

Ultimately, along with the Mass the most important prayer we can offer is in our homes as a family. Whether it is the daily rosary (or a decade of the rosary), grace before meals, bedtime prayers or other devotions, the family that prays together stays together. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by praying together as spouses, parents and kids. Count on my daily prayers in front of the Blessed Sacrament for all our parishioners. Please pray for me, too. God bless you all and have a great week!

Fr. David

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