Advent is here!!! In this beautiful season of preparation for Christmas we remember Christ’s coming in history, we acknowledge his current coming to us in mystery (Life of prayer and sacraments), and also anticipate his coming in glory at his Second Coming. The beginning of Advent marks a new liturgical year, so happy new year!!! Being the beginning of a new year, I would invite us to make some spiritual resolutions to commit to for the season and then into the year. There are many ways we can press into prayer (Our everyday face to face time with God), conversion (overcoming vices and bad habits), and service (living life in a way as to live for others).
Starting at Holy Family in the new year is a new apostolate (spiritual initiative) called the Seven Sisters Apostolate. The mission of the Apostolate is to “…provide prayerful support toward a parish pastor/vicars through the assurance of the offering of at least one Holy Hour every day for any given week for that pastor/vicar alone – a holy ‘wasting’, as it were, for the conversion and holiness of that particular priest.” Essentially, it is a group of parishioners (21 in total, 7 women per priest) who individually commit to some time of prayer for the priests on a weekly basis. As we know, prayer is essential for the life of the Church and the world. Those who commit themselves radically to pray will accomplish more than any activist could ever consider. I was blessed to have a group of women praying for me at my last parish and I know that it has made a great difference in my life and ministry. I try to live a holy life (and I fall short often), but I know that I cannot do it on my own. In truth, we all need to be spiritually supported and lifted up. It would be a great blessing and honor to have some women from the parish supporting myself and the other priests in this special way. If you are interested in participating in this prayer group, please contact the parish office who will share your information with Kathy Walker who will be coordinating the Apostolate. The plan is to have the groups set by January 1st. Thank you so much in advance for this power witness and support!!
Did you know that we have a Holy Family Prayer Line?? You can reach out digitally with any prayer requests you have and they will be passed on anonymously and confidentially to members of the prayer team. Submit your prayer requests via the website: https://pray4hfs.jimdosite.com/ or email your requests at [email protected] You can also use the email to inquire about joining the prayer line ministry.
