We are called, as Catholics, to a life of prayer. We are called not just to live our stewardship commitment of time in prayer — for ourselves and our own needs — but for all of God’s holy ones. Even though prayer is often something we do on our own, it is one of the aspects of the faith that brings us together. We become united through our prayers.
The Ministry of Praise brings together parishioners through their prayers for members of the community. It is a prayer group consisting of those who desire to praise God in all things, and who are dedicated to praying for the needs of others.
This ministry was started in Chicago by Sister Mary Charla of St. Bede’s Parish. It was an especially important ministry for those who were homebound and unable to attend Mass. It allowed these members of the community to remain active in parish life when they were unable to leave their homes.
St. Patrick’s Ministry of Praise was brought to the parish in 1987 by Sister Rita Watry, who was a Mercy Sister. Pat Rutter, Agnes Stackhouse, and Mary Foose helped Sr. Rita bring this ministry to life in the parish, and participated in collecting and sending out the prayer requests. Agnes and Mary have since passed and Pat now sends out the information via email. Pat has been a parishioner at St. Patrick for 45 years and shares the importance that prayer has in her own life.
“Prayer is big in my own life, I pray the Rosary daily,” Pat says. “God is my friend and my love. I believe prayer is the only saving factor for this earth. The Holy Spirit is big and does the work of the Father. Mary is my mother and I rely on her as she prays in a constant mode.”
The ministry currently has over 30 participants who pray daily for the prayer intentions that they receive in these emails. All participants are called to choose their own time, place, and prayers.
“As for lifting all in prayer, we each use our own means to give praise to heaven,” Pat says. “Stewardship is being done already with the help and use of others who use prayer in this way.”
For more information about the Ministry of Praise, please contact Pat Rutter at 530-272-3979.
