St. Paul says to “…pray without ceasing…” (See 1Thess 5:16-18). Ceaseless prayer seems like a demanding request, but it is one which the faith community as a whole can do.

We are one of only a few parishes in the diocese which offers the Eucharist two times a day, and three times on all Thursdays, and on First Fridays. The Saturday morning Mass is popular especially for those members of other parishes that do not offer a Saturday daily Mass. Of course, we offer eight Masses every weekend, four in English and four in Spanish. The opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an additional way to pray, as all Sacraments are prayers. At least one priest is available at least five and a half hours per week, and at times two priests are celebrating the sacrament.

Furthermore, at St. Willebrord we have some lay groups and individuals dedicated to praying without ceasing. The group of persons who constitute the “Prayer Vine” are receiving requests for prayers with regularity. Call the Prayer Vine at 432-5247 and ask for Sandra. She will initiate phone calls which share the request for prayers far and wide.

Another group of persons who pray constantly are those that form the Charismatic Prayer Group, or “El grupo de oración carismático.” This group gathers on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays to pray together at church, or at their homes. They pray every Thursday after the 7:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and they pray and praise God every Saturday evening after the 6:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish.

We also have people who pray the Holy Rosary in English after Mass each weekday after the 7:15 a.m. Mass. Another group prays the rosary in Spanish before the evening Mass on Thursday. They call themselves the “Discípulas de María” (The Disciples of Mary). You do not need to wait for an invitation to join these rosary groups. They welcome all who come. The more the better!

Some of our parish members join with others throughout the area to dedicate at least an hour of prayer at the Adoration Chapel at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. There are people who go regularly to pray, and others who accept a designated hour for which to be responsible.

Here at St. Willebrord we have exposition, adoration, and benediction with the Blessed Sacrament every Friday after the 12:05 p.m. Mass. From approximately 12:35 – 1:05 p.m. the Blessed Sacrament is exposed while prayers of devotion are recited seeking the intercession of Our Mother of Sorrows. Additionally, every first Saturday of the month, after the 6:00 p.m. Mass there is exposition, adoration, and benediction with recited prayers, meditations, and song.

We are doing much in order to fulfill the demand to pray ceaselessly, and we must!

Peace, Fr. Andy