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In addition to our e-Bulletin, this newsletter has become a wonderful way of keeping us connected. In addition to praying for the sick and those who have gone before us at Mass, we will begin to present the names in our newsletter. This way we can pray for them in our private prayers, and sometimes we do not catch the names as they are being read at Mass. As a “Caring Roman Catholic Community,” this is what we do, pray for those in need of our prayers. The power of prayer can never be underestimated! We all know “prayer warriors” in our lives and in our community, yet all of us have it deep within to connect with God, our Blessed Mother, and the Saints and to offer our prayers and petitions. And we too can pray for one another, for our prayers can strengthen one another, and provide comfort and peace. All through the power of God. Prayer unleashes the awesome power of God in our families, parish family, community and world. So here is how you can help me. Do you know of someone in our community, a family member, a friend in need of prayers for help and healing? Would you like your name added to our prayers for the sick? Someone who has died, who has gone before us, so that we can pray for them as they journey from this life to eternal life? Please email stjuliaparishstc@gmail.com with your request. We can never underestimate the power of prayer. God bless, and please rest assured of my prayers, today and always. Fr. Greg  That there are two focuses of prayer? According to Saint John Damascene, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” The first focus is the raising up of our heart and mind to God. Here we focus on and think about God, a truly meditative form or prayer. We put ourselves in the presence of God, acknowledging God’s presence, and the simple fact that without God we are nothing, for God is the creator. The second focus is the requesting of good things from God, and this comes in the form of petition and asking. This can be for ourselves or for others, known as intercessory prayer or intercessions. We must never underestimate the power of prayer! This is our faith. This is what we believe!  |
