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Prayer Resources for the Election

Prayer Resources for the Election

Prayer Before An Election

Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer After an Election

God of all nations,
Father of the human family,
we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise
and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy
in these United States of America.
We ask for your protection and guidance
for all who devote themselves to the common good,
working for justice and peace at home and around the world.
We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants,
those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges,
those in the military and law enforcement.
Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord,
with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice
in the years ahead for all people,
and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.
Amen.

Scriptural Rosary for Justice and Peace

Prayer is an underutilized resource in the work of justice. Join with CCHD and Catholics across the country in praying this online version of the Scriptural Rosary for Justice and Peace. We pray the Luminous Mysteries to help us follow more closely the example set by Jesus in His ministry to the poor and the vulnerable.

Visit the USCCB website for this prayer.

Special Election Prayer Service

Special Election Prayer Service

Join St Mary for our SPECIAL ELECTION PRAYER SERVICE ~ praying for peace, wisdom and God’s blessing over our great nation,  Monday, November 2nd  at 7:00pm in the church~ followed by ALL-NIGHT-ALL-DAY Adoration Monday, November 2nd 8:00pm – Tuesday, November 3rd 6:00pm.   The sign-up link for adoration is below.

God Bless America!

https://signup.com/go/XyNJejN

From Our Pastor

From Our Pastor

Dear Folks,

With the Election Tuesday, I am inviting you to prayer before our Eucharistic Lord, Monday evening, night, and all day Tuesday. I renew last week’s exhortation to vote with a well formed conscience, and then drop by St. Mary’s to pray for our country.

One hidden blessing this year was that during the time without public Masses, we were able to keep our church open from 6am to midnight with Adoration. Jesus was on the altar all day prominently and centrally! It was noticeable and fitting and a source of great comfort to many. Jesus is the source and summit of everything that we do in the church. We are a church of and for the Eucharist.

This led to a discussion at Parish Council in May about the possibility of moving the tabernacle to the center of our sanctuary directly underneath the crucifix with the priests chairs moving to one side. The proposal was warmly received and people immediately offered to help defray the costs. Over the summer, options were weighed and the permission of the Bishop was obtained. The simplest option was chosen, which is moving furniture and purchase of a tabernacle stand and new candles, not a renovation.

In two weeks, on November 10th, we have a contractor coming to install a stand for the tabernacle that matches the cabinetry. It is being manufactured by the same builder (a local Virginia company) who built our custom woodwork so that it matches seamlessly, and donations have been secured to pay for this.

The candles are being purchased from the same manufacture in Spain who built the tabernacle, so that they will properly match once these arrive at a later date. Many of the candles have also been covered with donations from Parish Council members!

I am grateful for the generosity of the Parish Council who received this suggestion with great enthusiasm and generosity. Placing the tabernacle where it is in the direct sight line of every seat will be a visible reminder to everyone that Jesus Christ is the priest, victim, and the living heart of our parish family and church.

pax et bonum,

Fr. John Mosimann

All Saints Day
November 1, 2020