Pray for Our Parishes

JM Kraemer
Jul 1
2 min read

I see the numbers when it relates to parish attendance across the board. Many places are struggling with membership. The lower attendance means less money for the parish overall. It also means fewer people willing to take part in the life of the parish.

I worry about how much things could affect me down the road. Parishes closing could mean that some of us will not have a way to get to Mass because no one is around or able to help. As many of us don’t drive this become a major worry and fear. If the one place, we call our spiritual home closes.

It is my desire to see all of our parishes thrive again. To see them full of life and taking an active role in our local communities. Instead of seeing so many pews that are empty.

What can the average person do to change this? We make prayer the foundation. Everything flows from that simple element. We pray for those who have left the Catholic faith. Praying that they find a way to return home. We pray that leadership does not give into the negativity and that the Holy Spirit would give them a renewed sense of hope.

We can also pray for new paths to evangelize. We are called to make disciples of all the nations. Sometimes that means stepping out of our own comfort zone. Other times it means being living examples of what it means to be Catholic.

As it relates to me and my home parish. For some time now I’ve made an effort to pray for my parish. Like many our numbers are down. I pray for our Priests and Deacon. I pray for leaders in the parish that they would have the desire to see our parish grow in faith.

Sometimes it seems that reality is against us. Yet I am often reminded of how even one person praying can change the course of things. That God will help us gain what we seek as it relates to the church. Anyone willing to join me? -