29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Pray always. That is what Jesus tells us today. A very simple act yet a very hard act to do. How do we pray, when do we pray, who do we pray to and what do we pray for. These are always the stumbling blocks to a life of prayer. But in today’s readings, we are reminded that we are to remain faithful and persistent, even if it is convenient or inconvenient. For it is in a life of prayer that we draw closer to our Lord and connect with him.

Padre Pio used to say pray, hope and do not worry, since worry is useless and God will hear our prayers. Mother Theresa used to say that prayer is not asking, but simply, prayer is putting oneself into God’s hands and listening to his voice in the bottom of our hearts. And John Paul II said in  prayer, we become one in the true source of light, Jesus himself. I think what these three saints are telling us

is exactly what Jesus tells us today – if we put our trust in the Lord through a life of prayer, God will remain faithful to his promises and respond to our needs.

So, how do we pray. There are many apps out there on Apple and Google, there are many books on daily prayer, and there is daily Mass here at 9am. However, may I suggest a great way to pray that connects you to our Lord while praying for our loved ones – an intentional rosary. For many of us, a rosary seems long and repetitive. And it can be at times. However, when we say an intentional  rosary, even if we cannot complete all five decades, we are meditating on the life of Jesus and  praying for the intentions of those

who are in need our prayers. With each Our Father bead, we  connect to our Lord and his life. With each Hail Mary bead, not only do

we connect to our Lord’s mother, but we also can pray for a loved one, a healing, a good outcome, a good result on a test, and the list can go on and on. Even if we can only complete a decade, we are putting our worries aside, putting ourselves in God’s hands, and we become one with the true source of light.

Thus, a rosary is a great way to pray, among many other ways. When we find the time to pray, even if it is only for a short time, we

are connecting with the Lord. When we are faithful and persistent in our rosary or prayer, even when done at a convenient time or an inconvenient time, we put our trust in the Lord and God will remain faithful to his promises and our needs. Never stop praying. God Bless!!
 
Deacon Lou Presenza

2025 APPEAL

This year’s theme: “Our Journey United in Hope,” is inspired by the theme of the Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

 It reflects our collective commitment to walk on the path together with the hope Christ has provided us.

It invites us to be renewed in hope by bringing hope to others through individual gifts. Through our various ministries across the diocese your gift is shared and brings comfort, relief, encouragement and support to many.

Next weekend, February 8^th & 9^th, we will be holding our Catholic Ministries Appeal In-Pew Weekend. In preparation, you should receive a mailing from Bishop Sullivan that will include the 2025 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal materials. I ask that you please consider donating to this year’s campaign. It is important that we come together to support our ministries. They need the resources necessary to continue serving those in need.

By supporting the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting those who comprise the programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden. These ministries serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When we support the Catholic Ministries Appeal, we can bring the light of hope to those in the Catholic community of South Jersey.

Please prayerfully consider joining us once again.