A prisoner’s creed…

3/23/11

I can't begin to tell you how very committed these women are to completing their studies these past 28 weeks. Everything that I have asked of them, they have done and they have worked diligently to learn it all.

Last October, they were introduced to both the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed. They barely understood what their own beliefs were at that time. So we looked at the similarities and the differences in the two prayers and as part of their homework, I asked that they write their own creed. I told them, "Tell me what you believe and tell it to me in your own words."

They apprehensively tackled the assignment and brought their finished work to the next class. During that class, all were given the opportunity to read their creed outloud to the rest of the group. And all but RS were too shy to read what they had written. RS read her creed calling it a prisoner’s creed. We all thought it was very good and she was proud of what she had written. Then, I collected the assignments, sealed them in an envelope, and promised to give them back in March.

Last week as part of their homework, I asked them to write a new creed, but this time they were to reflect on all 24 of their homework assignments. They also had to read the chapter for this week which was titled "I Believe." I suggested that as they reviewed their homework, they could look for sentences in which they had written what they believed.

They were instructed to write what they believe now. Secondly, as part of this assignment, they would have to share their creeds with the group. I explained that a creed is something that we believe in. It is something we stand up for and hold as a truth. And as followers of Christ, it is something we should not be ashamed to say outloud. I also reminded them that I would be returning the creed they wrote last October.

In our lesson, each read their creed to the rest of the group. There was no shyness. There was no fear in saying what they truly believe. They were comfortable with what they wrote but more importantly they understood what they were saying. The emphasis on the words, the tone of their voices, even the gestures showed the feeling and the passion of what they believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary, the Saints, the Catholic Church and what God promises for them for the rest of their lives.

As I passed back the October creeds and they reread them, they were shocked by how different they were from the ones they just read.  They definitely liked what they wrote now a lot more. These "March creeds" matched more closely to what they truly believe. I can't share these personal creeds with you but one obvious difference was the length.  The "October creeds" were less than a page while the March ones were between 2 and 3 pages long. 

AB, MS and I were spellbound by the poetic and spiritual nature of their creeds, all different and all very wonderful. We all felt very blessed to be a part of their journey. 

Thank you Prayer Pals... I know your prayers are being heard and the Holy Spirit is taking a mighty hold of them. God bless you all... krr 

Death has no dominion

3/16/11

We began the session with reflection on the gospel.  Normally, we do this during the communion service along with the congregation, but today Fr. Ron celebrated Mass and gave a homily. When he is not here, the gospel is read twice, once as we stand, then after we are seated, I encourage the 12-18 women to close their eyes and listen a second time with their hearts. All are then given the opportunity to tell the rest of the group, what they think the scripture is saying to them today. One person starts and then after reflecting, invites another and then another until all have either contributed or passed.  No one is left out. I am always last. I answer questions and also clarify Catholic teachings since we have non Catholics in the group.

I am always surprised by how the Holy Spirit speaks so strongly in the hearts of all these women. But today it is just the six of us.  I see that they are growing strong in understanding of scripture. They are also becoming fearless in speaking out about what they interpret in the Sunday readings.  Last week, we listened as RS took all three readings and pondered what they meant. She reflected and linked the passages and interwoven themes back to all of us.  The topic was justification by faith and not works. At one point, frustrated because she felt that she wasn't saying it right, she stopped. Then, we all encouraged her to continue, because we did understand what she was saying, and it was very powerful. I was proud of her. It took great courage to do that.

After reflecting on the gospel this week, we took up the Chapter titled "Death Shall Have No Dominion." As part of their homework, they were given a medical explanation of crucifixion to contemplate.

DB spoke first. She relayed that this week has been filled with thoughts of death, even to the point of having nightmares. It is not a subject she wants to face. TS shared her thoughts on the handout. She was appalled by the horror of crucifixion. We see the crucifix and the tortured body of Jesus on the cross so often that we are made numb to the reality of the suffering Jesus endured before his death. RS points out that in spite of his pain, Jesus' last words from the cross are filled with forgiveness, compassion and prayer.

Next we talk about death and how hard it is to loose someone close. We all agree that none of us is ready to die. The mood becomes very gloomy. How can we not feel terribly down and sad about death? DB is the first to say that she is glad to know that her loved ones are with God.  All agree that it is something to be glad about that, and we know that heaven is a better place, but none of us is ready for that yet.

In trying to change the somber mood, I remind them that we should not focus solely on the death of Jesus. We must focus even more so on his glorious Resurrection.  We should remember that our God is an awesome and powerful God. We have seen His might in the Old Testament. In the miracle of the Resurrection, God shows us how very much He cares for us and that even death has no hold on those he chooses to be his own. We should delight in this promise.

Dear Prayer Pals, MS reminds me each week to tell you all that she prays for you Every Day and they all chime in that they are all praying for you too.  Thank You for your prayers.  - krr

Saints with a little s….

(3/2/11)

It had been two weeks since I visited the prison. Fr. Ron was able to cover for me the previous week, which was a real treat for the women.  He spent extra time talking to them after Mass. He answered questions for the entire community with his own version of “Everything you ever wanted to know (about being Catholic) but were afraid to ask.” They seemed to have really enjoyed the discussion and wanted to share some of it with me. They were relieved to learn that because of their special circumstances they are exempt from some church rules like abstaining from meat especially because the prison does not allow for non-meat alternatives.

Usually about 15-18 women come to the service each week and on that day the women are especially talkative making the service run long. We are told that S__ will be released before the next Wednesday service. Going home is a huge event for the women; it is a time filled with emotion for those leaving and for their friends who stay behind. The feeling are mixed with anticipation of seeing family and fear at facing a new life. It can be very frightening.


As part of this big event, we always have a little ritual for the one going home. We hope that it helps her to face the world knowing that God is with them. It is composed of prayers; a special blessing from all of us; and the woman writing her name in the “Book of No Return.” The “Book” is brought to each service and is held up during the Prayers of the Faithful. Our prayer is that our Lord guides them and that they never return to prison again. Also we read Psalm 121.

With only 2 hours for our services and classes, we were already running short of time as we began the lesson on Mary and the Saints. They all seem to understand the tradition of praying to Mary and the Saints for prayer of intercession. We discuss Mary as being the greatest disciple of Jesus and how the many Saints are great models of how to live a Christian life.

Then the discussion turned to the topic of “How do we, as Catholics, explain this practice to non Catholics?” Some people in other faiths believe this form of prayer is worship and idolatry of Mary and the Saints. DB added that she thinks that intercessory prayer is okay but that she doesn’t really understand the need to pray to Mary or the Saints when you can pray directly to Jesus. To explain this practice we talked about the communion of saints.

Catholics believe in the communion of saints. This is the union of all Christ’s disciples, those who are living (us) as well as those who are already in the next life. These saints (with a little “s”) are anyone who is part of the Body of Christ, not just those who have been canonized saints by the Church.

I reminded the women of the 70+ people who signed up to pray for them as they complete their journey to baptism and confirmation. This is a perfect example of saints interceding for us. All Christians ask family and friends for prayer. There are references throughout the bible encouraging us to pray for each other. We have no problem asking these faithful people to pray for us, so doesn’t it make sense to ask Mary and the Saints to pray for us? Of course it does.

In reaction to being told about the many people who signed up for Prayer Pals, they asked me to tell everyone “THANK YOU so very MUCH for your prayers.” They were touched deeply by your response. I know that they believe that their Prayer Pals are saints with a big “S” and I’m sure they are praying for all of you Prayer Pals too. God bless you all...krr    

Scripture shared by Prayer Pal Angie

 

 

Jeremiah 29:11-13

 

 

"For I know well the plans I have for you,"   says the Lord,

 

"Plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope.  

When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. 

When you look for me, you will find me.  

 

 Yes, when you seek with all your heart,

You will find me with you,"  says the Lord, "and I will change your lot."

A chance for a blessing

3/1
So it begins. This past Saturday and Sunday, I introduced the Prisoner Prayer Pal ministry to our congregation. As a result 67 people signed up to pray for DB, TS, RS and their sponsors - MS and AB. They will be supported in prayer as they finish their last two months of preparation before receiving their sacraments.

During the signups, one person told me that she had a prayer chain of over 500 people that would pray for them. Another told me that her faith sharing group would pray for them. The response was unbelievable. I hoped for 10 and God gave me so many more! How appropriate was Sunday's gospel -- God does indeed provide - "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." It was as if those words were spoken directly to me this weekend.

At the end of each Mass, I spoke about the process that these women will go through and how they need the support of our parish. I prepared small cards in advance to hand out to people who signed up. Printed on each was a silhouettes of one of the women and a little quote from each on why they are on this journey. Isn't it amazing how God works? In purchasing the paper for these cards, I found bright orange paper on sale. As it turned out the cards looked a lot like the special cards you find in a Monopoly game - you know the yellow and orange ones? These resembled Chance Cards. And so with that little bit of inspiration from the Holy Spirit, the presentation turned out to be a great success.

Each participant received at least one "Chance Card" and their prayers and support will mean so much to these women in getting their Chance to "Get out of Jail Free.” Of course this is a freedom of a different kind. It is a freedom that can only be found inside the heart and that only God can give them. It is a freedom that can change their lives forever and that may very well keep them from returning to prison.

They are not the only ones who have get a chance. We all have a chance to be blessed by God by saying yes whenever He presents an opportunity such as this.  He is calling us daily to accept such opportunities... We just have to say "Yes, Lord."

Thank you for saying yes to this one and I trust God will bless you. Please continue to pray for these women and their small community of believers.

All Prayer Pals will receive a copy of this blog via email or regular post. If you want to be added to the distribution please contact me.

Wishing God's choicest blessings for you. - krr