ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE

THE HARMONY OF PRAYER

​

One of my favorite ways to pray is the rosary. As part of Catholic tradition for more than 800 years, the rosary has been a source of strength for many while undergoing life’s trials. The origin of some of the Marian prayers used in the rosary date as far back as the First Council of Ephesus in 431. Its focus is centered on the life of Jesus. From the moment of Annunciation, (the joyful mysteries) following Jesus’ ministry, (the luminous mysteries), walking the road to Calvary, (sorrowful mysteries), the fulfillment of His promise of Resurrection, Ascending into heaven and the gift of the Holy Spirit (the glorious mysteries), the rosary can comfort us when life seems overwhelming.

 

Now it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention the final two glorious mysteries; Mary’s Assumption into heaven and her coronation queen of heaven and earth. These two mysteries give a special glimpse of hope for all believers in Christ. Her special place in the salvation story should not be overlooked nor understated. Mary will always be my go-to saint when life seems most difficult.

 

Here is my very simple way of understanding this Marian devotion:

My prayers entering the heart of Jesus are in harmony with Mary’s voice. It’s likened to a solo voice singing, then another voice joining in, adding beautiful harmony and broadening the music to make the song all the more moving. Mary’s voice in harmony with mine makes my prayer all the more moving and beautiful to her Son.

 

Can we pray to Jesus directly? Absolutely! But Jesus’ special gift of His Mother to humanity deserves a special place in our lives. That place for me is whenever I’m praying this special Catholic devotion called the rosary.

If you are not sure how to pray the rosary, I've included an attachment link below that will help. Enjoy!  

​

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO LEARN HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY

​

Virtual Mass and Spiritual Communal
Watching Mass online will certainly keep us connected to our faith community, but most importantly to the Mystery of Christ in this communal celebration of Mass...even at a distance. However, many have shared that something is missing, an absence if you will, and that being the reception of Holy Communion.

In the New Testament of the bible Jesus said words like, “Your faith has made you...” Jesus points out that the faith of the individual in Him is paramount in the stories of healing and forgiveness. Likewise, it is our faith during a virtual Mass that can help us with feelings of absence during this separation from the reception of Holy Communion.

Fr. Cordier has asked that during the Rite of Communion, the time when we typically receive the Blessed Sacrament, a prayer be said as an act of faith and total surrender to the grace of Christ. It is called Spiritual Communion.

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You.

​

In our devotions and in the Liturgy of the church, let’s continue to keep in each other together in a

harmony of prayer.

Blessings now and always,
Deacon Tim Schutte

​