In 1996 Marcia Power established a “Prayer Tree Ministry” at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.  The group of “pray-ers” has now increased to over 60 people. Individually, they pray for the sick, the troubled, job seekers, souls of the deceased, for peace, for our Pope and priests, for students, etc., etc.  etc. They also give praise to our Lord and thanks for the good things He does in our lives. 

Everyone in Saint Benedict Parish is invited to join us – children, teens, college students, busy mothers, business people, whole families, retirees, the elderly and infirm.  Each of us can find some time each day to talk to God about the needs of our fellow parishioners and to thank Him for the multitude of blessings God is showering on us. 

 How do we pray??  Each one prays individually, in whatever form they prefer. …. be it by attending Mass, by praying the Rosary or a novena, by praying for each name on the list,  or by offering prayers generally for everyone on the list. 

 Each request for prayer support is treated with compassion and respect for each individual or circumstance.   If the intention is a private matter, or of a sensitive nature, or if a name is withheld, we honor this request.  Nothing need be shared that may cause duress or embarrassment.  Our only desire is to pray for all, whether in this parish or not – that they may receive the outpouring of Christ’s healing graces and His promise of hope. 

To join the pray-ers – call the number given below.  About once a month a notice is placed in the bulletin that a new prayer list is ready and may be picked up in the parish message box.   Each member takes his/her own copy of the current list and prays daily for the requests listed. 

To ask for prayer support, call the number below.  We have been reminded that Jesus said, “if you ask, you will receive.  If you seek, you will find.  If you knock, the door will be opened”.  

When starting the prayer tree, Marcia said “I did not feel worthy or capable of praying for others… the responsibility seemed too great.  I am beginning to understand that through Jesus’ cross we have been made worthy to call God our father.   Having made a commitment to pray for others, there appears to be more time to pray, a deeper desire within me to pray, and my special time with Jesus has deepened my faith.”   I feel sure all of us in the prayer tree ministry agree with Marcia’s comments.           

We hold no meetings; collect no dues.  In fact, we have only met twice in all these years – at a coffee party.   This is a spiritual ministry and physical infirmities present no barrier… we only need to speak to God and know that he hears us. 

To join our group in prayer, or to ask for prayer support, or if you have further questions, please call Barbara Hoar 443-0546 or submit your prayer request using this link:  Prayer Request Form