Prayers for Prodigal Catholics

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What Could I Ever Do?

Barbara, shared with me that one Sunday last year a survey was distributed to those in attendance at mass in her parish. They were asked to complete it so the results might be used to find ways to bring the non-practicing Catholics back to their parish community. When she got home she walked over to the trash can, dropped the survey in it, and said, "God, what in the world could I ever do to bring someone back to the church?"

Now, we all know God often shows His sense of humor and seems to love any challenge given by one of His children. That evening, Barbara took her copy of St. Anthony's Messenger with her when she went for her hour of adoration. In it she read the letter to the editor that Jane Stucker had written about the Marian Mantle Group. (Those who saw that letter may remember that due to its placement on the page, it wasn't easily noticed.) But this woman saw it. It touched her heart. Next day she called the MMG number.

Barbara began to talk to parishioners, and eventually the pastor, about the possibility of bringing the Silent Strength seminar to her area. The local Catholic bookstore agreed to host a weekly rosary to pray all summer for the success of the seminar.. You probably guessed the outcome! God sent people to help. The seminar was well-attended. Less than a year later, "Silent Strength" prayer groups meet in every Catholic church in Hutchinson, with good, prayerful group coordinators to keep them vibrant. Sarah's Catholic Bookstore keeps the “Prayers for Prodigals” booklets available so new members can get them locally. The Marian Mantle office has received several praise reports from Hutchinson .

As for Barbara, she is still in awe as to how God answered her question. Now, when she reads Jesus' words in Scripture, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be given to you" she just whispers, "Amen." ♥

From "Silent Strength"  The Newsletter of the Marian Mantle Group, January, 2006 Copyright © Marian Mantle Group, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.  For permission to reprint email the Newsletter editor.