Not long ago, I dropped off some donations to the back of our St. Louise Gift & Thrift Store at the beginning of the day before the store opened. It was then I witnessed Leigh Ann Gdowski, the thrift store manager, praying with the staff and volunteers before opening. After saying their usual prayers (including the St. Michael the Archangel prayer) they prayed for the repose of the soul of a staff member’s sister, who died recently. In addition to praying for our donors and volunteers, our staff prays for each other and our family members. Like many other groups, organizations and schools, whenever one has a prayer intention, an email blast is sent to everyone asking for prayers. I was moved not only witnessing what I have described above but also to have been a part of it. It was and always will warm my heart thinking of this moment. I was so moved, I thought I better snap a picture and share it with our readers.
When mothers and fathers raise their children and try to foster their faith as they grow, I imagine after children leave the house, parents often wonder if they are practicing their faith and praying daily. Sometimes the thought crosses my mind whether our staff and volunteers pray in my absence. I am always edified beyond description whenever I see our staff praying on their own. I have seen this time and time again. I know for a fact this is the case in all of our locations- Auburn, Lincoln, Hastings and Imperial. This holds true for both of our arms of charity, namely our social and clinical divisions.
As we continue our Lenten journey toward Easter and the Easter season, let us be reminded that prayer is nothing more than spending time with God, talking with God, through which we not only become closer to Him but become more like Him, in whose image and likeness we were created. As we daily remember you in our prayers and penances, please remember us in yours.
