By Marilyn Jackson, Director of Ministry Services, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
The Divine Connection
Jesus imparted the Holy Spirit to us a Comforter, a Guide and so much more! The Holy Spirit is our connection to the divine, He is our source of strength, fortifying us to act justly and walk in humility. The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of evangelization and like the apostles, we can do nothing without Him. When we run out of fuel or passion for this journey, it usually means we’re trying to do it alone. We need to remember to turn back to the Holy Spirit, get out of the way and let Him do his thing.
Praying in Jesus’ Name
On May 14, 2024, over 40 people attended the diocesan Prayer Ministry workshop led by John and Tracy Connelly. It was a powerful evening and left me completely edified.
They walked us through a basic prayer ministry format, which began with a posture of being open to the Holy Spirit. The first half of the session was focused on the foundations of prayer ministry and healing as explained in scripture and Catholic teaching.
What is still burning in my heart comes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2666: “The name ‘Jesus’ contains it all…To pray Jesus is to invoke him and to call him within us. His name is the only one that contains the presence it signifies.”
He’s always with us. We just have to say His name and He is within us. That reminder gave me strength.
Tracy and John Connelly leda recent diocesan workshop on prayer ministry. (Photo by Astrid Alas, Adult Faith Coordinator, RC Diocese of Saskatoon)
Tender Words of Love
In the second half of the workshop, we were able to experience step-by-step, hands-on practice of prayer ministry.
A beautiful woman prayed for me and during prayer we were instructed to be open to what we could see, hear, and feel’during prayer. It was incredible! What I heard, loud and clear, twice, was “rest, my girl.” I had been experiencing pain across my shoulders, where I carry my stress and suddenly it was gone! I felt pressure on my spine, similar to what a massage feels like. My pain was back the next morning but it was a reminder that I need to attend to my health and well-being.
Quote from a participant: “The Holy Spirit was so present during this workshop. I really liked that we were given practical tools for offering prayer ministry in both formal and informal settings. We were also invited to allow ourselves to be prayed with and experience healing. It was a powerful evening – one that I think will impact the way my husband and I pray for the rest of our lives.”
Related: Spring Congress follow-up sessions designed to deepen parish hospitality and 0utreach – Article
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[Editor’s Note: This article is part of a regular “Fuel Up Friday” e-mail series in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon – to subscribe, contact diocesan Director of Ministry Services Marilyn Jackson at mjackson@rcdos.ca]