In my 24 years of priestly ministry, I’ve had a lot of conversations with individuals about prayer. I’ve been especially humbled when that topic comes up in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Listening to people honestly talk about their successes and failures in cultivating a life of prayer has often led me to reflect on my own prayer life. When I was in high school, my Theology teacher gave us a definition of prayer that has stayed with me. He said, “prayer is a conversation with God.” It’s simple but true. When we pray, we talk to God. We share with Him what’s going on in our lives. We speak of our joys and sorrows. We name our concerns. We raise up our petitions asking for God’s guidance, protection, and care. There’s a second part to that definition which I added over the years of working on my prayer life. Namely, “prayer is also listening to God.” Prayer isn’t a one-way conversation. Just as we talk to the Almighty, we need to also sit back and let Him talk to us. Prayer is a relationship. And just as you talk to a spouse, child, or a friend, you also take the time to listen to them. We grow in the spiritual life when our prayer life is mutual. When our praying is about talking and listening. What I often hear people say to me is, “Father, I don’t know how to pray.” Or “learning to pray is difficult and I don’t feel like I know where to begin.” Earlier this year, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to read a book on prayer that he had just completed. I picked it up and I’ve kept it at my spot in the rectory chapel. It’s called Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone by James Martin, S.J. I read a chapter and then sit with the words. I let the wisdom of Fr. Martin speak to my heart and soul. I allow the words to move me to reflect on that specific area of my prayer life. We are a few weeks away from the start of Lent. I always encourage people to take up spiritual reading during this holy season. Lent is a 40-day retreat. As we move toward Ash Wednesday, I invite you to think about what you’d like to do this Lent to help yourself grow in holiness and closer to God. Since the Holy Father has proclaimed this to be the “Year of Prayer,” it would be good to go out and pick up this book and let it help you grow in your relationship with the Lord. Nobody is perfect at praying. Even the saints had their struggles. God never expects us to be perfect in our Christian living. It’s impossible. However, God does expect us to try each day to grow in our faith. Ask yourself this week, “What do I need to do to grow stronger in my faith this Lent?” Set out a plan and be ready to go about it when Ash Wednesday (February 14) comes this year. A few announcements: Parish Census … Again, a big THANK YOU to those who have already returned their registration form. Progress continues to be made updating our parish records. If you haven’t returned your registration form (everyone needs to fill one out again), please do so. You can return the form either by the collection basket or mail. 2024 Envelope Packets … There are still some unclaimed envelopes. If you haven’t picked yours up, please see me before or after Mass. Blessing of the Throats … This will take place as a general blessing in honor of St. Blaise at the end of Mass this weekend. St. Blaise was a bishop and martyr of the Church in the early 4th century. Tradition tells us that St. Blaise dislodged a fish bone which was caught in the throat of a child through his prayerful intercession. The blessing prayer invokes the intercession of St. Blaise to deliver us from “all diseases of the throat, and from every other illness.” Scheduling … In order to best utilize our limited space, all requests for meetings or gatherings that hope to take place at St. A’s must go through me for approval and placement on the parish calendar. Parish Office News … With the rain and ice melt we had another leak in the roof. A representative from the roofing company will be coming out Tuesday morning to meet with me and see what needs to be done. Once a bid for the work is provided, I will share that with the Finance Council. The copy machine in my office stopped working (old age, I guess) and a new one had to be purchased this week. On Wednesday, Monica Krol, our business manager, entered retirement. Monica had worked with Fr. Len for many years and graciously offered to stay on and help me with the transition. Her assistance has been invaluable! While Monica is going to begin enjoying retirement, she offered to remain available as a consultant. I’m incredibly grateful to Monica for all that she did to help me over the past four months. On Thursday, Nancy Takach, began as the new business manager. Nancy worked in this capacity for many years at St. Stanislaus and Holy Cross Parishes. I’ve known Nancy for decades and worked with her when I was the associate pastor at Holy Cross. I’m looking forward to Nancy’s assistance. Parish Pastoral Council … Our first meeting needed to be rescheduled due to the storm. The Council will meet on Saturday, February 10 at 11:00 in the parish center. January Donations … Our weekly collection this month amounted to $ 9382.16. Our second collection for the Church in Latin America amounted to $ 395.00. THANK YOU for your generosity. When considering your weekly donation, please remember that your charity will allow us to grow our ministries at St. A’s. St. Vincent dePaul Society … Is looking for additional volunteers to help deliver to our neighbors in need. If interested contact Dan Mandell (574) 532-1092 / [email protected] or Annie Tardy (574) 707-1232 / [email protected] Year of the Eucharist … Cheryl Ashe is coordinating a Zoom small group study on Jesus and the Eucharist (http://www.eucharisticrevival.org/formation-resources). The meeting dates will be February 9, February 23, March 8, March 15, and March 22. The discussion will be led by Dianna Schmitz. If you’re interested, please talk to Cheryl. This opportunity to continued education responds to one of the areas of parish spiritual growth brought up in the Listening Sessions. Hospitals / Nursing Homes … When a family member is admitted to a hospital or nursing home, please let me know as privacy laws prohibit the facilities from providing me with information on parishioners. It’s important to me that our parishioners struggling with illnesses be visited, receive Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of the Sick. Taxes … If you’d like a record of your 2023 donations for tax purposes, please send an email with your contact information and one will be mailed to you. Looking Ahead … Mardi Gras … On Tuesday, February 13 the Tolton Ambassadors of Indiana will host the 22nd annual gathering at St. A’s from 5:30 – 7:30. There is limited in-person seating and tickets can be purchased for $25. The dinner will include authentic New Orleans cuisine (seafood or chicken gumbo, dirty rice, dessert, etc.). There will be music, fellowship, and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased from a Tolton Ambassador or Annie Tardy ([email protected] / 574-707-1232). Donations can also be made to the “Tolton Ambassadors of Indiana” to support the cause of canonization for Venerable Fr. Tolton. Ash Wednesday … On February 14 we begin the season of Lent. We will have a Mass at 8:00 a.m. with the distribution of ashes. The Ladies Auxiliary of St. Peter Claver … An induction will be held the first weekend of March. You are invited to become one of the initial charter members. The only requirement is that you be a Catholic who is concerned about the issues facing Black Catholics. If you are interested, please contact Wendy Summers at (574) 360-9930. St. Augustine, pray for us! Fr. John, C.S.C.