Emphasizing prayer in many aspects of our lives

by Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, O.S.B

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Church Commission has the aim "to offer opportunities for spiritual development through prayer, study of Scripture, and liturgy participation."

This year the DCCW Church Commission activities in the New Ulm diocese will emphasize prayer in many aspects of our life. Through the Shepherds of the Field members of parishes are encouraged to support our pastoral leaders (present and retired) through letters, notes, and prayer for him/her. We are encouraging all members of DCCW to begin each meeting by praying the Liturgy of the Hours which is the official Liturgical prayer-form of the church. Sample shorter prayers will be sent to every parish CCW to be used at the beginning of activities: funeral luncheons, rummage sales, bake sales, etc. We are again dressing the importance of Prayer for Vocations especially by having a Holy Hour for vocations at least once each year in each parish. And as usual, we are observing CCW Recognition Sunday. This year it

is suggested to have this parish liturgical celebration on October 10.

Materials are being prepared for each of the above activities. It is my hope, as your NUDCCW Church Commission Coordinator, to meet with all region church commission coordinators and present these materials to them, so that they in turn can pass these prayer samples to the parishes within their regions. Also it is my hope to have these sample prayers posted on our DCCW web site: www.nudccw.org.

Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, O.S.B. is the DCCW Church Commission Coordinator from Glencoe, MN.