Deepening your prayer life through spiritual development

by Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes

The aim of the Church Commission is to try to offer women opportunities for spiritual development through prayer, study of scripture and liturgy participation as we all search for a closer relationship to God. (See page 11 of the NUDCCW Leadership Book.)

Activities in the Diocese of New Ulm will emphasize prayer in many aspects of our life. Through the Shepherds of the Field program, we are encouraging all members of parishes to support our pastoral leaders (present and retired) through letters, notes, and prayers. We are encouraging all members of the Council of Catholic Women to begin each meeting by praying the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the official liturgical prayer-form of the church. We are again encouraging women to use short prayers which are specifically written for CCW activities (e.g. funeral luncheons, rummage sales). We also want to stress the importance of Prayer for Vocations, especially by having a Holy Hour for Vocations at least once a year in each parish. Some of these prayers are posted on the DCCW web site www.nudccw.org. As in past years, we are observing CCW Recognition Sunday. This year it is suggested to have this parish liturgical celebration on October 9.

Further suggestions and materials were sent to Region Church Commission Coordinators at the end of August. It is my hope, as your NUDCCW Church Commission Coordinator, to visit with all the Region Church Commission Coordinators. You can contact me with any questions or suggestions which you wish to discuss, e-mail: stpiusreception@earthlink.net; or phone: (320) 864-3392.

May each of us deepen our prayer life and our relationship with the Trinity.

Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, OSB, is the DCCW Church Commission Coordinator.