As we start the school year (2020-21), we find ourselves in a strange and unique place. Some schools are virtual, some hybrid and some in the classroom. Let us pray that soon our students will return to their classrooms to learn with their peers and be led by their teachers. In the meantime, ask the Lord God to bless students, teachers and parents during this school year.
“Lord our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe. In times long ago you sent us your prophets to teach your laws and to bear witness to your undying love. You sent us your Son to teach us by Word and example that true wisdom comes from You alone.
Send your Spirit upon the students and teachers of our country and our world, fill them with Your wisdom and Your blessings. Grant that during this academic year they may devote themselves to their studies and to coming to know you better.
May they share what they learn, but most importantly may they share Your love with their families and with each other. Grant this through Christ our Lord.”
Amen.
“Those who do not exercise in prayer will make no use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that God has given to them." [Dcn. George Kelly] May your spiritual life be refreshed by your prayer life this year. I hope that this story about newly weds and their wedding reception will inspire you to find new ways to pray and love God.
“Inspiring couple radically change their wedding plans to serve others”
The newlyweds donate their food to a shelter and even spend their wedding day serving up the food. This year has certainly been a challenge for many people: plans and dreams have been put on hold or altered dramatically. And yet with these changes there have been some wonderful stories of people taking their disappointment and turning it into good.
This was recently the case for newlyweds Tyler and Melanie Tapajna from Ohio. The couple had planned to marry in August with 150 guests witnessing their union. However, with the pandemic they chose a smaller wedding surrounded by their loved ones. The only dilemma they were then faced with was what to do with all the food they’d ordered for the reception.
The kind-hearted couple decided to donate the food to Laura’s Home, a woman and children’s shelter in Cleveland, Ohio, run by the City Mission. The bride shared with CNN “we were actually kind of excited I think more about donating the food than being stressed during the wedding.” And even more impressively, the bride and groom decided to go to the shelter in all their wedding finery to serve up the food to the 135 woman and children themselves.
“It was really unbelievable. especially when you think of many of our clients, the women and kids that are in our building, possibly have never been at a wedding like that before,” explained Rich Trickel, the CEO of The City Mission. While wearing hairnets and masks, the Tapajnas happily served up fried chicken, green beans, salad and mac and cheese to those in need. While it may not have been their dream wedding, it is a wonderful start to married life: being united in serving others. [Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia.org, Aug 28, 2020]
May God Be Praised!
Hear my cry! “Lord, listen to my prayer: turn your ear to my appeal.” [Psalm 143] God, You are our refuge and our hope, I turn to you during this COVID 19 Pandemic and plead for Your intercession. In Your mercy and Your compassion “… grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick ….” [Collect from Mass Time in Pandemic]
Provide strength to the first responders, compassion to the medical personnel, and wisdom to government leaders. End this coronavirus scourge. Bring Your light to all who wander in the darkness of this pandemic and give us hope in Your eternal love today and every day. Amen. [Dcn. George Kelly]
Wow, such a beautiful story Dad! I love it so much!
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