Our most recent diaconate formation session was at Alamany High School February 16th.
We would like to share our impressions of the afternoon Prayer Service and what was referred to as a “Soaking” Prayer.
Shortly after we started the year, each couple was assigned a date to conduct a prayer service. We thought that after the initial working out of the technical aspects, the prayer services would reach a peak and then level off. If that is the case, then we haven’t reached the peak yet. Let us tell you about it.
This week’s prayer service focused on “the other A: adoption”. One of the couples in our class has adopted two children from Russia. They provided statistics that if 6% of Catholics would adopt one child that is currently in the adoption system, there would no longer be a need for orphanages.
This prayer was unique because one of the Aspirancy couples conducting the service played the opening song on the guitar. They also used a power-point presentation with photos of their own adoptions as well as photos of their family members who have adopted children too.
The intention of the service was to both provide information and pray for children who are without parents. It also highlighted an alternative to abortion, emphasizing that all children are a gift from God, and that God chooses the family where the child will be loved and cherished.
It was a very powerful, heartfelt service!
The second thing that we would like to share with you is the “soaking prayer”. People put themselves in an attitude of stillness, focusing on Jesus and open to the Holy Spirit. We have a classmate who has been having ongoing medical problems. We asked that person to come forward and to sit in a chair. Everyone present then gathered around and either placed their hands on the seated person or on someone who was touching the malade. We then prayed spontaneously for the healing of our classmate, asking the Lord to send down his healing Spirit, and heal body, mind and spirit. This too, was a powerful moment, the strength and power of help flowed through us all, a true gift from our Savior.
Our next class will be March 2nd at Alamany High School in Mission Hills. We are also required to attend at least one day of the Religious Education Congress being held February 21-24 in Anaheim.
If you are interested in becoming a Deacon Couple, you are invited to attend an Information Day presented by the Office of Diaconate Formation. Here you can meet the formation staff and learn more about the formation program.
Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe, 5801 Kanan Rd. Westlake Village, 91362
If you have any questions about the Diaconate, please ask us or send us an e-mail to wyb@wyb.com. We greatly appreciate your prayers and support and will continue to keep you informed of our journey.
Candy & Jay Krueger,
Aspirancy Year, Deacon Couple Formation,
Holy Family Parish, South Pasadena