March’s scripture verse

“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.” ~ Matthew 5: 16

Please pray for the following needs of St. Matthew Parish:

March’s New Requests:

· During this Lenten Season we pray that all will make time in their daily routine to include quiet time with the Lord, reflecting on God’s love for us, His eternal forgiveness, and His promise of everlasting life.

· For all those attending the Light of the World retreat;  we pray that they will be touched by the Holy Spirit as they begin their journey toward a closer and more personal relationship with Christ our Savior.

· May all Catholics in our community take advantage of the many opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent, so they may feel the joy of Christ’s forgiveness.

· We pray for all those in need:  the poor, the homeless, the mentally ill, those without family or loved ones, the sick and the dying;  may they feel the love of Christ through the caring and compassion of others around them.

· In thanksgiving for Joseph, Jesus father here on earth, and the example of unconditional love that he set for all of us to follow.

Existing Requests:

· We pray for generosity to help reduce our parish debt as well as to fund renovations to the interior of our church as we prepare to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Dedication of our church building in 2012.

· For an increase in stewardship in our parish.  We pray that our parishioners may prayerfully reflect on the gifts they have been given by God, as well as how they can best share those gifts through their offering of Time, Talent and Treasure.

· We ask God to grace our Catholic Church with an increase in awareness of all vocations;  may He speak directly to the hearts and minds of those he is calling so they have the courage to answer.  We especially pray for Father Jerry and our parish seminarian Adam Wilczak;  may God continue to hold them close and guide them in their dedication and vocation to  the priesthood.

· We pray for all those who serve in the Armed Forces;  may God watch over and guide them on their mission to protect and defend our country and our freedoms.  We also ask that their loved ones may feel the loving comfort of our Lord as they await the safe return of their friends and family.

March Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.  
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;  
where there is injury, pardon;  
where there is doubt, faith;  
where there is despair, hope;  
where there is darkness, light;  
where there is sadness, joy.  
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;  
to be understood as to understand;  
to be loved, as to love.  
For it is in giving that we receive;  
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;  
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  
Amen.