Dear Friends,
Sharing parishioners’ stories about the power of prayer and the hope such power proclaims.
Peace,
Fr. Damian
Karly Jurgensen Daniels
Six years ago, I was pregnant with my second child. Halfway through my pregnancy, we learned that she had a congenital heart defect and would need at least a couple of surgeries throughout her life. Her first surgery was needed at just four months old.
People often ask me what it was like for my husband and I to endure the uncertainty of such a big surgery on our small child. They assume I will say it was scary and terrible. But the truth is, we had so many people in our lives who were praying for us, and their prayers were truly felt. These prayers brought us peace and trust that we wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. When I think back to that time in our lives, I still feel that peace and know that it was the result of many intercessory prayers being said for us and our daughter, who is now a beautiful, thriving almost-6-year-old!
Grant Willms
I always hoped my children would know Jesus. I prayed they would choose to grow in faith in this Catholic Church with all of her spiritual treasures. As they ventured on their own as young adults they began to question, test and search for answers to their unique questions.
I prayed to the Holy Spirit to answer these questions that they might be guided by God’s Wisdom. Along the way, I discovered the best I had to offer was to listen and pray. In the process, I grew in my faith as well. First trusting in God to care for them. He would meet them lovingly and patiently where they were not where I wanted them to be.
A year ago this Easter my son chose to attend Mass on Easter Sunday. He was greeted and welcomed by parishioners Al and Chris Peters, thank you for your gesture. I saw him later that day at Easter dinner. Truly a joy filled day. Prayers answered. Hope restored. A journey continued in a rich parish community. Hope is alive at St. Frances Cabrini.