I love parish missions.
I am on a team of sisters that gives parish missions and I love the opportunity to step into the life of a parish for a few days - to encounter the people, to pick up their parish’s unique flavor, to see how their gifts and strengths are lived out, and to be called on by their service to one another and the community.
One of my favorite parts of the mission is meeting parishioners after the Sunday Masses - I stand there with an open notebook and pen (and hopefully an open demeanor), wish everyone a blessed day, and take down their special intentions.
At one particular parish I filled pages with their deepest desires and needs: cancer, deaths, children away from the Church, upcoming surgeries, waiting on diagnoses, difficult family dynamics, and divorce. It’s the greatest privilege to be brought into this vulnerable place, sometimes with tears.
At one mission, a woman shared an intention with me through tears. I offered to pray with her and she grabbed and squeezed my hands like she’d been hoping I’d say that. I led us in a simple, spontaneous prayer, lifting all her burdens to Jesus. Afterwards, she looked up into my face (I’m rather tall) with a confident peace in her eyes. Sometimes we just need someone to pray for us.
With each encounter, I can stand at this person’s Calvary - even looking into their pierced heart that is pained and bleeding. I have the privilege to stand at the foot of their cross.
When I come back from these ministries, I have all of these intentions and I bring them to my daily prayer for a time. I remember the people, what was going on for them, and I give them each to the Father and His perfect care. I know that some of their crosses will not go away, but that they are not alone in carrying them.
- By Sr. Sarah Rose Dent, TOR
