I always say grace, and most of the time I make the sign of the cross. The only exception is when I am with my co-workers. They all know I'm Catholic, and I'm sure they think I'm off the deep end with religion, so they probably would only raise their eyebrows if they saw me make the sign of the cross before eating (as well as secretly think that I belong in a psych ward -lol) I guess I find it easier to do this in public when no one knows me than to make an outward sign of faith in front of my coworkers. Go figure. I need courage, I guess.
My priest friends and I pray the divine office in the coffee shop once a week. It is our day away and we don't look much like priests (as most of us are going off to mow Mom's lawn or some such thing.) People often mark what we do. We didn't even realize anyone noticed. Apparently it means quite a bit to some.
Definitely! In fact, dh and I often meet to eat in restaurants (he works the overnight shift) and our habit is to pray in two parts. He speaks the Table Blessing and I add: "And may the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of Christ, rest in peace" from the Prayer after meals. If we don't pray for the souls in purgatory then we are afraid we will forget. So, dh says his piece, I say mine, and we make the Sign of the Cross together. I used to be too chicken but finally decided that was silly. Dh and I don't see one another often and it is important to us to pray together as often as possible. This makes it possible. Regards, Feisty Muse
Father V, that's wonderful that you pray the Divine Office publicly with other priests! What a great way to publicly profess your faith. I bet it gives other people who see this the courage to also pray publicly.
Feisty Muse - I like your idea of praying for the Holy Souls after saying grace. I pray daily for their souls, too, but I do this separately from the grace prayer.
A paramedic who loves her job, but first and foremost, a traditional Catholic who recognizes the tremendous grace and privilege of belonging to the Catholic faith.
And yes, I use Canadian spelling. Humour, centre, colour and such. If you think it's spelled wrong, it's just the Canadian way!
Prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas for thanksgiving after Holy Communion
Workman's prayer to St. Joseph
Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in a spirit of penance for the expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my inclinations; to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever recoiling before weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after your example, O Patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen.
O gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the soul of your departed servant Joe. Be not severe in your judgement, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon him, and send, O merciful Savior, Your angels to conduct him to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.
"Because out of reverence towards this sacrament, nothing touches it, but what is consecrated; hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest's hands, for touching this sacrament." - ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, Summa Theologica
12 comments:
Yes, but not all the time (sad to say)
I do.
Yes, we do.
I always say grace, and most of the time I make the sign of the cross. The only exception is when I am with my co-workers. They all know I'm Catholic, and I'm sure they think I'm off the deep end with religion, so they probably would only raise their eyebrows if they saw me make the sign of the cross before eating (as well as secretly think that I belong in a psych ward -lol) I guess I find it easier to do this in public when no one knows me than to make an outward sign of faith in front of my coworkers. Go figure. I need courage, I guess.
PMGirl - I agree - it's easier to do this in front of strangers.
Yes,
Dave
Yup-even in Tim Hortons!
I usually do - and always make the sign of the cross when passing a Church as well. Although, I never make a show of either.
My priest friends and I pray the divine office in the coffee shop once a week. It is our day away and we don't look much like priests (as most of us are going off to mow Mom's lawn or some such thing.) People often mark what we do. We didn't even realize anyone noticed. Apparently it means quite a bit to some.
Definitely! In fact, dh and I often meet to eat in restaurants (he works the overnight shift) and our habit is to pray in two parts. He speaks the Table Blessing and I add: "And may the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of Christ, rest in peace" from the Prayer after meals. If we don't pray for the souls in purgatory then we are afraid we will forget. So, dh says his piece, I say mine, and we make the Sign of the Cross together.
I used to be too chicken but finally decided that was silly. Dh and I don't see one another often and it is important to us to pray together as often as possible. This makes it possible.
Regards,
Feisty Muse
Father V, that's wonderful that you pray the Divine Office publicly with other priests! What a great way to publicly profess your faith. I bet it gives other people who see this the courage to also pray publicly.
Feisty Muse - I like your idea of praying for the Holy Souls after saying grace. I pray daily for their souls, too, but I do this separately from the grace prayer.
Yes, my parents got me in the habit. I even do it in front of my Baptist friend. Lol. :D
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