2 minute read
Recharging Our Batteries Through the Spanish Prayer Group
For those of us born into the faith, there may be a temptation to live only nominally Catholic. We identify ourselves as Catholic, but it easily becomes relegated to a mere title instead of an active way of life. Parishioner and former ministry coordinator Lucas Hernandez says addressing this phenomenon is the ultimate mission and purpose of St. Michael’s Catholic Church’s Spanish Prayer Group.
“So many people today say they are Catholic, butthey never go to Mass, say the Rosary, or do anything,” Lucas says. “It’s just how they grew up. The Spanish Prayer Group is all about renewing their life in the Catholic faith — helping them get to know the Bible so they can read and understand God’s Word and know what the faith is truly about.”
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The Spanish Prayer Group traditionally gathers Friday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and serves as a yearlong process of catechesis. Topics covered include Scriptural studies, Church doctrine, the sacred liturgy, and even lessons on the liturgical year and colors. The Spanish Prayer Group also offers bi-annual retreats. All of this is designed to help reignite the fires of faith so as to encourage active discipleship in Hispanic Catholics.
“It’s so important to make time to grow in the faith,” Lucas says. “So many people say they are Catholic, but it doesn’t really mean anything to them. We want people to know what being Catholic really means — to help them renew their faith, similar to how married couples will renew their vows every couple of years.”
By learning how to delve into the Word and understanding the “why” behind Catholic liturgies and traditions, participants gain a far greater appreciation for the faith. Over time, this becomes a springboard for other parish ministries as members begin to take a more active role in the faith.
“We encourage people to come to the prayer group and the next thing you know, they’ll end up staying in the church and getting involved as ushers, greeters or Eucharistic Ministers,” Lucas says. “So it really helps bring them into the life of the Church because they understand what the faith is really all about.”
Lucas says that he has personally grown through the Hispanic Prayer Group, both through the weekly team meetings on Thursday evenings and through the Sunday sessions for RCIA, which he is now privileged to help present.
“It’s been such a blessing to me,” Lucas says. “I’ve learned so much and it makes me feel like I’m doing something good for the church.”
Though we are all busy, Lucas says it’s important for Catholics to take time for spiritual renewal, no matter where they are in the faith journey. This is how we keep our faith relevant and protect ourselves from becoming lukewarm.
“When I was the coordinator, I used to tell people we need to be like cell phones,” Lucas says. “We all need to recharge at times. If you stop recharging, you’ll not update and fall behind.”
