Dear Disciples of Christ at Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s,
Just after Easter, Bishop McClory led a nine day novena via the Hallow app. That nine days of prayer and reflections based on the Holy Word of God were powerful and revealing. Bishop McClory addressed the faithful with these words: My hope is that this novena would draw us closer together in Christ and inspire each of us, clergy and laity alike, to respond with joy and trust to God’s call in our lives. During our days of prayer, we will offer a series of intentions related to renewing, rebuilding, and restructuring our community as we seek to follow God’s will.”
– Day 1 Renew Our Church based on the scripture passage: Colossians Chapter 3 verses 12 through 15. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
– Day 2 Renew Our Community based on the scripture passage: from the book of Nehemiah 2:17-18. “Come let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.”
– Day 3 Renew Our Talents based on the Word of God: 1 Corinthians 3:8-1. “For we are God’s servants working together. You are God’s field, God’s building…”
– Day 4 Renew Our Minds based on the Word of God. Romans 12:1-5. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…”
– Day 5 Renew Our Trust based on the Word of God: Psalm 37. “Trust in the Lord and do good….Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act…”
– Day 6 Renew Our Generosity based on the Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8. “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind….God loves a cheerful giver.”
– Day 7 Renew Our Peacemaking based on the Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-30. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with which you were marked with a seal for the day of your redemption….”
– Day 8 Renew Our Healing based on the Scripture: Book of Jeremiah chapter 30. For the Bishop remarks, “Today we also pause to recognize the pain and suffering that some in our community have experienced. Together we turn to the Lord, the source of true healing and ask to bring restoration to every wounded heart.
– Day 9 Renew Our Hope based on the holy Word of God: The Book of Lamentations 3:22-24. The steadfast love of Lord never ceases. His mercy never comes to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness…”
I believe our Bishop offered this novena and the reflections therein to help us all through the coming mergers and closing to realize the renewal that awaits us and the plans for our future as a Diocese to continue the work of God and the mission of His Church.
Fr. Tom