JANUARY 2020
each month is created with a particular principle in mind: it’s difficult to have too many candles. Even on a bright summer night, the constellations of candle flames in the church are a comforting sight.
Getting any regular prayer event rolling requires a few dedicated people willing to take responsibility for it. A chairperson is needed to assure that the preparations happen in a timely manner, delegate responsibilities where possible, and guide those who assist.
What are some of the best practices that the Prayer of Peace has learned?
• Communicate in advance of each event with the participants through the NPM chapter, email, church bulletins, and social media.
• Te quality of the musical leadership is an important factor in providing a prayer experience that’s meaningful. Since so much of the prayer is sung, the skill and sensitivity of the musicians at leading—without calling undo attention to themselves— and accompanying the singing is vital.
• Keep the prayer accessible. Even though the music is simple, repeat pieces from event to event so that the participants soon have a base of familiarity. Add repertoire intentionally, carefully and slowly.
• Silence is rich. Allow for silence between elements of the prayer. If people are uncomfortable with extended silence, increase the length of the great silence before the intercessions patiently over time
• Respect the ecumenical nature of the Taizé community. Te style of prayer they developed is accessible to Christians across denominational lines. In that spirit, reach out to non-Catholics.
• Preparing prayer begins, continues, and ends in prayer.
For more information, visit
prayerofpeacegr.org. – Larry Barton, chapter member
Blessing Bags Help the Homeless
Raleigh, North Carolina Blessing bags (small giveaway packages of toiletries and useful items for homeless people) are a wonderful project, whether done on a small family basis, as a local chapter event, or on a larger scale like the 2019 NPM Convention in Raleigh.
Here’s how we did it in Raleigh: First, we identified a distribution center. Oak City Cares is a central location that coordinates services across a wide spectrum and has a grasp on what is needed in the community. Most urban areas have similar organizations that can give ideas on desirable items to add to your blessing bag. Typically, small size toiletries like shampoo, hand lotion, combs, and dental hygiene items are welcome, as are tissues, candy, socks, and the like. Depending on the time of year, gloves and toboggan style hats can be especially welcome. Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment are a good idea, too.
Te Core Committee in Raleigh turned to local parishes and asked them to hold drives for specific items. One parish collected combs, several collected white athletic-style socks, etc. Dental hygiene kits
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