The Prayer Ministry: Drawing Closer To The Lord In Our Faith Community And Beyond

Some of us have busy schedules that don’t allow much time for church ministry. Others may not be able to leave their homes, so volunteering at church is tough. But we all have time and space to pray. So, the Prayer Ministry is accessible to all!

Patrice Schulte has led the Prayer Ministry at St. Andrew for several years. In turn, Fr. Paul Timmerman would like to see this ministry started at St. James as well.

“Scripture says, ‘Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be,’” Patrice says. “This is one way that I can commit myself to what is good and right. It’s easy to get distracted by so many things in this life.”

Currently, 29 people from St. Andrew Parish receive an email or text when someone needs prayers. Fr. Paul also receives the requests so he can pray for the requests and stay up-to-date. Each month, Patrice also sends an email with all those who continue to need prayers and any updates she has on people. She adds a reminder to pray for the pope, priests, religious, and our country. Also, she reminds people to pray for our parish’s “Shepherds in the Field,” the two priests from the diocese for whom we are specifically asked to pray.

When it comes to the Stewardship of Time — prayer — Patrice emphasizes that this is something in which we can all participate. Also, this ministry is a beautiful way to show hospitality to parishioners and all those for whom we are praying.

“This ministry has drawn me closer to the Lord and to the people of our parish,” Patrice says. “It helps us all realize that there is a lot of support here at St. Andrew.”

The ability to continue this ministry at home has been even more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict limitations on group gatherings in communities across the country. In turn, people have had more time to pray because they are at home more. What better time to be praying for people than during a global pandemic!

Patrice says, overwhelmingly, members enjoy this ministry. Many feel they have grown in faith through being involved.

“This ministry draws us all together in something we have in common — Christ,” Patrice says. “This ministry is one act of service.”

Being a woman of prayer, Patrice has many examples of prayers she has prayed for people and others that she prays daily. She recently emailed everyone on the Prayer Ministry list the prayer called A Perfect Resignation, by St. Joseph Pignatelli. She thinks this prayer is one of many that so perfectly represents this important ministry:

“My God, I do not know what must come to me to day. But, I am certain that nothing can happen to me that You have not foreseen, decreed, and ordained from eternity. That is sufficient for me. I adore your impenetrable and eternal designs, to which I submit with all my heart. I desire, I accept them all, and I unite my sacrifice to that of Jesus Christ, my divine Savior. I ask in His name and through His infinite merits, patience in my trials, and perfect and entire submission to all that comes to me by Your good pleasure. Amen.”

Anyone is welcome to call Patrice Schulte with prayer requests. The person being prayed for need not be a St. Andrew member or Catholic. With urgent prayer needs, Patrice sends out the prayer request as soon as possible. Please contact Patrice at jet07@mvtvwireless.com or 507-430-8303 to submit a prayer request or to become part of St. Andrew’s Prayer Ministry; at St. Joseph contact Karen Kling slkekling@gmail.com. If you are willing to lead the Prayer Ministry at St. James, please call the Area Office at 320-269-5954.

Patrice Schulte enjoys making a difference at St. Andrew through the Prayer Ministry.