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MEET THE GODFREY FAMILY: St . Joesph’s Parishioners Making Family Prayer a Habit
or years, St. Joseph’s parishioner Asha Godfrey has listened to Real Presence Radio, a Catholic radio station. She heard stories of people praying a daily Rosary and the blessings they received as a result. After Asha watched the movie PRAY: The Story of Patrick Peyton, she knew it was time to start a daily Rosary with her husband, Dan, and their family — Henry, 11; Madeleine, 8; and Isabelle, 6. “We started praying a daily Rosary as a New Year’s resolution on Jan. 4, 2021,” Asha says. “We still pray it every day! I am happy to say we even made it through the summer.” For the Godfrey family, the daily Rosary has become a habit. Asha is so proud they have continued this devotion, sometimes replacing the Rosary with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, if they are busy. In addition, a few years ago, Asha began doing a daily devotional based on the writings of Saint Pope John Paul II. She started to share it with the kids as they waited for the school bus. They continue the tradition during the school year, now using various other short devotionals. “It’s just making time for it,” Asha says. “It’s a great way to start the day with the kids. It has never been perfect. It can be messy. But, eventually, it becomes a habit like brushing your teeth.” Asha admits the kids can be antsy at times during prayer and the devotionals, but she tries to set an example of being quiet and peaceful. The benefits of these daily prayers are so rewarding to Dan and Asha, whether it’s watching Henry lead the prayers or Isabelle learn the proper order of the Rosary. The family also has a habit of praying before bed and at mealtime. “I can’t tell everyone why they should start praying daily, because their fruits will be different from mine,” Asha says. “You just have to continued on back cover
The Godfrey family — Dan and Asha with Henry, Isabelle and Madeleine
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