MEET THE GODFREY FAMILY: St. Joesph’s Parishioners Making Family Prayer a Habit

For 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 start and you will find out for yourself.”

Asha finds real peace and joy in their daily prayer routines, and adding this to their lives has blessed her in so many ways. Along with daily prayer, Asha serves on the St. Joseph’s Administrative Council. She also teaches ninth-grade Faith Formation class, and she takes the lead on the Fall Festival Silent Auction.

“I like being crafty and taking photos, so this is good,” Asha says. “It’s something I enjoy.”

Henry will also start as an altar server, and Isabelle and Madeleine participated in the May Mary Coronation, as well.

Asha works as a home care registered nurse and Dan works in the auto body repair field. The couple moved back to the area from Texas about five years ago. They love being a part of the St. Joseph’s community and raising their children around where they both grew up.

The Godfrey family — Dan and Asha with Henry, Isabelle and Madeleine