The Grace Ministry: Offering Compassion, Prayers, and a Card for Those Who are Suffering

In the age of email, text messages, and social media, writing a letter or sending a card seems like a lost art. Since cards aren’t often sent in the mail, receiving one is even more heartwarming. The Grace Ministry at St. Vincent de Paul works to continue the lost art of sending a card to those going through a tough time. Ministry members also commit to praying for the card recipient.

“The prayers are the most important part of this work,” says Pru Brett, who coordinates the Grace Ministry. “The cards are just a bonus.”

The Grace Ministry was formed many years ago when St. Vincent de Paul was a new parish. As the parish grew, Pru and the other members wanted to welcome new parishioners. So, they started making welcome baskets and delivering them. This proved challenging, so members began meeting every two weeks to pray for people and prepare cards. “We really just want people to know we are thinking about them,” Pru says. “In this big world, it’s nice to know people are there for you, even if it’s in a small way.”

Due to the pandemic, Grace Ministry members now correspond via email instead of meeting. People call the office with names and addresses of someone going through a hard time, whether it’s a death in the family or a diagnosis of an illness. One of the members takes the time to pick out a special card, write a short note and remember the person in their prayers.

“This way, people know someone cares,” Pru says. “They don’t even have to be a member of our parish or live in the area.”

For Pru and the other ministry members, this is a simple thing they can do. Yet, a little goes a long way — it’s the personal touch that truly means something.

“Our parish is so big,” Pru says. “Even if we don’t know the person, it’s nice for them to know they are being prayed for and thought of.”

Pru acknowledges that the pandemic has been hard on people. So, any opportunity to spread love is of the utmost importance right now.

“I just hope this will be a bright spot during a tough time,” Pru says. “It’s a small thing, but the people that do the cards pray hard for the people, and that’s the number-one thing.”

As Pru coordinates this ministry and writes cards, she often thinks of St. Teresa of Calcutta and her wisdom that “we can do no great things — only small things with great love.” This sentiment serves as the basis of the Grace Ministry.

If you would like to request that someone receive a card and prayers, please call the St. Vincent de Paul parish office at 817-478-8206.