Some people, in Arizona especially, pray for rain. I've found myself praying for families in our diocese. And I have the weather to thank for the inspiration.
First it was the nearly 2,500 families who call Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lake Havasu City home. A mid-July rainstorm killed one man and turned roadways into raging rivers. Usually my ears don't perk up unless something is going on in my immediate neighborhood. But as Catholics, we're all neighbors. So when I started seeing footage of these roads that became rivers on the news, I started praying for peace and safety among the people of Lake Havasu City.
Then last night and this morning, some prayers for families in Anthem. I think they're all dealing with muddy roads and debris following the downpour. I heard reports of 1-and-ahalf inches in 45 minutes. Nine people in four vehicles had to be rescued from the raging water.
A lot of families are also dealing with flooded homes and destroyed yards. I sent some prayers their way too. Some 1,500 of them are registered at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish. The devastation made headlines in The Washington Post.
I prayed again for peace in their hearts. I figured they need that when facing such devastation and unexpected hardship. I also prayed for understanding employers who will afford necessary staff the time away to deal with pressing storm-related problems.
Thoughts and prayers also turned back to Lake Havasu City last night, even if news coverage didn't. A viewer submitted photo (the one above) was from Deacon Jeff Arner, director at the parish's preschool and kindergarten. Turns out it was taken from the church. I'm guessing they got a healthy dose of rain last night too.
It might be easy to pray for our immediate and parish families. Let us also remember our diocesan one.
Weather-related or not, feel free to send some prayer intentions our way
- info@catholicsun.org
- facebook.com/thecatholicsun
