Another "Breakthrough" ... Our Fourth Lenten Prayer Service Wednesday, March 21th, 2001

      It was a fun assignment! As one of the original prayer partners I’d presided at many prayer services, but I’d never been asked to help a group of young people prepare and conduct a service of their own. The designated date was March 21. Through Lisa Chirpich, who sought volunteers from the confirmation class, we agreed to meet on Wednesday, March 7, to begin the process. Courtney Duffy, Devin Duffy and Joe Fisher met with Lisa and I to begin the process. We talked about prayer services and what elements might be present, such as a welcome, prayers, songs, readings, scripture and a closing. Because we met in the Church, we were able to examine the space, with the cross, the altar, lectern, candles, microphones and sound system; to assess the environmental aspects of a prayer service. We talked about gestures used in prayer, such as the sign of the cross, the kiss of peace, kneeling, standing and holding hands. Each has a meaning and is an important aspect of communal prayer.

By the end of our time together, each agreed that the gospel of the preceding Sunday would provide the theme. That gospel was the parable of the fig tree. Each agreed to an assignment, Joe would look for music, Courtney would begin a reflection on the gospel and Devin would begin to develop an opening and a closing prayer. We agreed to meet again the next Wednesday at 5:30 to share each other’s work. Lisa agreed to ask the Confirmation group once more if anyone else wanted be a part of the service.

The next week Courtney was joined by Bridget Reilly who was unable to attend the first meeting. Joe was unable to attend because of a conflict and Devin was sick. Courtney, Bridget and I reviewed the discussion from our first meeting. We reviewed the parable of the fig tree and from our discussion Courtney and Bridget decided the theme would focus on patience. As we prune and develop our virtues, we rely on God’s patience with us as well as develop patience with ourselves. Both agreed to pass this information on to Devin and Joe. Bridget said she would continue to look for readings.

It was an interesting choice of theme, as I was beginning to need patience. We’d had two meetings, and much of what I thought should be developed by now was not. The fact that the four prayer partners had not yet met together was also a concern. Bridget assured me it would all work out. They had committed to doing the prayer service and they would. They suggested we could meet Sunday night before their Confirmation class to go over the assignments once again. I agreed to meet with them at 6:00.

Courtney, Devin and Bridget and I met at 6:00 Sunday night. The prayer service was scheduled for Wednesday. Joe was unable to meet at this time because of a conflict. We still did not know what music he was developing. Courtney had polished her reflection to include some of what we talked about on Wednesday. Devin was working on the opening and closing prayers and Bridget was still looking for just the right reading. Nothing was yet finalized. We made decisions on the order of the service, the gestures and the space needs. Courtney agreed to make copies of the script for everyone.

I was quite concerned by now. What would happen on Wednesday if this didn’t flow? What would happen if it wasn’t a “polished piece”? Would those in attendance wonder if “kids” could do this? Would my prayer partners wonder if I had provided the best guidance? I left the meeting with Bridget’s words ringing in my ears; “Don’t worry. We’ll make it happen.”

Wednesday night came. We met at 6:00 to rehearse. It was the first time all four presiders were present. But they were! And, they were prepared. Joe had asked Steve Kremer to help him with congregate singing. He’d worked hard on a solo, “Blackbird.” Bridget found a reading on patience from Henri Nouwen. She was ready with a welcome and a closing. Devin had written his opening and closing prayers. Courtney’s reflection was wonderful. I, on the other hand, had forgotten my assignment! I’d promised to write virtues they had identified as “figs” on colored construction paper. We were going to tape them on the large wooden cross for those present to take for their own reflection. We quickly hastened to get them written and taped to the Tree. At 7:00 all was ready. They went into the service prepared to lead us in prayer, and they did.

Our Lenten theme this year is about breaking through into new life. These four young people helped me do just that. They did a great job with the prayer service. They each took their assignments seriously and followed through on their commitment. I learned that it may not be my way, on my timetable or my organizational style. It was theirs all the way! And I learned about patience, once again, from a little different angle. I think it was the Arc angle.

Joan Riebel is a member of the Parish Council as well as a long-time Prayer Partner.