“How did you know that purple is our theme color for this evening’s session on the “Crown Chakra?” she said. Of course, I did not know that but since most of my wardrobe runs in the purple range and I was wearing that color, I felt an immediate connection to this wonderful ministry of healing and was anxious to learn more.
It was much more than color related, I discovered. It was body, mind and spirit that these talented practitioners are all about. Their dedication and generosity in sustaining this ministry using their inner energies and knowledge in the fields of Therapeutic Touch, Reiki and other methods of working with the body’s energy towards healing are awe inspiring to watch and learn.
I entered the circle of chairs where there was a lovely floor centerpiece decoration for focus. A golden circular satin cloth, where upon graceful folds sat a small statue, various geodes, rocks and lighted candles. Draped over this was an elongated purple strip of material to top this mesmerizing spread.
People began to drift in and sit down. No one seemed to want to speak out loud and there was a peaceful but heavy feeling in the large airy room. That heaviness I felt, I accounted to the presence of persons in pain and their need for healing.
I learned that these sessions were held the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 pm with various designated meeting areas. (see Sunday Bulletins on St. Joan’s website or handed out at masses on Sundays for current information.) This ministry has been ongoing for over a year.
There are anywhere from five to ten healers that volunteer to participate. Special cots are set up in various places around the church on which clients can lie and the practitioners can work. Some work while sitting with the client. Some are hands on; work with energy only; others use a combination of various methods. All have credentials and are professionals in this field.
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| Three of the night's healers |
After this preparation time and with many of these wonderful enlightening ideas swimming in everyone’s head, the practitioners went to their areas of healing and one by one the participants came to them to begin their individual healing processes.
Sometimes there are many more participants than were at Tuesday’s session and at times there are thirty or more needing help.
I was able to speak to several of the clients after their healing sessions and found that they were all filled with a sense of peace and a general overall sense of good health. Some had come for the first time, some are repeat clients and all seemed enthused and excited to return for another session. There is no set fee for these treatments but a free will offering is encouraged.
After everyone was finished with their individual healing session they came together for a final prayer and affirmation(right) for the Crown Chakra. This affirmation is entitled, “God Is In Me, Above Me, Below Me, and Around Me At All Times.” The next session in August will review all seven Chakras of the body and I do not know which color will be the theme, but I am hoping it might be purple.
I was once again filled with an immense admiration for the infinite talents of the people of St. Joan of Arc and for the many dedicated ministries that are available to our parishioners. My end thought at the session that we shared with each other was “affirmation” and by that, I meant the affirmation for the “family of St. Joan of Arc”. All are welcome at any time and it is their hope that this article will be a reminder of their ongoing work and that many more will participate and enjoy the healing experience they are ready to give you.
These wonderful and dedicated leaders of this ministry have much to teach us about how we human beings can develop a spirit that overflows to others for a meaningful, peaceful, harmonious, healthy and joyful life!
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