Wednesday Evening, continued from page 13
praise and petitions to a joyful and loving God. I doubt
if any of the people who come have read Pope Francis’
“Joy of the Gospel.” Perhaps a few have. But the joy of
the gospel seems to come naturally these folks, even
among the handicapped and mentally challenged who
attend with other family members.
John & Trish Fraiser, and Sylvie
Dog is Love, continued from page 15
Because of our commitment to the therapy dog pro-
gram, we now sit and visit with someone in a wheel-
chair or bed. They eagerly pat Sylvie on the head and
share stories of their own pet long gone. Through this
listening and sharing, perhaps we give them a sense of
self-worth and dignity.
After our long journey through training, John,
Sylvie and I graduated. There were ups and downs,
but everyone we’ve visited remains engraved in our
hearts. From the repeated stories we hear in nurs-
ing homes to the giggles of children, we are blessed
to realize we make a difference all because of a little
puppy named Sylvie.
pbmr, continued from page 14
Our Restorative Justice Café (rj Café – Art Center)
has also transformed and been transformed by the art
displays and the many visitors: ministers, police offi-
cers, Latino families, and guests from our Fall Barbeque
fundraiser. Speaking of that wonderful October event,
our community joined in prayer and celebration with
friends from the north, south, east, and west and sud-
denly people who were far off were brought close at the
table of Eucharist and roasted pork!
Yes, our staff has rapidly increased and so has our
presence in the neighborhood. We have a very eager
and energetic group of young volunteers who—along
with Jonathan, Lamonte and Phillip—really change nar-
ratives and keep the older ones of us on our toes—even
Fr. Kelly!
It is a New Year. May we continue to work together,
allowing God to transform us and our communities,
churches, and families so the old narratives are changed
and new life springs up out of the dark.
16 • The New Wine Press • January 2018
The second hour is normally an hour of teaching
and Scripture. There are, however, no dry lectures.
Often there is a lay evangelist or catechist. In addition
to their teaching abilities, many of these people are
trained musicians and singers. Many of the teachings
are done in the context of music and dance. There is a
fair amount of dancing in the pews, though movement
is limited. A lot of the evangelists are quite creative in
the use of hand and arm gesture in the use of song and
get the people very involved.
I asked one person, who had been coming to this
prayer meeting for more than twenty years, why this
weekly event was so important to her, and she told me
this prayer community was an extended family to her.
This was a place of love and support. Another person
told me this was a place of education and formation.
One gentleman, who gave me an incredulous look
after I asked why this prayer meeting was important to
him, told me, “to give glory and praise to God.”
People come to pray and have a good time. In the
process, they learn about their Catholic faith and the
Word of God. I am quite sure that Gaspar’s oratory
at Santa Maria in Vincis was very different, but goal
was the same, namely, to enable people to encounter
the presence of Christ through prayer and preaching.
The Precious Blood Prayer Group has been going on
for more than twenty years. It is a gift from God than
enables people to encounter God. This is what makes a
good oratory, and St. Agnes Parish in Los Angeles has
a great one.
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