Introducing our Partners in Prayer
St. Thomas is blessed with eight parishioners who have come forward to offer prayers with and for those who are in need of prayer. Each week one of them will be featured in the bulletin to share their story of faith.
September 14: Meet Karen Beals
“It is an honor to be part of the prayer ministry. I feel both great joy and deep humility being an instrument through which God can manifest His love by praying for and with my fellow brothers and sisters. Before joining St. Thomas, my husband and I were prayer partners in another community. When this ministry was looking for volunteers, it was something I could be a clear ‘yes’ to because I believe deeply in the power of prayer. It reminds me that I do not walk this path alone. We need community and each other. Most of all, we need God.”
September 7: Meet Maria Zilic
God is still on his throne. God is in control and Jesus is on the right hand of the Father hears and answers our prayer. As Psalm 37 says: “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Trust in Him, and he will act.”
I’m grateful to be part of this ministry, where I can intercede for others and lift up their intentions in prayer. Jesus calls us to pray for one another, and it brings me great joy to pray in Jesus’s Holy name.
August 31: Meet Chuck Dolan
As a chaplain at Edward Hospital, I have a special place in my heart for people who are facing difficulties or crises in their lives. As a member of St. Thomas the Apostle, I am glad to meet my fellow parishioners and offer my support and prayers by being a Prayer Partner.
August 17: Meet Jack Wilson-Beals
“I love praying with people. It is a great honor and privilege. I get so much from it. What a wonderful opportunity to be welcomed into someone else’s story and then to bring that unique story to Jesus.”
August 10: Meet Gary Rufo
I have been very blessed in my life. My faith and the St. Thomas community are very important to me. Being able to listen to fellow parishioners and visitors and to share their prayers is a wonderful way to experience the most powerful manifestation of our Lord. I receive such a positive reward being able to participate in this ministry.
August 3: Meet Jane Zimmerman
Once I heard it asked, “When God seems far away, who moved?” Prayer reminds me that God is always near, never far, ever deep within. In prayer, God doesn’t become present to me because God already is present to me! I become present to God. In those moments of awareness of God’s presence I find that I am not alone, I am loved, I am blessed. I discover that there is a strength, wisdom, and compassion much larger than my own to draw upon. “You have made known to me the paths of life; you fill me with joy in your presence.” (Acts 2:28)
July 27: Meet Penny Fruechte
It is a blessing to pray with others. Each person who seeks prayer for their concerns places their trust not only in me but more importantly in God. Many times in my own life I have reached out to a dear friend for prayer. Prayer is powerful and reminds me that God is truly present when we gather in His name. I have experienced the Lord’s presence when praying with individuals. I believe that we are called to love one another and to encourage and pray for one another. I believe that this ministry places both of us in a sacred place that strengthens our faith. Truly a blessing.
