God Our Father, we thank you for our parish community of St. Catherine of Siena.  Thank you for the many blessings that you have given us, but especially for calling us to serve as disciples of your son, Jesus Christ.  As we gather today, we ask that you send your Holy Spirit to guide us in everything that we do.  Transform our hearts and lead us closer to you.  Help us always to seek to be a parish that is Centered on Christ and Ablaze with Love.  We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus, and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother.  St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!

Please join us in praying for the following specific intentions in connection with St. Catherine of Siena striving to become a parish "Centered on Christ, Ablaze with Love."

JANUARY 2020 INTENTIONS

Our beautiful parish liturgical celebrations for the birth of Jesus, our Savior, remind us of the reason for our hope.  It is this hope that gives us confidence to bring our petitions for SCS before our good God.  In this new year, let us each "be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you the reason for your hope," 1 Peter 3:15, and thus spread the good news of the Gospel!

• For SCS parish to be a community where all find support to live a Christ-centered life as true disciples of Jesus.

• That we may be blessed to have nuns carrying out their ministry in collaboration with SCS school and parish in the near future.

• For all from the SCS community attending the March for Life in Washington DC, that their presence may be a joyful witness to the message of life, and for their safe travels.

• For our parishioners who will receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and Confirmation in the coming weeks, that their hearts may be open to all the graces that God wants to give them in these sacraments.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they discern the next steps in the journey of the SCS community of faith and protected in their service of our parish; for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace; and for Fr. Andrew during his retreat January 7-12, that he may be open to the Holy Spirit.

DECEMBER 2019 INTENTIONS

As we enter the season of Advent, our faith allows us to look forward to Christmas with confident anticipation of our Savior’s birth!  Thank you for your continued faithfulness to holding the mission and ministries of SCS parish in prayer as we seek to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit in all that we do.

• That all in our SCS community embrace the joy of Advent’s promise of redemption by our merciful God, and that our joy may attract others to follow Jesus.

• For all who will attend our Christmas liturgies, especially those who attend mass irregularly or are visitors, that they may find at SCS a warm welcome that encourages them to return more frequently.

• For the homebound and the sick, their caregivers, the lonely, and anyone for whom the holidays are a difficult and painful time, that they may experience the hope of the incarnation and the comforting love of Jesus through the members of the SCS community.

• For our Young Adult ministry, that their Advent study and other events be attractive opportunities for spiritual growth and faith-filled community amidst the noise of the culture.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they discern the next steps in the journey of the SCS community of faith and protected in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

 
NOVEMBER 2019 INTENTIONS

Many of our Alpha guests had a true encounter with Jesus through the Holy Spirit at the Alpha weekend.  The Amazing Parish conference was a wonderful source of inspiration for our parish team, and we look forward with excitement to the continued work of the Holy Spirit at SCS.  Thank you for keeping these intentions in prayer in October!  As we move into the busy holiday season, we are reminded that Elijah found the Lord in the whispering of the wind.  1 Kings 19:12.  May we remain committed to finding quiet time to spend with Him each day.

• For our teens preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation, that their hearts be open to an encounter with Jesus at their retreat this month.
• For all those participating in the Grief Support Group, that they may experience the healing touch of Jesus.
• That Thanksgiving may be a time of renewed awareness of and gratitude for all that God has done for us.
• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they discern the next steps in the journey of the SCS community of faith and protected in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

 
OCTOBER 2019 INTENTIONS

St. Paul tells us the importance of spreading the Good News: “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” Rom. 10:14. There is much sharing of the Good News at SCS: our Parish School of Religion, RCIA classes, Confirmation preparation, and fourth Alpha course are all underway.  Thanks for your prayers in support of all those who are leading or attending these various modes of growing in their relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit!

• For all participating in the Alpha weekend, that they may experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
• For our parish fair, that it may be a time of joyful fellowship for our community.
• For the members of the SCS team who will attend the Amazing Parish conference, that they be inspired and strengthened to fulfill God’s mission for our parish. 
• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they discern the next steps in the journey of the SCS community of faith and protected in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

SEPTEMBER 2019 INTENTIONS

The busyness of the Fall has begun!  The school year is off and running, and our Parish School of Religion is staffed with faith-filled instructors to greet the students.  Pope Francis said that "one of the most effective ways we have to help is prayer.  Prayer unites us."  Thank you for being united in prayer in support of our students and teachers!  

• For all participants in the Alpha course, that they each have an encounter with Jesus that leads to a new relationship with him.
• For those enrolled in our Parish School of Religion and RCIA classes and their instructors, that together they may joyfully explore the teachings of our Catholic faith.
• For our Confirmation candidates and their sponsors and facilitators, that the sacramental preparation may help open their hearts to all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they discern the next steps in the journey of the SCS community of faith and protected in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

AUGUST 2019 INTENTIONS

It's hard to believe that children will be returning to school in just a few weeks! Thank you for being united in prayer on behalf of the entire school community this month, and for your faithfulness in bringing the needs of our parish before our generous God.

Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily in August for the following intentions:

• For our school administration and faculty to create a strong start to the school year through a unified mission to pursue Catholic identity and academic excellence.
• For new opportunities for members of the school community to grow in their relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit during the new school year.
• For our Parish School of Religion (formerly CCD), that it be staffed by faith-filled men and women eager to share the good news of the gospel with their students.
• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they are guided by the Holy Spirit as they discern the next steps in the journey of the SCS community of faith and protected in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

 
JULY 2019 INTENTIONS

• For Fr. Andrew Gutierrez as he begins his priestly ministry at SCS, that like Our Lady he will be guided by the Holy Spirit in all that he does.
• For the CYO “fun trip”, that it may be fruitful in bringing our youth into relationship with Jesus, and for their safe travels.
• In gratitude for the many parishioners who are actively involved in ministry, and that all might hear and respond to God’s call to be active disciples of Jesus.
• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

It's hard to believe that summer is already here. Scripture exhorts us to "rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Thank you again for responding to that call through your perseverant prayer for our beloved SCS Parish!

Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily in June for the following intentions:
 

• That SCS Parish experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, June 9.

• For Fr. Andrew Gutierrez as he begins his priestly ministry at SCS, and Fr. Garrett as he continues his at St. Patrick, that they always be led by the Holy Spirit.

• For all SCS families, that summer may be a time of rest and refreshment.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

MAY 2019 INTENTIONS

Our parish enjoyed a beautiful Triduum and glorious Easter Sunday!  As this Easter season continues, let us be grateful for the blessings God has bestowed on our parish and continue to pursue his will.  "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."  1 Jn 5:14. Thanks for your continued commitment to prayer on behalf of St. Catherine Parish!

Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily in May for the following intentions:

• In gratitude for the beauty and joy of the Easter season.

• In gratitude for the ministry of Fr. Garrett O’Brien, and for the continued fruitfulness of that ministry at St. Patrick.

• For Dcn. Andrew Gutierrez as he approaches his priestly ordination.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

APRIL 2019 INTENTIONS

Thank you for your faithful prayer support of all the happenings in our busy parish!  We saw the Holy Spirit at work in the SCS community in the parish mission with Fr. Cedric Pisegna and in the Alpha retreat during March.  As we continue our Lenten journey and look forward with hope to Easter, we can truly join with David in saying, "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds."  Ps. 9:1

Please pray the St. Catherine Parish Prayer daily in April for the following intentions:

Please pray the parish prayer daily in March for the following intentions:

• For our SCS Lenten Mission Presenter, Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, and all who attend the mission to be drawn into a transformative Lent experience.

• For the Alpha weekend, that all participants may be filled with the Holy Spirit.

• That through prayer and spiritual development, all SCS parishioners may  become activated disciples and boldly share the Good News.

•   For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

FEBRUARY 2019 INTENTIONS

We are grateful to our good God for the reunion with many SCS community members on the occasion of Sr. Imelda's memorial Mass and for the good fruit of the SCS Confirmation retreat.  SCS also had 114 people begin Alpha in January and began a Grief Support Group.  It is exciting to watch as God works in our parish!  Thanks for continuing to lift up the spiritual needs of our parish in your prayers!

Please pray the parish prayer daily in February for the following intentions:

• For those participating in the SCS Grief Support Group, that they may feel God’s healing touch.

• For our young parishioners who will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in February, that they be receptive to the grace the sacrament offers and continue on their faith journey.

• For the homebound in our parish and their caregivers, that they may know the warm support of the SCS community.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

JANUARY 2019 INTENTIONS

The SCS community experienced the joy of sharing our blessings during December through outreach efforts such as the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas angel tree and the Women's Club provision of student gifts and a faculty Christmas lunch to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Kenner.  Thank you for supporting our outreach efforts with prayer, and for continuing to intercede for the spiritual needs in our parish.

Please pray the parish prayer daily for the following intentions in January:

• For the safety of the CYO members traveling to Washington, DC for the March for Life, and that their witness may lead others to embrace the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.

• For those beginning the next Alpha course at SCS, that their hearts be open to the work of the Holy Spirit.

• That the retreat of the United States bishops this month enlighten and encourage them during this difficult time, and for healing of all those hurt by the actions of Church leaders.

•   For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace. 

DECEMBER 2018 INTENTIONS

In November, SCS expressed its hopeful faith in God's promise of eternal life in special Eucharistic celebrations remembering our departed loved ones. We also offered a special evening of Adoration for the healing of the Church, while recalling with gratitude all of our many blessings.  We thank you for your faithfulness to prayer for our parish, and wish you the gift of peaceful moments during the busy seasons of Advent and Christmas!

Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily
for the following intentions:

• That participation in the SCS St. Vincent de Paul Angel Tree may be an experience of Jesus’ love for both givers and recipients.

• For all those for whom the holidays are a painful time, that they may know the comfort of our Lord through the gentle touch of Mary, our mother.

• For healing of all those hurt by the actions of Church leaders, encouragement for the many good priests, sisters, and religious, and continued purification of the Church.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

NOVEMBER 2018 INTENTIONS

“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.”  Daniel 2:20.  We continue to see God at work in and through our parish.  In October, we were blessed with a joyful weekend celebrating our community at the parish fair—made even more special by Fr. Ronnie’s cameo appearance on stage to lead us in song!  The adult and teen Alpha retreats were well-attended and fruitful opportunities for those attending to encounter Jesus anew.  And St. Catherine continues to grow its outreach efforts with new involvement in prison ministry and Hotel Hope, which offers transitional housing to homeless women and children. 
 
Thank you for your continued faithful prayer support of the work of St. Catherine Parish!
 
Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily
for the following intentions:

• That those SCS parishioners who are being called to a vocation to the priesthood or religious life may joyfully hear and respond to that call.

• That our departed loved ones may rest in peace and that those who mourn them may know comfort and hope.

• That Thanksgiving be a time of grateful reflection on the many blessings that God has bestowed on us.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

OCTOBER 2018 INTENTIONS

As we enter October, we are thankful for  good news:  Fr. Ronnie's cancer remains stable at this time;  SCS has about 50 participants in Teen Alpha through our youth ministry (in addition to 130 adult Alpha participants); and we anticipate a wonderful celebration of community at the Fair in a few weeks! 
 
Since his installation as pastor, Fr. Tim has initiated a monthly meeting of pastoral staff (our priests and deacons, Director of Religious Education, Youth Minister, Director of Evangelization, and School Principal) to discuss needs and plans for our parish.  Our monthly intentions arise in the context of those meetings, and your prayers directly support pastoral efforts at SCS.  Please know that your prayer efforts matter, and benefit our entire parish community!
 
Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily
for the following intentions:

• For the healing of all those hurt by Church leaders and for current Church leaders to be guided by compassion and wisdom in their response to the abuse issue.

• That the Alpha retreat weekend at the end of October be a life-changing  encounter with Christ for all participants.

• That by being a source of support and comfort to all who seek solace in the Church, SCS parish will model respect for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

September 2018 Prayer Intentions

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in praying for the spiritual growth of everyone in St. Catherine Parish!  The August preaching series on the Mass touched many who listened to the homilies either in person or online.  When the Alpha course begins in September, 130 adults and 25 teens will meet weekly to spend time thinking about and discussing matters of faith.  And the school year and parish school of religion are off to a wonderful start.  The support of your prayers plays a significant role in the fruitfulness of these ministerial efforts.

This is a challenging time for the Church, and a time to remain steadfast in prayer.  With faith, let us continue our efforts to ask the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit in our parish and in the whole Church.

Please pray the St. Catherine of Siena Parish Prayer daily in September for the following intentions:

• For the healing of all those hurt by Church leaders and the purification of the Church through God’s merciful power.

• That the Holy Spirit use Alpha to touch the hearts of all those participating and lead them deeper in their relationship with Jesus.

• That the SCS Fair may produce a joy-filled strengthening of our parish community.

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

August 2018 Prayer Intentions

"To you I will pray, Lord; in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I will plead before you and wait." - Psalm 5:3.  

Thank you for continuing to pray with expectant faith for the spiritual needs of the entire St. Catherine of Siena faith community so that we are fully equipped to spread the good news to everyone we encounter!  We pray that God reward your sacrificial prayer on behalf of our parish with graces poured out on you for your personal spiritual needs.

Please pray the Parish Prayer daily in August for the following intentions:

• That the August preaching series on the Mass will bring SCS parishioners to a greater appreciation for this gift of our Catholic faith. 

• For our school community and Parish School of Religion, that faculty, students, and their families enter the new school year open to spiritual and intellectual growth. 

• For those preparing for and considering participation in Alpha, that the Holy Spirit may guide them.   

• For the priests, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in their service of our parish, and for Fr. Ronnie, that he may be filled with Christ’s grace and peace.

June 2018 Prayer Intentions

Hello, Intercessors, and thank you again for your willingness to support the spiritual work of SCS parish with your prayers.  Our efforts as a parish will bear fruit when they are guided by the Holy Spirit to conform to God's will. Intercessory prayer is a key component to discerning that will!  Know that your prayers matter!

SCS had a Spirit-filled celebration of Pentecost in May, followed by an amazing tribute and farewell to our dear Fr. Ronnie.  Thanks for your prayerful support of those events!

Please pray the Parish Prayer daily in June for the following intentions:

• For Fr. Ronnie as he undergoes cancer treatment and begins his new assignment, that the Holy Spirit fill him with grace and peace. 

• For Fr. Tim, that in his new role as pastor he may correctly discern the will of God for our parish and boldly lead us on that path.

• For Dcn. Andrew Gutierrez during his internship at SCS, that the Holy Spirit may guide his efforts so that his time here helps further form him for priestly ministry and further form SCS parishioners to be true disciples of Christ.

• For the priests, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that God may guide and protect them in their efforts to help SCS become a parish centered on Christ and ablaze with love, especially during this time of transition.

May 2018 Prayer Intentions

Thank you, God, for the freshness of Spring!  Our second grade students at SCS and at the Parish School of Religion celebrated their First Communion in beautiful liturgies in April, and our recent RCIA “graduates” continued with the rest of the SCS parish family to celebrate the graces of the Resurrection during the Easter Season.  God is good!
 
Thank you for your continued faithfulness to praying for our parish and its ministries! During May, the month dedicated to honor our Blessed Mother and our earthly mothers, let us be especially grateful for the intercession of Mary as we pray our Parish Prayer for the needs of our parish. 
 
Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily for the following intentions:

• For Fr. Ronnie as he undergoes cancer treatment and approaches his new assignment, that the Holy Spirit fill him with grace.

• In conjunction with the celebration of Pentecost, for SCS parish to be receptive to all that the Holy Spirit wants do in and through us to fulfill the mission of the Church to “make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19).

• For Andrew Gutierrez, as he begins his internship at SCS this month and is ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 19, 2018, that his service here may lead to growth for him and for our parish.

• For the priests, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that God may guide and protect them in their efforts to help SCS become a parish centered on Christ and ablaze with love, especially during this time of transition.

March 2018 Prayer Intentions

Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily for the following intentions:

• For Fr. Ronnie as he undergoes cancer treatment, that the Holy Spirit fill him with grace, and that he may have a blessed and safe pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

• That the Holy Spirit will inspire Fr. Kevin MacDonald, who will preach the SCS Parish Mission on March 19-22, and will work through him to lead parishioners to an encounter with Jesus.

• That the remaining weeks of Lent and Holy Week will afford every parishioner an opportunity to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

• For the priests, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that God may guide and protect them in their efforts to help SCS become a parish centered on Christ and ablaze with love.

February 2018 Prayer Intentions

Hello, Intercessors!

In January, Fr. Ronnie received the good news that his cancer showed shrinkage in some areas and was stable in other areas.  It did not show signs of growing.  Additionally, over 100 parishioners are participating in the pilot Alpha program, which continues through March.  Our God is good and merciful, and we are full of gratitude to Him and to you for your prayers!

St. Thomas Aquinas taught that we set our petitions before God, not to make known to Him our needs and desires, but rather so that we ourselves may realize that in these things it is necessary to turn to God for help.  May we ever glorify Him by submitting ourselves to His divine providence!

The February 2018 intentions follow.  Please continue to pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily for these petitions, and thanks again for being part of this important ministry.

Please pray the SCS Parish Prayer daily for the following intentions:

• For Fr. Ronnie as he undergoes cancer treatment, that the Holy Spirit fill him with grace.

• For all participants in the pilot Alpha program underway at SCS, and particularly during the Alpha Retreat on February 23 and 24, that they may be receptive to being filled with the Holy Spirit and developing a personal relationship with Jesus through an encounter with Him.

• That each parishioner will prayerfully reflect upon and commit to a Lenten practice that will help him or her grow in holiness.

• For the priests, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that God may guide and protect them in their efforts to help SCS become a parish centered on Christ and ablaze with love.

January 2018 Prayer Intentions

• For Fr. Ronnie, that he be filled with grace by the Holy Spirit as he undergoes cancer treatment.

• For all participants in the pilot Alpha program that will begin at SCS on January 2, 2018, that the Holy Spirit may lead each participant to a new encounter, and a deeper personal relationship, with Jesus.

• That each ministry at SCS seeks to bring Christ and His love to everyone they serve.

• For the priests, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that God may guide and protect them in their efforts to help SCS become a parish centered on Christ and ablaze with love.

December 2017 Prayer Intentions

• For Fr. Ronnie, that his cancer treatment is successful and that he be fully healed of cancer.

• For the Advent and Christmas seasons to be a time of a new encounter with Christ for all St. Catherine parishioners.

• For those planning and preparing for the pilot Alpha program that will begin at SCS in January 2018, that the Holy Spirit may guide them in this endeavor.

• For the priests, staff, and ministry leaders at St. Catherine, that God may guide and protect them in their efforts to help SCS become a parish centered on Christ and ablaze with love