Father Nathan Long, Secretary for the Ministry of Christian Formation, in an article in the Catholic Calendar recently wrote that the ‘group of Jesuit seminarians were eager to conclude their studies and begin work in the missions.’ The founder of the Apostleship, Fr. Francis Xavier Gautrelet told them, “Be apostles now, apostles of prayer!”
Throughout this next 12 months in the Catholic Calendar and here on the website of the Diocese of Lake Charles – lcdiocese.org – Diocesan prayer intentions for each month as well as monthly prayer intentions of Pope Benedict XVI will be highlighted. You can view all of these intentions by scrolling down this page.
The Apostleship of Prayer calls for us to be “missionaries” without ever leaving the comfort of our homes, according to Father Long.
“Throughout the year volunteers will be visiting in our parishes asking for your commitment,” Father Long said. “Enrollment is simple – there are no additional money or time commitments. There are no additional meetings to attend.
“We simply ask that you continue whatever prayer commitments you already have and offer them in unison with the intentions of the universal Church and our local Diocese,” he continued. “You are, once enrolled, ask to do two simple things. One is the “Morning Offering” and the other is to stay mindful of the monthly intentions.
“Bishop Glen John Provost is calling on us to take seriously this call to prayer,” Father Long said. “The Apostleship of Prayer has proven to be effective in helping regular, faithful Catholics to live an “apostolic” way of life.”
Pope Benedict XVI’sPrayer Intentions
July 2012
General Intention: Work Security. That everyone may have work in safe and secure conditions.
Missionary Intention: Christian Volunteers. That Christian volunteers in mission territories may witness to the love of Christ.
August 2012
General Intention: That prisoners may be treated with justice and respect for their human dignity
Missionary Intention: Youth Witness to Christ. That young people, called to follow Christ, may be willing to proclaim and bear witness to the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
September 2012
General Intention: That politicians may always act with honesty, integrity, and love for the truth.
Missionary Intention: Help for the Poorest Churches. That Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priests, and lay people, along with concrete resources, to the poorest Churches.
October 2012
General Intention: New Evangelization. That the New Evangelization may progress in the oldest Christian countries.
Missionary Intention: World Mission Day. That the celebration of World Mission Day may result in a renewed commitment to evangelization.
November 2012
General Intention: Ministers of the Gospel. That bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Gospel may bear the courageous witness of fidelity to the crucified and risen Lord.
Missionary Intention: Pilgrim Church. That the pilgrim Church on earth may shine as a light to the nations.
December 2012
General Intention: That migrants throughout the world may be welcomed with generosity and authentic love, especially by Christian communities.
Missionary Intention: Christ, light for all humanity. That Christ may reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church.
Bishop Provost's Intentions for the Diocese
July 2012
For Priests:
That they increase in holiness of life and zeal for their priestly ministry.
August 2012
For Youth:
That they build their houses firmly on the foundation of Christ, striving at all times to live chaste lives and the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
September 2012
For Husbands and Wives:
That they fulfill their commitment to one another in love, devotion, and self-sacrifice.
October 2012
For the New Evangelization in our Diocese:
That we seek to deepen our own knowledge and love for the true faith and to share that truth with those who are discouraged, doubtful, or indifferent.
November 2012:
For Wounded Veterans:
That they may see their affliction as a share in the sufferings of Christ, how valuable they are to our community, and the hope needed to live a rewarding life.
December 2012
For Families:
That they recognize where their true treasure is found and live in harmony and at peace with each other.
January 2013
For the Unborn:
That the most helpless and innocent of human beings be given a chance to live the life that God has seen fit to offer them and that our political leaders grow in respect for human life.
February 2013
For Forgiveness:
That we increase our understanding of the essential nature of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Christian life, forgiving those who have done us harm and seeking to live in peace.
March 2013
For People Suffering Emotional Illness:
That they receive the care they need to live stable lives and grow in awareness of God’s love for them.
April 2013
For Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life:
That young men and women of our diocese answer God’s call and generously give themselves in service to Christ and His Church.
May 2013
For the Unemployed:
That they will develop skills, not become discouraged, and receive a welcome reception from prospective employees.
June 2013
For Safety in Hurricane Season:
That God will grant us protection from destructive weather and safety from harm.
