by: John Hurley
Heavenly Father, we lift up our hearts to you with thanks and praise for the gifts of July in Akron: colorful skies, lush trees, sweet corn, basil and warm breezes upon our faces…to name just a few of many. We give thanks for the spiritual graces and stimulation of the mind generated from our First Friday luncheons. Today, bless Brother Raymond Papenfuss as he shares his experiences of Africa. May his presentation soften our hearts and allow a true spirit of generosity to flourish for all people everywhere. Bless our most virtuous actions that they might bear goodness, encourage hope, and not end in vain. Bless this joyful meal and especially all those who labored to bring it together. We ask all of this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
by: Erin Hookey
Creator God and Martyrs of Africa, we gather here as a community in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Africa. Pray for the faith where it is in danger. Help us transform hearts from resentment into reconciliation, war into peace and sickness into health. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.