Prayer for Protection against the Coronavirus
Pope Francis’ Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Protection

O Mary,
you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection.
Amen.

Welcome to our Spiritual Growth section. We hope that the resources offered on this page will allow you to grow in your life of prayer. Here you can find links to the reading of the day, lives of the saints, daily reflections, catholic answers and much more....

LIVE THE LITURGY - INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK OF
July 25th 

God shows up in unexpected ways! Just when we think we have God’s agenda figured out, another surprise comes. Expecting to find God only in some places hinders us from finding Him everywhere. Who would have thought that a young boy’s few loaves and fishes would feed thousands of people? The disciples were probably just as amazed as everyone else when this feast appeared before them. Sometimes, we find it difficult to believe that God can do amazing things with something small and simple. Yet, grasping this truth is really at the heart of understanding the power of the Eucharist. Having the Body and Blood of Christ made present for us is one amazing wonder. Actually being fed and nourished by that gift is another. Now being able to become what we have eaten, God can do tremendous things with the simple, humble gifts of our lives. All we have to do is realize that God dwells within us. When we do, then everyone we encounter and everything we do has the power to become a sacramental moment. When done with great love even the smallest gesture can be multiplied exponentially. Now, that’s amazing!

July 18th We only have so much psychological and spiritual energy. We easily get tired. Responding to life’s demands and people’s needs can really zap us of all of our energy. Anger, frustration, exhaustion, discouragement, helplessness, and even apathy can run wild. We can find ourselves bitter and irritated by the fact that we have to do it all again. We need to rest, connect, and focus. Deserted places, free of unnecessary distractions and demands, are great places of refreshment and we all need them. Desiring to be alone for a bit and rest does not indicate selfishness. Rather, it radiates wisdom. God is the source of all we do and the satisfaction of every human heart. If we are going to use the gifts God gave us well, then we have to make sure our batteries are recharged and replenished. Jesus invites us to go to a desert place to rest and pray. Where is yours?

July 11th God calls us to bring His Word to all corners of the earth. What does that mean for you and me? We are just simple and humble folks trying to find our way through the Gospel and our world. After all, we are not professional preachers but gentle servants. Jesus summons us to take his message on the road and bring it from the pew to the pavement. We cannot keep the joy of the Gospel to ourselves but must bring it into every aspect of our lives: our families, our schools, our work, our corporations, our politics, our social circles, and our philosophies. We cannot just accept the wisdom of the world as true and conduct our lives as if the Good News is a separate matter. They are one. Jesus never asked his friends to go and construct buildings where people could come to hear the truth. He asked them to go to their homes and meet them one on one, face to face. When the rubber meets the road and the message is challenging, rejection is quite possible. That’s the litmus test for whether we’re really doing what we have been asked.

July 4th God never ceases to proclaim His Word. His life-giving presence continues to sustain all things and keep them in being regardless of whether there is the faith to receive or perceive Him. Our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, misconceptions, and expectations can often cause us to be so hard of heart and obstinate that we fail to see what God is trying to do. While God remains ever present, faith is necessary for God’s power to bear fruit. As we celebrate our country’s independence, let us not forget the difference between liberties and freedom. While the liberties we have are most welcome treasures, only freedom from what blinds, deceives, and weighs us down can bring happiness. God is all about healing, transformation, and hope. In order for God to do what God does best, we have to invite Him in and see Him for who he is. Otherwise, God’s will for humanity will be something at which we simply take offense, a common reaction when something challenges or unsettles us.

June 13th Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, the tiniest of seeds. When planted, the tiny mustard seed grows into a tremendous tree with large branches. So too in each of our lives small things can have profound effects. God can use one of our more insignificant gestures to radically change another person’s life. It may be the kindness of a smile, our willingness to accommodate someone, listening to someone’s story, helping someone who is hurting, standing up for someone who is right or complimenting someone on something they did. We all have God given gifts and talents. What are some of yours? Our task is to use our talents creatively, consistently, lovingly, and generously. Because we are always guided by the Holy Spirit, things that may be insignificant or unnoticed to us can profoundly change the life of someone else. While we may think we are small and insignificant, God can make us large and magnificent. All we have to do is open ourselves to being used. We trust that God will take care of the rest.


June 6th As we gather today to reaffirm our faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, we are reminded that we are also the Body of Christ. The mission of the Gospel calls us to be Christ for others. There is so much brokenness and pain in our world. Many people are lost and feeling lonely, marginalized and oppressed, victimized and abused. Every time we receive the Body (and Blood) of Christ, we are asked to become what we eat. Are we willing to step aside from our preoccupations and concerns so that we can be Christ for others? The power and presence of Christ in the Eucharist becomes present in us. In receiving this transforming presence of Christ, we can truly effect change in the lives of those we meet. We can show them God’s unconditional, ever-present love and the beauty that can come from loving others. We are given the grace to become temples of justice and peace, carrying God’s sacred Presence within us wherever we go.

Live Stream Opportunities For Prayer

As a reminder, none of these are open to the public.

Christ the King Catholic Church in Madisonville – Fr. Carl McCarthy leads the Rosary              nightly at 6 PM:  https://www.facebook.com/ctkmadisonville/

St. Michael in Sebree Adoration Mon-Fri 8:30am:  https://www.facebook.com/smsebree/

Sts. Joseph & Paul in Owensboro Wednesdays at 12 PM Noon- Stations of the Cross:  https://www.facebook.com/stjpcc/

St. Agnes in Uniontown leads the Rosary daily at 3 PM. Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 5 PM:  https://www.facebook.com/St-Agnes-Roman-Catholic-Church-370425936471392/

St. Paul/St. Elizabeth Parishes, Grayson County leads Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 5:30 PM; Liturgy of the Hours Monday through Saturday at 10 AM and Sundays at 6 PM; and  Divine Mercy Novena at 3 PM every day from Good Friday through Divine Mercy Sunday (April 19):
https://www.facebook.com/stpaulcatholicchurchleitchfieldky

Holy Spirit in Bowling Green leads the Rosary Monday through Friday at 3PM:
https://www.facebook.com/HSCCBG/

St. Mary Magdalene in Sorgho: Live musical offering Sundays at 11AM:
https://www.facebook.com/MaryMagdaleneKy/