Why Pray?
Why Do We Pray?
Prayer is arguably the most important thing that any Christian does, and yet most don't know how or why we do it. From a comment: "Prayer does not change God it changes the one who prays." Another: "Like a child asking for ice cream, only a parent knows what's best for us. Looking back at things, I realize how imperfect I am, but God is perfect and so are his plan. Though we don't realize it at that moment. It might be a week, month or years till the fruit of His grace can be seen."
The Focus
The Mass is the
Highest Form of Prayer...
Prayers Nobody Told You
About at Mass
Priests have several so-called "secret" prayers to pray during Catholic Mass. These prayers help the priest to focus on the Lord and "pray without ceasing." Fr. Scott Bailey reflects on the 9 secret prayers and offers thoughts on how to always pray.
Click the image above any time of day to view the latest Mass from Catholic TV.
Faith and Culture
When Crude Language Becomes Sinful
The words we speak shape our hearts and reflect our character—but do we always choose them wisely? Do you struggle with swearing or taking the Lord's name in vain?
In this video, Fr Mike explores the significance of the words we use and the distinction between different types of foul language. Since our words reflect our hearts, they matter more than we realize.
How to Pray
Prayer That Moves God
We start with the premise that we don't pray to God to change Him - We pray to change us. Prayer is seriously powerful business. So often, though, we treat it as a perfunctory task to be checked off our daily to-do list. How can we shift our attitudes from boredom and obligation to joy and expectation?
The Lord always inclines His ear to His children. In this message, Dr. Stanley shares the foundational principles of effective prayer, and encourages us to confidently approach God with our petitions and requests.
Please Pray for Vocations!
The above list is the latest update from the diocese as of August of 2025 from Susan O'Neil.
Vocations
Exploring the Single Life Vocation
While some are called to marriage or a religious life, others are called to be single. Author and entrepreneur-in-residence at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at the The Catholic University of America, Luke Burgis, shares his insight into how singles are still called to be saints, and how their life vocation is pertinent to the Catholic Church.
March 2025: Nancy Lee Schoedel, Rita Wapenski, Glenna Holt
April 2025: James Jordan, Peg Elsner, Sr Concetta Fabo
May 2025: Mary Moncini, Ronald Lotz, Larry Naugle, Sr Catherine O'Halloran
June 2025: Robert Koch, Patricia Buck, Joseph Ianotta, Charles Baer, Ralph Buzzelli
July 2025: Lucy Paulin, Clara Bayne
Aug 2025: Mary Bauer, Ronald Rademacher
Sept 2025: Mary Ann Skinger, Alison Wilson, George Brown
Oct 2025: Barbara Imhoff
Nov 2025: Mary Frances Lerch, Shirley Dickson, Richard Nolan
Dec 2025: Janice Steinhauser, Frank Lowe
Jan 2026: Allen Schomaker
Feb 2026: Virginia Briski, Laura DiCola
In Streams in the Desert, James Smetham is quoted as saying, “I suspect that the source of every bit of sorrow in my life can be traced to simple unbelief. If I truly believe the past is totally forgiven, the present is supplied with power, and the future is bright with hope, how could I be anything but completely happy?”
Could it really be as simple as that? Yes, but we must grow in faith. Jesus looked at some people and marveled at the weakness of their faith; others impressed Him with their great faith. As we spend time in His Word connecting His promises to our problems, we grow in faith. As the trials of life drive us to His throne in prayer, we grow in faith. As we learn to look to Him rather than just at our circumstances, we grow in faith.
If you’re in trouble, acknowledge God’s reliability and admit fear. Then take your burdens to the Lord, knowing He is encamped around you. He will fortify you to rejoice in the past, the present, and the future He is overseeing for your good.
Dr David Jeremiah
Memory Lane!
One of the many "community-oriented" events that went on throughout the year at St Athanasius was the annual "Spring Fling" that was held down in Athanasian Hall. This event was from 2017. There activities of all sorts going on but the main component was fellowship!
Deacon Bill Homily Archive
Here are four recent homilies. Hover over the icons below to see the dates and topics.
Step Back and Reflect - An Essay
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Thanks for visiting, and remember...
God loves you right where you are!
Deacon Bill Palamara 412-596-3370
