Prayers and Works of Mercy

A reader writes:

A young friend of my wife and I is trying to raise some extra $$$ so she can attend Franciscan University at Steubenville this fall. Both of her parents are unemployed right now so she set up a “Go Fund Me” page to help. I thought your readership might be able to chip a few extra bucks her way by going here.

She’s one of the most thoughtful high school students I’ve know who actively wrestles with her faith. I think that FUS will be very good for her growth and development.

Father, provide for her needs for school through your Son Jesus Christ. Mother Mary and St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Francis, pray for her.

A reader writes:

I’ve read your blog, books and articles for some time now. I even comment occasionally. Right now I need prayer and, if any of your readers are so inclined, some financial help.

For the past five years, I’ve been on disability and my income from an insurance policy and SSD has been adequate. Over the past year, my health has improved (for which I am so grateful). But I’m no longer covered by the insurance policy, have used all my savings to supplement SSD and have been looking for a job for the past four months. The market has changed in Houston and finding a job is taking far longer than it ever has in the past.

Would you ask your readers to pray for me? Also, I need $300 as quickly as possible so that I will not lose my apartment. If any of your readers are so inclined, I’d be extremely grateful for any donations. Any money beyond $300 would help me pay for medicine and food but that $300 is the difference between homeless and not homeless. Mostly though, I need prayer that I will not only find work but will persevere through these difficult days (months) without bitterness. I’m an orphan and when crises come, I have a few friends who help me but right now, they can’t do much. And though my parish has many wealthy people, they don’t know me, and after four years of living in Houston and being at that parish, I’ve come to see they don’t really want to know me and they don’t care if I know them.

Since I’m job hunting, would you please pass my email onto anyone who is willing to provide financial help or work?

Thank you for considering my request. And thank you for the work you do. I don’t always agree with everything you say but I’m always challenged to think and reconsider what I do believe and often find reading your work changes me. You also make me laugh. And, while writing a book about the healing power of Christian community, you often remind me why I returned to the Catholic church and how glad I am to be here. God bless you, Mark.

Father, please provide for her needs swiftly and generously through your Son Jesus Christ. Give her not only the money she needs but a good job at a living wage. Mother Mary and St. Joseph, pray for her. Do all for her good and the glory of your Name.

If youse guys can step up for her, that would be great. And if you are in the Houston area and know of work for her, put a message in the combox so she can contact you. Thanks, you generous people you!

Finally, another reader in a desperate situation writes:

Hi, I am a 44 year old woman with many health problems who is trying to get on permanent disability. In the meantime, I am not able to pay my rent on the pittance given to me by unemployment ( was laid off end of April). I have few friends who are in the same boat as I am; my family is poor and I spoke to my church but they send all of their tithes to our sister parish in Watts. All they can help me is with food bank directions.

I have set up a YouCaring website and I am desperate for help. Only a few hundred per month until I get on disability would tide me over. Please could you consider posting my prayer request on your blog and asking anyone in the Los Angeles area (I am in Carson) to ask if they have any office jobs (like a clerk up to an office manager? I am hoping to get help from my brothers and sisters in the faith.

Please, please help me. Here is my youcaring weblink.

I just need any help to get me by until my disability comes through. Thanks friends!

Father, hear our prayer for our sister in Christ, that all her financial needs will be met swiftly and that she will find a good job at a living wage. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Mother Mary, pray for her. Amen.