Many parish organizations have supply cabinets in which they stash their paper plates, napkins, coffee cups, pens, pencils, paper, and so on, so that when they meet, they can swing into action. I suggest that every parish organization have access to another important resource for their supply cabinet: a “worship kit.” Every time a group or organization gathers in the parish, someone should be responsible for setting up a prayer space and leading the group in meaningful prayer (not just pulling out and reading a favorite poem and saying “Amen” or following it with a Hail Mary to make it Catholic).
I created such a worship kit (see above) for our Educational Consultants here at Loyola Press, so that when they are called upon to lead a group in prayer, they have access to resources to create a prayerful environment and put together a prayer (worship) experience.
I shared last year some links to help you in searching for and purchasing the resources that go inside the kit: Bible, crucifix, pillar candle (mine is battery-operated), prayer cloths, and so on. None of these items will break your budget.
I also recommend downloading some popular Catholic hymns and creating a CD to go in the kit, so that groups and organizations can include music in their prayer. I’ve shared before a list of contemporary versions of traditional Catholic hymns. Of course, providing CD players is a must!
Finally, here is a PDF that you can include in the kit that helps individuals with tips for planning and leading prayer: Simple Tips for Leading a Simple Prayer.
Armed with such supplies and resources, we can ensure that every gathering of adults in the parish will invite people to experience worship, which is basically what we were created to do.
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