Crystal, MN. It’s a blessing to see an evangelist blossom before your eyes. Today’s story, the first of three parts, features an East Coast virtual school of evangelization student who’s working on her final project (evangelizing in public) before completing the course.
Click here to read more stories from our St Raphael team in Crystal, MN
The following report comes to us from team leader Sharon with our St. Raphael parish team in Crystal, MN:
What a glorious Holy Saturday for our first Drive Thru prayer of the year! All week we’ve been experiencing strong winds that made it feel bitter cold. Last night the winds died down and the weather warmed up to make for a wonderful event. The first drive thru prayer request spent much time speaking with Peggy and Phil. Her marriage is on the verge of breaking up. She was crying and very grateful we were there to pray for her. Sharon handed her a Miraculous Medal on the way out. Peggy and Phil also talked to a couple, who had just moved here, and requested prayers for a job; for a man for the repose of a soul a loved one and comfort and support for the family; and for a woman for direction in her life and becoming closer to Jesus.
Dave walked up and down the sidewalk talking to passers-by and referring people to Sharon and Sharon’s daughter, Serena. The walkers included a mother with her young daughter in a stroller. Sharon gave the daughter a book about Jonah. Other people stopping by the table of SPSE materials for prayers included a woman who requested prayers for her boyfriend who is diabetic and had a food amputated; a Vietnam vet who is also having problems with a foot that may need surgery; Teresa asked for prayers for a friend; and a passerby named Dave, whom we chatted with last year, told of a miracle he and his wife experienced and also asked for prayers.
As we were packing up, a gentleman drove up and asked about confession times. Sadly, confessions were done for the day. Phil explained what we were doing and he exited his vehicle to look at the materials. He was very happy to see the Catholic materials and asked if he could buy some to take to Africa in about a month. We explained everything was free. After asking Sharon if a bag was handy, he placed many rosaries, bagged Miraculous Medals (leftover from our Christmas giveaway), an assortment of loose medals and several Rosary pamphlets in the bag. He promised to give our names to the priests of parishes that would benefit from the articles so that they could offer a Mass for us.
Praised be Jesus Christ!