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Dr. Lourdes Scheerer lights a candle in front of the statue of St. Joseph at St. Brendan Church during the Year of Prayer, with pastor Father Roger Gustafson looking on. (Photo by Lidia Wasowicz/Catholic San Francisco)
February 8, 2018
Lidia Wasowicz
St. Brendan parishioners are getting an earful on how, when, where and why to talk to God.
Monthly lectures, videos, weekly bulletin articles, online conversations and more than a dozen small-group discussions at the San Francisco parish explore ways and means of communing with the almighty as part of the “Year of Prayer.”
The educational, entertaining, engaging events kicked off last September as part of a long-term plan for spiritual growth and development conceived by Father Roger Gustafson, the congregation’s pastor.
“His enthusiasm is contagious, his faith is deep and devoted to parishioners,” said Tom Johnson, an author, analyst and motivational speaker who joined the parish in 2016. “This Year of Prayer … is having profound effects on the entire church because the attendees use it in their lives immediately.”
As a few examples, a Christmas card created at a meeting on gratitude graces his desk and that of many business leaders he knows as a daily reminder of God’s greatness and goodness, prayer spaces extolled by a guest speaker are popping up in homes and offices for divine dialogue, and the definition of prayer is cracking through traditional confines.
In addition to attending Mass, the highest form of prayer, and reciting well-known verses, parishioners are exploring other modes of conversing with God: walks in the woods, thank you notes for blessings, requests for reprieves, casual chats over coffee.
“Part of the magic (is getting) everyone involved in interactive activities and discussions,” Johnson said. “In my opinion, as a professional trainer, the very best way for adult education is total involvement of participants.”
An overflow crowd turned out for a Mother’s Day for Mary celebration Oct. 13 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Blessed Virgin’s appearance in Fatima.
“One attendee even told me that if she didn’t believe in Jesus before the concert, she ‘sure did now!’” Father Gustafson recalled.
More than 100 parishioners are enrolled in 12 small groups designated for diverse audiences: women, high school youth, moms, parents with teens, married couples, Marian devotees, Spanish speakers, nature lovers, individuals interested in sharing faith with younger children, studying the Bible, learning the basics of Christianity, meeting Christ in prayer, delving into St. Ignatian spirituality and getting tips on “random acts of Catholics.”
Four new groups will be added in February and another nine by the end of 2019, said their organizer, Sister Angela Furia.
“The deep sharing and the enthusiasm of the participants have touched me incredibly,” she said. “I am seeing an overwhelming response in people seeking out involvement, in offering stewardship and in responding to the call of the Spirit in our parish community.”
An average 50 to 70 parishioners attend the monthly talks, which are recorded and posted on the church website.
Some have followed the suggestion of noted author and artist David Clayton to create or enhance special prayer spots at home or work. Father Gustafson encouraged them to send photos, which he displayed in the church vestibule and published in an electronic newsletter.
Upcoming lectures will highlight icons and orthodox spirituality, the Gospels and the saints, music as prayer and, during the six weeks of Lent, the Mass.
The activities flow from the theme of “Pray Together, Stay Together,” which follows the previous year’s message of “One Body” carried out in beefed-up Sunday hospitality, greeters, a welcome station in the vestibule, a weekly online newsletter, a new website and a host of large-scale events, including the first annual St. Brendan festival last May, said parish manager Lisa Rosenlund.
“The five-year pastoral plan that we developed with the advisory board is based on the five purposes of what a church is supposed to do,” Father Gustafson said. “People come to church to connect with others, deepen their prayer life and relationship with God, heal from life’s wounds in a safe space, grow in faith and reach out to others.”
With the Year of Prayer already showing such productive results, he added, “I am excited about what the new year holds for our parish.”