Ritual moments series, Catholic prayer

Published in The Post-Star (D1)
2/16/06

Editor's note: This is part of an occasional series that describes different faith practices by focusing on a particular ritual within each one.

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- A young blond boy peered up at the high ceiling of St. Clement's Catholic Church during a recent Sunday Mass, jabbing a tiny finger in the air to count each of the hanging light fixtures and slow-circling fans.

His reverie was interrupted as the crowd of people around him picked up a prayer card from the hymnal racks on the backs of their wooden pews. The small squares of stiff white paper had the words "Prayer for Vocations" printed on them in English and Spanish.

At the front of the church, a priest in green-and-white robes spoke the first words.

"Send forth your Spirit, Lord, into the hearts of your faithful people ..."

The worshippers bowed their heads and joined in. Their voices blended together, not quite in
unison, the words bumping up against each other in a low murmur.

"Grant that many of us may dedicate ourselves to You through the priesthood, religious life, and lay ministries," they recited.

Later, Father Joseph Tizio explained that this prayer is specific to the Redemptorists, a Catholic order founded in Italy in 1732 to "reach out to the most abandoned." The order has about 5,000 priests and brothers worldwide, tending to parishes in twos and threes because they believe in communal living. A growing shortage of clergy has prompted Redemptorist churches to include the Prayer for Vocations in all Masses between Christmas and Lent.

"We pray, too, for religious, and especially for the Redemptorists, that generous men may join them to become zealous missionaries ... "

The little boy peered up at the pulpit, where Tizio stood. The priest's figure was dwarfed by a massive mosaic depicting Christ in crucifixion pose, on a blue-green backdrop shot through with geometric streaks of gold. A large circle of sticks hung from the ceiling overhead, representing the crown of thorns that the Bible says Christ wore on the cross.

"We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Redeemer."

The boy didn't need a prayer card to know what came next. His lips were still forming the last word as he looked up again to resume his count.

"Amen."
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