Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Wednesday's Community Prayer reflects on John 17:20-21.

Today's prayer is led by Jade Spears, Director of Mission Integration.

Transcript

Take a moment to quiet yourselves in preparation for community prayer.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

We share in the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph each day. As we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph tomorrow, we are reminded of our call as daughters of St. Joseph to have our eyes open, ears attentive, spirits alert, and sleeves rolled up for ministry that we may always seek to embody the qualities of St. Joseph: obedience to God, faith and trust in divine plans, and humility.

In John chapter 17, verses 20 and 21, we read: “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”

These words of Jesus are not just a prayer for his disciples 2,000 years ago. They’re also a prayer for us. As young women today, you face a different world than they did, but the call is still the same. What does it mean to live in a way that brings people together? How do you use your voice, your time, your energy, and your heart to make space for others, to speak truth, and to build something lasting?

It begins in small, courageous ways, showing kindness to someone who's left out, standing up for what's right when it’s not popular, listening deeply, forgiving quickly, or daring to dream of a future that’s more compassionate and inclusive.

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having experienced here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Hold Him close in my name and kiss His fine head from me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen. Let us pray our closing response together: Jesus, Remember Me. St. Joseph, Pray for Us.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.