Sounds of praise and worship could be heard at Oakwood Beach in the morning hours of Aug. 30 as more than 200 people turned out for a Mass to pray for peace in the City of Chicago during the upcoming academic year. This was this fifth anniversary of the services, which are normally held on beaches across the city. During an interview after the first service in 2010, Deacon Leroy Gill, chairman of the Black Deacons of Chicago, said the when you’re on the beach at sunrise you are reminded of the beauty God intended for his land, not the violence seen on our streets. People of all races joined the Aug. 30 Mass and received a booklet that shared facts about violence in the community and detailed ways in which different groups can help curb violence in their communities. The Centers for Disease control reported in 2012 that homicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24 years old, with African-American males comprising 50 percent of that population. Gill wrote in the booklet that, “Violence affects us all. Even youth who are not direct victims of violence are vitims to the chronic presence of violence via the media, in their homes and in some neighborhoods. It is a part of daily life.”
Parishes, schools answer pope’s call to pray for peace Catholics at parishes and schools across the Archdiocese of Chicago observed Oct. 27 as a day of prayer and fasting for peace, heeding Pope Francis’ call “for all those who have at heart the cause of peace in the world” to join him in light of the conflict in the Middle East.
Call to prayer for the synod finds a home online, in app Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, said in the process to create a more “synodal church,” one where every member contributes and all listen to each other, “we are touching something divine, and prayer is essential.”
Archdiocese launches prayer phone service during pandemic Anyone who wants someone to pray with can now dial 312-741-3388 to reach “A Call to Prayer,” a phone line that is answered by volunteer prayer partners from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.