Ithaca, NY

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This report comes to us from team leader Darren with our Immaculate Conception parish team in Ithaca, NY:

We spoke to a couple who asked for prayers for their niece, but they were in a hurry. We said we would pray for their niece, and as we started with the sign of the cross, the woman looked back at us and said “Are you Catholic?” and we said “Yes.” She called back her husband and we all prayed together for the healing of her niece and she thanked us profusely and was grateful for the Catholic presence out on Main Street.

Rosa spoke to three Spanish speakers and their families, we prayed together and gave them bulletins to our church as well as rosaries. All were very happy with Rosa and being able to communicate freely in Spanish and not having a language barrier.

We spoke to a trio of walkers. One was a practicing Catholic who had just been to an ordination that very morning! His friends however, although they identified as Catholic, went to church only 5 or 6 times a year. When we spoke to one of the young men, he said that although he was a Christian and nothing could stop him from believing in God, he was lazy in attending Mass. He said he knew once he had children he would have to do it every week, but for now, he was okay with not going. We spoke to him about his soul and how it matters, and how the Lord loves him and wants a relationship with him. We asked him to start by asking the Lord into his life every morning with a short prayer and he was open to that. Albert said that without the Lord, we can’t do anything. He said he could never get to Mass every morning if he depended on himself alone, but with God, he can do it. This surprised the young man, and he said “You go to Mass EVERY DAY?” When Albert replied “Yes”, he said “Wow”.

Lord, we know You love your people. We offer them up to You and pray that You continue to move and work in their life so that they come to know You and Your Holy Church!

Praised be Jesus Christ!