US bishops ask Friday prayers for families suffering economic difficulties
September 26, 2013
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is asking Catholics to pray, fast, and abstain from meat on Friday, September 27 “married couples and families who are struggling financially or living in poverty – that God would provide for their needs and increase their trust in Him.”
The US bishops have called the faithful to fasting and prayer each Friday during the Year of Faith. In a reflection that accompanies the announcement of this week’s intention, the USCCB quote Blessed John Paul II in referring to the family as a ”cradle of life and love,” and point toward the economic costs associated with family breakdown. Citing the commitment of the Church to “promote, strengthen, and defend marriage and the family,” the bishops ask prayers for those families experiencing economic difficulties.
In December 2012, the US bishops announced a call to prayer and penance whose “overall focus is to invite Catholics to pray for rebuilding a culture favorable to life and marriage and for increased protections of religious liberty. Campaign components include monthly Eucharistic holy hours in cathedrals and parishes, daily family rosary, special Prayers of the Faithful at all Masses, fasting and abstinence on Fridays, and the second observance of a Fortnight for Freedom.”
The Friday prayer and fasting intentions change weekly; the links below describe how to receive the intentions in advance, typically on the afternoon of the previous day.
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Further information:
- Call to Prayer Friday Fast- Intentions and Reflections (USCCB)
- Call to Prayer: Pledge to Fast (USCCB)
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Posted by: Defender -
Sep. 26, 2013 11:03 PM ET USA
And what financial expenditures USCCB providing, may I ask? I read about their expenditures in fixing cathedrals, buoying CRS, their trips for the USCCB, etc, but little else. What are they doing to help create jobs and ensure people are housed and fed? Surely this is the type of thing the pope has expressed, but even the bishops aren't listening.
