# Praying for those separated from the Church
*2021-06-03*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke lead the fifth day of the Divine Mercy Novena, focusing on prayers for those who have separated themselves from the Catholic Church.

## The Call to Prayer

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young and John O'Rourke, and welcome to Catholic Conscience 2.0. Today, we are gathering for our normal 3 p.m. Chaplet and praying for the souls in Purgatory—specifically those most devoted to the mystery of the infinite love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today marks the fifth day of our Novena, which is a very important one: we are praying for the souls of those who have separated themselves from the Church. Many of us have family members who separated during the coronavirus pandemic, using it as an excuse to stop attending. It is heartbreaking, and we must keep praying for them.

## Interceding for the Lost

Unfortunately, the pandemic provided a perfect excuse for people to stop going to church. Now that it is possible to return, many are still staying away. Once people stop their spiritual habits, it is often hard to start again. That is why we pray for them today, asking the Lord Jesus to immerse them in His ocean of mercy. We pray that as they return to the unity of the Church, the wounds of His passion may be healed and His love glorified.

## Devotions and the De Profundis

Our prayer session included the opening prayer to the source of life and the ocean of mercy, followed by a specific prayer for the souls in Purgatory. We also prayed the De Profundis, based on Psalm 130, which cries out, 'Lord, hear my voice; let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.' These extra prayers are vital because we must intercede for those who can no longer help themselves, while continuing to pray for those on earth who still have the chance to return to the fold.

## The Chaplet and Litany of Divine Mercy

Together with Gabby, we prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, offering the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. We concluded with the Litany of Divine Mercy, repeating the phrase 'I trust in You' as a testament of our faith in God's encompassing mercy. We also offered the Fatima prayer for sacrifice, given by Our Lady on July 13, 1917, for the conversion of poor sinners and in reparation for offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

## Community and Fellowship

We are excited to announce that the Legion of Mary meetings at St. David's Catholic Church are returning to an in-person format, while maintaining social distancing. We will continue to offer Zoom options for those, like John, who are still recovering from health struggles and cannot attend in person. Whether through Mass, Adoration, or the Legion of Mary, the goal is to remain connected in faith and supportive of one another during these difficult times.

*Even when people separate themselves from the Church, we must never stop praying for their return to the unity and mercy of Christ.*