Weekly prayer gatherings have drawn back non-practicing Catholics, enticed others to join RCIA

ROYAL OAK — On any given Wednesday evening at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, a team of smiling volunteers prepares for their guests. They fill tables with neatly arranged food and refreshments and say hello to people walking by on their way to the sanctuary. At 7 p.m., the volunteers take a seat in the pew next to some familiar faces, and many new ones.

Since April, the parish has been hosting prayer gatherings every Wednesday evening in an effort to evangelize those who are searching, to bring back those who are fallen away, and to give practicing Catholics a new way to experience God’s love.

Parishioner Cathy Suda, hospitality coordinator for the gatherings, said the evenings can serve as a shallow entry point for those not entirely familiar or comfortable in a church setting.

“I had just retired from nursing and Fr. Patrick (Gonyeau) convinced me to take this on,” Suda said.  “I’m so glad I did. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to come to know the Church with a soft touch.”

Since Fr. Gonyeau, who was Shrine’s associate pastor at the time, moved on to a new role with the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the gatherings are now coordinated by Fr. Joseph Lang, another Shrine associate.

Part of the genius of the gatherings is their short timeframe: just 30 minutes, with prayer, music, Scripture and reflection serving to bring people into connection with Jesus. Music changes weekly, ranging from traditional to contemporary.

The evenings are punctuated with fellowship and refreshments, during which time a priest mingles with guests to answer questions or hear private confessions if asked.

“People are searching for community and faith sharing,” said Fr. Kevin Roelant, a newly ordained associate pastor at Shrine. “That’s where the hospitality aspect is so important. The more approachable and formed in the faith those volunteers are, the more they can help others grow and learn.”

The prayer gatherings also typically feature a short talk or testimony; recently, Randy Husaynu volunteered to share his faith story.

“I wanted to do it because I wish someone would’ve told me earlier in life that it was possible to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and the immense joy and shield of armor that comes with that,” said Husaynu, who also volunteers with St. Paul Street Evangelization.

The last Wednesday of every month features Mass and a short explanation of one aspect behind the sacred tradition and its elements in an evening the parish calls, “The Mass Explained.”

At a recent prayer gathering, parishioner Marisol Cruz visited the resource table to pick up reading materials about Catholicism to give to a friend.

“I enjoy coming and hearing the testimonies, and just having that special time with God,” Cruz said. “It’s beautiful to have these nights to bring people to Jesus. I’m single and sometimes you can feel alone, but here I’m with other people.”

Hospitality captain Julie Addison says the Wednesday evening prayer gatherings are a good “mid-week boost.” She invited her friend, Darryl Vitale, who had been away from the Church, and now he’s been coming regularly for several months and has started attending Mass again.

“I had been wanting to come back to the Church for a while, but this brought me back,” Vitale said.  “Every time I’ve come I’ve heard something I needed to hear. I didn’t want to ignore that.”

Parishioner Lynn Silver has also invited people to the gatherings. She recently rediscovered her Catholic faith and welcomes opportunities to grow in her relationship with the Lord.

“I have a heart and a love I’ve never had before, and I want everyone to have that. I invite friends, family, anyone who will listen,” Silver said.

As more proof that the evenings are having an impact, two attendees have joined RCIA.

“If we’re trying to evangelize, we start by meeting people where they are,” Fr. Roelant said. “We’re really blessed by these gatherings because the format is flexible enough that we can change based on where the Holy Spirit is leading us.”

Suda hopes attendance will grow as more people learn about the prayer gatherings.

“For me, I refer to it as my spiritual massage once a week,” Suda said. “I just sit back and relax.”

 

---

Prayer gatherings at the basilica

Wednesday evening prayer gatherings are open to all, including non-Catholics. Gatherings take place each week at 7 p.m. at the National Shrine of the Little Flower, 2123 Roseland Avenue, Royal Oak. Holy Mass is offered the last Wednesday of every month. For more information, email Cathy Suda at [email protected].