A preview from 'A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families'
by Monica McConkey
October 28: St. Jude
Patron of Hopeless Cases
St. Jude is the patron of hopeless cases. We are encouraged to pray for his intercession for our biggest, most stressful concerns.
Prayer:
Saint Jude, glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend
of Jesus.
The name of the traitor has caused you
to be forgotten by many, but the True Church invokes you
universally as the patron of things despaired of.
Pray for me, who am so miserable;
Pray for me,
that finally I may receive the consolations and the aid
of heaven in all my troubles, tribulations and
sufferings, particularly____(request)_____,and that I
may bless God with the elect throughout Eternity.
Amen.
Prayer Postings or 'The St. Jude Files'
Families often have a number of special intentions to keep praying for throughout family prayers. Sometimes people ask others to pray for them. Sometimes we are made aware of a tragedy or critical health scare concerning people we don't even know. This family activity is very helpful for both "desperate cases" for St. Jude's attention and the everyday concerns to be included in family prayer petitions. There are two different PRAYER POSTING BOARDS that could be made for these different petitions.
First, A Fridge Frame Of Prayer Postings
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Create a frame out of cardboard, decorated with paint or construction paper. It can be custom-made to hold intentions. Cut out rectangles out of construction paper so that prayer notes can be inserted behind and seen through the openings. Perhaps the words of the St. Jude prayer could be used to decorate the frame. Glue small magnets to the back of the frame or use adhesive magnetic tape. When there is a particular intention for St. Jude, it can be recorded on a piece of paper (just larger than the opening), inserted behind one of the openings in the frame and held in place by the magnetic frame. The St. Jude Fridge Frame can serve as a reminder for the family to pray for St. Jude's intercession. |
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Use A Prayer Posting Board
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This kind of prayer board can be made with decorated cardboard (covered with wallpaper for example), with prayer posts secured with brass fasteners. Prayer posts should be hole-punched before-hand to match pre-made holes poked into the cardboard with a hammer and nail. |
Mobile Prayer Posting Boards
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Other versions are more mobile and can be circulated throughout the house to keep getting our attention. A prayer posting board can be made with foil-covered cardboard, securing rectangular prayer posts with elastics stretched around the board. |
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If you have an idea to add to these activities or a comment to clarify these instructions, please respond here. You could be eligible for an EMI (Experienced Mom Idea) Award and could have your idea and/or name published in the upcoming book. Please be sure to respond with your name, city, state/province and country. |
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For more information about "A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families" click on the treasure chest. |
Return to Fridge Art Page.