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mommy4ever
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| Posted: Nov 20 2012 at 11:23am | IP Logged
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This fall, I joined the youth ministry, i felt called to do so, yet felt highly unqualified. I was assured, I'd be ok, lots of time to learn. Our head pastor had a homily while I was trying to decide if I could handle being in the youth ministry that spoke straight to me. Even if we don't feel worthy of serving in which ever ministry, do it anyway. So I did.
I've been enjoying the kids, and the leaders. Learning and growing. Things have taken a turn, a slightly different path. As of 2 weeks ago, I find myself in the position of team leader for my fellow core leaders. I was reluctant to do so, I haven't much experience with the ministry, I am the newest member. However, planning is something I've learned to do well, with having the 4 kids, several activities and homeschooling, so it wasn't a huge concern, I could handle the scheduling and planning of the meetings. Thankfully, I have the guidance for the youth coordinator and Father, both of whom are wonderful and patient.
Now it's taking yet another curve. I have been asked to do the opening prayer. This is well out of my comfort zone. For prayer is very personal and private, I don't often feel comfortable asking for prayers, let alone lead one. I am not a public speaker. I don't feel qualified to do so.
I am extremely anxious about it! Can any of you with more experience offer guidance? It is for our planning meeting. I know this is something I will be asked to do more and more, including for the Youth nights. I know this is an obstacle I need to overcome. I just don't even know where to start! I am literally the least educated individual in the ministry. And I feel that I am the least knowledgeable of the faith on top of that(and I do take responsibility for that).
My hands are shaking just thinking about it!
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Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Nov 20 2012 at 11:31am | IP Logged
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Well you'll still need to say something (thank God for his blessings, ask for help with whatever you're doing that evening) but then you can add in an "Our Father" or "Hail Mary".. which everyone would join in.. So it doesn't have to be long or elaborate or anything.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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Erin
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| Posted: Nov 20 2012 at 1:33pm | IP Logged
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What about praying a very short 'heart prayer' and then following with the Come Holy Spirit prayer?
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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CatholicMommy
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| Posted: Nov 22 2012 at 6:49am | IP Logged
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I am in the same place as you as far as comfort praying aloud and especially leading. I have no problem FOLLOWING someone else's leading even out loud.
And then I was/am a catechist for the last 16 or so years - most years with young children, so that was fine; but with adults? I'm still nervous! And I spent one year as DRE, am now a formation leader (trainer) for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and had to lead up other adult groups.
I have found the best formulary is to have one. Don't worry about always doing the "same thing" - I have a typical "gathering/invitation" such as "let us begin with a prayer" (I rarely change this one); then I will do a prayer of thanksgiving for bringing us together and a thank you for the purpose that brought us together; request for the Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us; then I say, "as we pray" (and just begin a formula prayer such as the Our Father or the Glory Be). This last part is usually more geared for the particular group.
Less than 30 seconds - sometimes less than 20. It sets the tone of the rest of the time together. And it's simple ;)
:)
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Garden of Francis
HS Elementary Montessori Training
Montessori Nuggets
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mommy4ever
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| Posted: Nov 23 2012 at 11:20am | IP Logged
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Catholicmommy! That is exactly what I needed.
I managed the other night, I did a search online, and modified a couple I'd found and printed them off. For the closing prayer, I simply handed over to another member and had them lead. I made the youth coordinator cry with that. She was very happy. No one volunteers to say the prayers. I'm not comfortable, so I understand that.
I love the formula, I will use it, for sure! It makes so much sense. I'll have to premediate it though, and hopefully not have too much spontaneous public prayer to do. And maybe one day it'll be easier. And I'll also have something ready for another member to close with.
God bless!
__________________
Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
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Topic: Help with opening prayer
