Vigil for the Fallen Away: A Parish Mission of Light and Hope
Over these past weeks, we have reflected together on our Lenten theme: Return helping loved ones, and one another, come home to Christ and His Church. The culmination of this sacred journey will be our parish mission, “Vigil for the Fallen Away.”
From Monday, March 23rd through Wednesday, March 25th, our parish family will enter into 48 continuous hours of prayer for those we love who have drifted from the Church or from the practice of the Faith.
For two full days and nights, prayer will rise from our parish steady, faithful, and united. In our recent Disciple Maker Index (DMI) Survey, one of the most consistent and heartfelt concerns expressed was the longing for children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends who no longer practice the Faith. Many also expressed a desire for deeper communal prayer and meaningful opportunities to respond. This vigil is a direct and compassionate answer to that call.
At the heart of the vigil will be the lighting of individual candles before the high altar. Each flame will represent the intention of someone being prayed for a visible sign of love, trust, and persevering hope. A candle may seem small. Yet even the smallest flame pushes back darkness. As those candles burn day and night, they will symbolize a parish refusing to give up, entrusting every name to the mercy of Christ the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost and never stops calling His children home.
Vigil Candles will be available throughout the 48-hour vigil. When you arrive, you may take a candle, write the first name of your loved one in a prayer intention book, and place the candle before the altar as part of our communal prayer. A suggested free-will offering of $10 per candle may be made to help cover the cost and support the vigil.
Throughout these two days, our parish family will gather for Mass, Rosaries, Novenas, and sustained intercessory prayer. Some will come during the day. Others in the quiet of the evening or early morning hours. Together, we will keep vigil believing that God works even when we cannot see it.
The Church gives us the powerful example of St. Monica, whose persistent prayers for her son St. Augustine of Hippo seemed unanswered for years until grace broke through in a way that changed the Church forever. Their story reminds us that no heart is beyond God’s reach.
This is evangelization at its best not pressure, not argument, but prayer.
Let us fill our church with light. Let us fill those 48 hours with faith. And together, as one parish family, let us pray them home.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!