Sacred Heart hosts community prayer

Members of the Shawano community came together in prayer at Franklin Park on Oct. 10.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church hosted a community prayer in an effort to promote togetherness and pray for those who are struggling in the country.

“Through Sacred Heart church, we decided to join in on the U.S. Grace Force coast to coast rosary rally,” said Gail Bartz, a member of Sacred Heart who aided in organizing the event.

The event saw Bartz and Deacon James Lonick leading prayers in front of a statue of Mary. The same event occurred in different communities around the country at the same time.

“Father (Richard) Heilman in Madison went with a group out to Washington D.C.,” said Bartz. “They went to the capital and prayed at 4 p.m. eastern time. We prayed at three and across the country it goes down, so we were all praying at the exact same time.”

Heilman is involved with U.S. Grace Force, which helps to inform people about what is happening in the country and the catholic church.

Bartz believes that holding this event is very important in the Shawano community.

“This is the power of praying,” said Bartz. “I don’t know how many thousands of people at one time. That is how something is going to happen.”

She was excited to see that 38 people came together for the event.

“This brings the community a little closer together,” said Bartz. “Some of these people that came — I looked out and thought that I never expected them to come. It is awesome to see.”

According to Bartz, U.S. Grace Force informs members about community prayer in early October.

“They do it every October,” said Bartz. “Oct. 7 is the feast of the lady of our rosary. This is also for the Battle of Lepanto.”

Sacred Heart tried to organize this event last year, but ran into a problem with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year is really the first time that we held this,” said Bartz.

She said that it was exciting to see more people coming outside and joining in community events.

Bartz added that people within Shawano and surrounding communities can learn something from this event.

“People can learn about being together and what the power of prayer can do,” said Bartz.

She said that while there aren’t many other events or gatherings scheduled, there is a woman’s retreat on Oct. 15.

“The retreat is not specifically for our country, rather to get together and get closer to God,” said Bartz.

Bartz said that with how many people joined in this gathering across the country, that others may see it and get more information. She added that others may not have attended the event but still prayed.

“I suspect that there is people at home, who are praying at the same time,” said Bartz. “If they can’t get out and come to one, or there is not one near them — I think that there is a lot who are participating at home.”

With U.S. Grace Force having about 76,000 followers, Bartz believes there are some strategies to keep that number growing.

“People keep talking and spreading word,” said Bartz. “I actually heard about it from someone else and listened to what U.S. Grace Force had to say. You sign up, contribute if you want and they send you information.”

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com