Dear Friends,

As I mentioned several weeks ago, the bishops of the Dioceses of Massachusetts and western Massachusetts are inviting us to participate in a prayer vigil just prior to the election. The vigil will last from noon on Sunday November 6 through noon of Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th. Parishes throughout our diocese will be participating in a variety of ways.

Here at St. John’s we will hold a vigil service, primarily of silent prayer, on Monday evening, November 7, from 6-7 pm. The church will remain open from 7 to 9 pm that night, and then will be open for individual prayer and meditation from 8 am to 5 pm on Election Day.

Of course, you can pray wherever you are throughout this time, and for particular concerns that are borne in your heart. Regarding the election, our bishops are asking us to  keep before God three particular concerns:

-that there will be a peaceful transition no matter what the outcome
-that there will be no further stoking of demonizing language
-that all who are elected be moved and strengthened to lead us all through this fractured time

I know that for myself, as much as my prayers may be directed outwards toward and for others and for situations that concern me, there is an inward transformation that blesses and sustains me. Whatever the distractions and challenges of life, whatever burdens are weighing upon me, when I pray I discover that I am brought to a place where I can hear, see, and act more clearly. And for that I am always grateful to God.

Faithfully,

Tom

The full statement from the bishops can be read here.