Tonight I decided to go to an evening of prayer and supper at the church. My parents were not up to going out in the frigid weather, so I went by myself. I have not been going to this church a very long and have not participated in anything outside of Sunday Mass, so I realized I would not know anyone. First there was the evening prayer led by the deacon. There was a cantor and pianist for the psalms, so it really was beautiful. Then everyone went downstairs for a soup supper. I got in the back of the line and met a couple of people. Once I got my bowl of soup, I looked around at all the people sitting at the tables.  It was very different going into a church function full of people and not recognizing one person. There were several families with children and obvious established groups of people. Near the center of the room was a table with an older man and a woman who looked to be her 20’s. That is where I headed. The young woman was also there by herself. She got a job as a pediatric home care nurse right out of college a couple years ago and loved the city, so moved by herself. The man and his wife were established in the parish and very active. His wife was helping with the supper. I enjoyed the conversation between the two people I just met. The meal was followed by the Stations of the Cross. The gentleman leading the prayer did more than just read the words on the page. He put emotion into the descriptions and reflections of each scene depicting Jesus’ crucifixion. I had never heard this particular version before. When it came time for us – the people – to respond, the prayer at each station felt incredibly valid. At the end, the leader said people were welcome to stay for their own private devotion time if they wanted, so I sat down and closed my eyes. I thanked God for bringing me to this church, for the familiarity of Catholic prayers, and for the new people I met. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to discover that I was 1 of only 2 people left in the church. I left feeling somber, yet peaceful.

I Found God today in meeting new people and the blessing of familiar prayers.