Near Us and Within Us: Weekly Prayer Services for Parish Gatherings

Author: Debra Hintz
Paperback, 8.5 x 11 inches, 144 pages

Book Notes
This is an excellent resource for all parish meetings, including staff meetings, parish council, catechist meetings, RCIA gatherings, and parent meetings. The prayers are beautifully expressed and their message is faith-enhancing.

In these sixty services, Hintz focuses on 'transformation' through the Second Reading of the lectionary because these readings are 'letters from the apostles' words of support and encouragement to be strong in the faith. Though originally written for the first chrstian communities, the Second Readings continue to be highly relevant for Catholic communities today. Hintz invites all who gather in parishes on a regular basis to let these words be part of the fabric of their daily lives and ministry.

Each service includes opening and closing prayers, the Scripture reading (citations for all three lectionary cycles are included), time for reflection on the Word, intercessions and a blessing. Debra Hintz is a pastoral associate in the Milwaukee Archdiocese and has been involved in parish ministry for nearly thirty years. She has worked in the areas of RCIA, liturgy, evangelization, adult faith formation, and general pastoral ministry.