What was this project?
The Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC) leadership team asked for the creation of a novena to be used at the onset of their public search for the organization’s first Executive Director. They requested for each day to be oriented toward prison, jail, and detention ministers – with the overall intention of calling forth a leader for CPMC.
What was involved?
Starting with a simple and powerful prompt from the CPMC leadership team, I began by identifying a structure for each day of the novena. Each day’s prayer began by expressing gratitude, naming a petition, calling forth action, and closing with the intercession of Mary, Mother of God. From there I identified, with feedback from the CPMC team, nine themes – one for each day. Each day needed to be appropriate for seasoned and new ministers, as well as those discerning ministry. In prayer and reflection, I drafted the prayers for each of the following themes.
1. Vision in Ministry
2. New Beginnings in Ministry
3. Perseverance in Ministry
4. Companionship in Ministry
5. Health & Wellbeing in Ministry
6. Growth in Ministry
7. Resilience in Ministry
8. Humility in Ministry
9. Community in Ministry
