In my last column, I shared some resources that are quick and easy for those wanting to begin a spiritual routine or enhance their existing one. In this column, I will share more resources and slightly more time-consuming suggestions, for anyone seeking additional personal reflection.
Pray More Novenas at praymorenovenas.com is the creation of John Paul Deddens, who found he had stopped praying novenas because he kept forgetting to say the prayers. Consequently, he designed the website as a personal reminder system. Over time, others found it helpful as well and now thousands of participants unite, virtually, in prayer because of his idea.
Deddens states, “I started this website to help me and you remember to pray all nine days of the novena prayers. I do this by sending you email reminders with the novena prayers right in the body of the email. Now, if you’re like me, you check your email every day. So, when you’re checking your email, you will be reminded to get praying!”
Currently, Pray More Novenas is operated by John Paul and his wife, Annie. Together they provide several opportunities to pray novenas, spread throughout the year. Joining is free of charge and participants also have the opportunity to share prayer intentions on the website, if desired.
The Deddens have also added retreats to their offerings. There are Pray More Healing Retreats and retreats for Advent and Lent, during which participants receive access to videos and downloadable transcripts from various speakers on the retreat topics. While these retreats are self-paced, they do require significantly more time than the novena readings and prayers. The talks truly are worth listening to, for those who are able to make the time. During the pandemic, having the opportunity to participate in retreats from my own home was appreciated.
Like the novenas, Pray More retreats are offered free of charge; however, donations are welcomed to support the Deddens’ valuable ministry.
In 2021, Father Mike Schmitz began the popular Bible in a Year podcast. Each segment is about 25 minutes long, includes Father Mike reading from the Bible and then commenting, giving historical information and explanations, as well as reflecting on the passages. By the end of the year, those who participate could potentially read the entire Bible in 365 days.
While I had good intentions, I never did begin the podcast in 2021. Luckily, Father Mike offered it again in 2022 and I began this year (but am very far behind!). I know people who have finished it; therefore, I still aim to complete this ambitious undertaking. There are support groups on Facebook and even in the Archdiocese of Vancouver for those wanting to share the interest and motivation with others. The Bible in a Year podcast can be accessed through your app store, or without an app, using ascensionpress.com/pages/biy-registration.
Even though I have not completed the Bible in a Year, I have listened to enough of it that I was happy to hear that Father Mike is adding to his “In a Year” brand. In 2023, Father will read and reflect on Catholicism through the Catechism in a Year podcast. What a wonderful gift this will be to the future of our Church, as people begin to learn more about our beliefs, guided by someone who is informed and whose presentation style is engaging and down-to-earth. I expect this podcast will be well-received and hope that more people will participate in healthy dialogue on the rich topic of our faith. More information about The Catechism in a Year can be found at ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear.
As life resumes to almost “normal” following our pandemic years and the pace begins to pick up, let us all take the time to pause every so often. If having email reminders to pray appeals to you, or if you prefer to work at your own pace with recordings or podcasts, I hope you find some of my suggestions helpful.
