In the wake of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, members of the parish staff at Sacred Heart in Sauk Rapids wanted to show their support for those impacted. They planned a prayer service for peace, which was held Feb. 27.
“I think there was a sense that people want to feel they’re doing something instead of watching the news,” said Father Tom Knoblach, pastor of Sacred Heart and Annunciation Parish in Mayhew Lake. “There’s no human solution to some of these things, you’ve got to turn to a higher power.”
The service included music with a full choir, a rosary, time for silent prayer and adoration and a Litany of the Sacred Heart. People were also invited to write a prayer intention on a slip of paper, which was then placed near the altar during the service.
Julie Lutz, a member of Sacred Heart, said she came to the service because she wanted to pray for the people of Ukraine and for peace in the world. John Woeste, who has a son in the Navy, wanted to pray for those that serve in the military, for their safety and for peace.
“There’s sorrow and suffering and evil in the world, but so is the redeemer present with us,” Father Knoblach said. “And, tonight we pray especially for the people of Ukraine.”
On his Twitter account Feb. 27, Pope Francis reiterated his invitation for everyone to take part in a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, March 2, “in order to be near to the suffering Ukrainian people, to be aware that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore God for an end to the war.”
