Avilas Prayer Ministry: Praying for Graces of Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life

St. Teresa of Avila once said, “There is but one road which reaches God, and that is prayer. If anyone shows you another, you are being deceived.” This is the motto of the Avilas Prayer Group here at Immaculate Conception.

The Avilas Prayer Group was started by Ursuline Sister Borromeo while she was a teacher at Immaculate Conception. It is a group of dedicated parishioners who on every third Tuesday of the month attend Mass at 7:30 a.m., pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet, and say prayers for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. The group also meets with the Diocese of Cleveland’s other Avilas prayer groups.

“We’ve been told many times how effective, important and meaningful these prayers are — without priests we are without the Eucharist,” says Dolores Fratino, a member of the prayer group. “I feel it is a joy and the best gift to meet, praying together, for the graces and strength each of them needs to make and keep a firm commitment.”

Known for her deep spirituality and devotion to prayer, St. Teresa of Avila was the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church. She was a Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic whose prominent spiritual writings are renowned by the Church, particularly in the published work, The Interior Castle.

Praying for vocations helps those discerning the priesthood and religious life, as well as those in formation. It is important to spiritually support those seeking out their vocations, and the Avilas group seeks to do just that. Another component of the Avilas Prayer Ministry is the opportunity to spiritually “adopt” a priest. Members are assigned a priest for whom they pray by name every day, along with offering cards and notes of love and encouragement.

“We remain anonymous and only upon our death is our name revealed to him and, if he is available, he may attend our funeral Mass,” says Mary Ann Takacs.

Mary Ann is the main contact for the Avilas Prayer Group here at Immaculate Conception. She emphasizes the importance of the ministry and encourages parishioners to pray for vocations, even if not actively participating in the group.

“All that it entails is an eagerness and true sincerity to pray for priests and consecrated religious, with special emphasis on those discerning, knowing how effective and meaningful these prayers are,” Mary Ann says.

There are currently 12 members of the Avilas Prayer Ministry, some of whom are homebound and pray for vocations in their own ways. If you would like more information, or to get involved, please contact Mary Ann Takacs at 440-946-5330.