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Day to day happenings at the Prayer Vigil
March 23, 2009
On another crisp and sunny Spring day, members of Catholic Charities and various other individuals gathered from 9 until noon, on the hour, to pray for the poor and the MPPs on the day's prayer list.
During the morning Bruce Voogd, Prayer Vigil Coordinator, was interviewed by John McGrath, CBC Radio's reporter at Queens Park about the Vigil, its purpose, goals, and effectiveness.
At noon, we were led by the Mennonite Central Committee Ontario Leadership Team in song, scripture, reflection, prayers for the poor and our MPPs, and a communal prayer of intercession.
Prayers of forgiveness were asked for the times we have judged to quickly and been hardhearted towards people living in poverty. For all to have enough to afford nutritious food, a decent home, and resources to live as full members of our community. For those who skills are not recognized and cannot find employment. For those that end up in jobs that pay to little, whose rights in the workplace are not respected. For our legislators to implement and properly enforce employment standards to protect those in precarious work.
Prayers were offered for those injured on the job, those with physical disabilities or whose mental health puts them at risk of living in poverty. For those who have lost their jobs and risk falling into poverty. For inclusive communities where access to public transit, affordable housing, child care and schools, where race, ethnic background, and lack of private resources are not barriers to full participation. And for our MPPs to have courage, strength, and compassion to do justice by providing the resources and implementing policies to prevent people from falling into poverty and to raise people out of poverty.
In the afternoon a time of prayer, reflection, and dialogue was shared hourly by members of the Hamilton Conference of The United Church of Canada and others.
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