St. Columba ParishEvery week the parish prays for people it has never met: a neighbour's father in hospital, a student writing exams, a marriage under strain, a family grieving. Requests reach us through this page, the office and the prayer box at the back of the church, and they are prayed for in three ways.
Prayer chain
Sixty parishioners receive requests by email and pray for them that day. First names only are shared.
Prayers of the faithful
With your permission, the intention is included in the petitions at all weekend Masses.
A visit
If you would like someone to pray with you at home or in hospital, a priest or a Legion of Mary member will come.
Send a prayer request
A prayer for the sick
Lord Jesus, you went about doing good and healing all who were ill. Be near to those we name before you today. Give them strength in weakness, peace in fear, and the company of people who love them. Bless the hands of those who care for them. Let none of them feel alone, and bring them to healing of body and soul. Amen.
What happens to your request
Requests sent through this page go to the pastor and the prayer chain coordinator, Maureen Kelly, and to no one else. Within a few hours the intention is passed to the chain, using a first name only. If you ticked the box, it is added to the petitions read at the weekend Masses ("for Maria, who is seriously ill"). If you asked for a visit, Fr. Moreau, Fr. Nguyen or a screened pastoral visitor will phone you within two days to arrange a time. Requests are kept for one month and then deleted; nothing is published online.
You may also drop a written request in the wooden prayer box at the back of the church, or phone the office. Requests for someone who is dying should always come by phone — day or night at 416-555-0142, option 9 — so that a priest can come for the Anointing of the Sick.
Join the prayer chain
If you can commit to praying for the requests that arrive each day — it takes a few minutes — email prayerchain@stcolumbatoronto.ca. Members are asked to keep every request confidential. Those who are homebound are especially welcome; many of our most faithful intercessors pray from their kitchen tables.