Fr. Ernie,

Know that I have been praying for you and the pastoral staff all week as you prepare; and will hold you in prayer in a special way on Thursday of this week as you all gather for your staff development day. I offer this prayer poem to you and all who gather.

The Lord is my mentor and guide

He shows me the path paved with His love

With Him at my side, I look forward, not down or back

He assures my safety on life’s journey

As distractions confront me

I stay focused on His loving face

For in His eyes, all truth

And in His heart, my life

As I ponder questions and seek answers

I stay focused on His loving face

For in His eyes, all truth

And in His heart, my life

As I hear others thoughts

I stay focused on His loving face

For in His eyes, all truth

And in His heart, my life

As I share my thoughts

I stay focused on His loving face

For in His eyes, all truth

And in His heart, my life

Help me:

To hear clearly with ears of love

To listen gently with a heart of love

To speak kindly with a voice of love

To see truly through eyes of love

To reach out softly with hands of love

To consider selflessly with thoughts of love

To understand with a mind of love

And to truly act as Jesus, with love.

Andy Cirmo 080404