St. Paul Street Evangelization

Blessed Memorial of Saints Marcellinus & Peter!

Marcellinus, a priest, and Peter, an exorcist, were victims of the Diocletian persecution in 304. They were martyred at a secluded location so Christians couldn't bury and venerate their bodies. However, by divine intervention, two Christian women found the bodies and buried them. Artemius, the prison guard, converted to Christianity. Dorotheus, the executioner, told the story to Pope St. Damasus I and was later baptized by Pope Julius I. The names of Sts. Marcellinus and Peter are mentioned in the Roman Canon as well as the Ambrosian liturgy. (Source: Santi e Beati)

Saints Marcellinus & Peter, pray for us!

"Never Typical"

The following report comes to us from team leader Lucy in Boise, Idaho:

It’s impossible to predict who will be drawn to the Rosary table. One young man on a bicycle circled back after hearing the Rosaries were free. Though unfamiliar with the Rosary, he was relieved to learn we were Catholic Christians and gratefully accepted one. Please pray that “Jack” grows in faith and love for Our Lady.

Four teenage boys stopped by, though one hung back at first. They listened politely as we explained the Rosary, and three accepted one. One boy lingered quietly over the pamphlet but seemed too shy to ask questions. Pray that these young men respond to the Holy Spirit’s call to deeper conversion.

Two young adults brought their elderly grandmother to receive a Rosary. Once we explained how Christ-centered the devotion is, all three chose Rosaries and continued discussing them after they walked away. May the Lord draw them closer to Himself through this prayer.

A homeless man stopped while on the phone and asked for a Rosary. He shared that the shelter where he lives often asks him to lead grace before meals. Lord, provide for his needs and guide him toward stability and hope.

Near the end of the outing, “Eric,” an airline pilot, stopped by. Though not Catholic, he shared that he had been listening repeatedly to The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz and had seriously considered becoming Catholic. The evangelists encouraged him not to wait for a “perfect” time to begin. He left with a Rosary and several prayer cards. Please pray that Eric follows the graces God is pouring into his life.

Despite light foot traffic and threatening weather, God blessed the outing. About 30–35 Rosaries were distributed, along with several prayer cards. Thank you for your continued prayers for this apostolate and for all those whom God sends to encounter Christ through His Church.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

Blessed Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity!

A reading from the holy gospel according to John:

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

- John 3:16-18

"Grace at the Peace Plaza"

The following story comes to us from team leader Dr. Deb with our team in Owatonna, MN:

Tom and I were blessed with a beautiful day to evangelize at Peace Plaza in Rochester, MN. After praying together for those we would encounter, we set up our Prayer Station near the fountain despite construction and road closures all around us.

Almost immediately, Marie, visiting from Hawaii for medical testing, asked for prayers that her MRI could be moved up so she could return home sooner. After praying for her health, she later returned asking prayers for her friend Tim, who was battling metastatic melanoma. She gratefully accepted blessed medals for both of them.

Throughout the afternoon, many others stopped by seeking prayer. Marianne asked for healing in her health and family relationships. Ryan, whom we’ve met during previous seasons, shared several intentions, including peace in the world, the needs of friends and family, and success for his church’s capital campaign. Lindsay and her husband asked for prayers for clean cancer scans and left encouraged with blessed medals.

One especially joyful moment came when Sal and his family stopped by. After many doctor visits, they had finally received a diagnosis that would help guide his treatment. We prayed in thanksgiving for this answer to prayer, for Sal’s healing, and for his siblings as well. Sal chose St. Michael medals for himself and his twin brother, while his sister received a Guardian Angel medal ahead of her First Communion.

As we packed up, Jeffrey, a clinic worker, stopped to thank us for publicly praying with people. Though he attended a non-denominational church, we shared a beautiful conversation centered on our common love for the Lord.

We thank Jesus for every person we encountered and for the hearts He opened that day.

Praised be Jesus Christ!