Faithful called to gather for a Day of Prayer (Video)
The Archdiocese of Newark will hold a Day of Prayer event on Saturday, June 29, facilitated by ValLimar Jansen, a highly regarded singer, composer, and recording artist.
The archdiocese’s Day of Prayer was planned in response to Pope Francis’ invitation calling on the faithful to the Year of Prayer in 2024. The year is dedicated “to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer, prayer in personal life, in the life of the Church, prayer in the world,” Pope Francis said, in preparation for the Jubilee next year.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, June 29, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: St. John Paul II Youth Center, 499 Belgrove Dr, Kearny
Cost: $20
Click here to register
“The Holy Father is inviting the faithful to intensify prayer to prepare us to live well in this event of grace and to experience the power of God’s hope,” Patty Rodriguez, Director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Catechetical Office, said.
In response, several offices within the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center are collaborating on an initiative to help the faithful in the Archdiocese of Newark respond to the Holy Father’s invitation. One of the archdiocese’s initiatives is this bilingual event, held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. John Paul II Youth Center in Kearny. The day will include music, prayer, and praise.
Attendees can expect a day of joyful and powerful worship facilitated by ValLimar Jansen. There will also be opportunities for learning about and practicing more contemplative styles of prayer in both Spanish and English.
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Dr. Patrick R. Manning, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of the Seton Hall University Center for Catholic Studies School of Theology, will present the English breakout. Father Danny Pabon, Adjunct Professor at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, the Center for Diaconal Formation, and the University Core Curriculum, will present the Spanish session.
A Mass with Bishop Gregory Studerus, Auxiliary Bishop with the Archdiocese of Newark, and music with Jansen will close out the day. The day will offer powerful prayer experiences and encounters with the Lord.
“The goal of the Year of Prayer Day of Prayer is to deepen participants’ relationship with Jesus through providing effective and fruitful experiences of prayer,” Rodriguez said.
The speakers
Jansen is a passionate singer-songwriter and professional actor who writes songs about faith and brings to life the Holy Scripture in dynamic, costumed portrayals. Her stories and songs have touched the lives of countless people worldwide.
Prof. Patrick Manning specializes in practical theology with a particular interest in religious education and catechesis. He has a background in parish catechesis and Catholic education and holds advanced degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Boston College. Manning’s current research and praxis focus on methods of religious education and faith formation, Christian spirituality, and contemplative pedagogy. As an educator and pastoral theologian, Manning directs his research and teaching toward inviting people into the fullness of life that Jesus offers.
Father Pabon obtained his S.T.B. degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. For his S.T.B. paper, he focused on the symbolism and significance of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John, particularly about the sacraments. He then pursued an S.T.L. from Pontificio Ateneo Sant’Anselmo in Rome, where he wrote his licentiate thesis titled “Icona Vivens Christi Servi in Ecclesia: An American Theology of the Permanent Diaconate.”
“It is a blessed opportunity to experience ValLimar’s presentation and to participate in a prayer experience led by someone who has moved the hearts of thousands of Catholics around the country and the world,” Rodriguez said. “It will be a unique opportunity to experience different styles of prayer during one event. It will help us all to open our hearts wide to the graces of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025!”
Joanne DePasquale-Parent, Associate Director of Adult and Family Faith Formation said she is excited that the team of archdiocesan offices have come together to offer an incredible Day of Prayer.
”We hope that many will join us to lift our hearts, minds, and intentions to God as a united family of faith in our richly diverse archdiocese. As the saying goes, when prayers go up, blessings come down! This event will be a great day of blessing for all who attend.”
The Archdiocese of Newark has also launched a Year of Prayer page on rcan.org. The page will present prayer resources and prayerful events. The Vatican also offers a resource site for the Year of Prayer.
Featured image: Artist ValLimar Jansen will faciliate the day. (Courtesy St. Francis Borgia parish)
