Another Kind of Meal Train
I wrote this blog years ago, when my friend Jim Tierney was re-diagnosed with cancer. On July 9, 2022, he finally passed away, surrounded by family and friends, and blessed with the sacraments.
Some might say that Jim’s death indicates a failure of these prayers. But we know differently. This meal train was a powerful intercession on behalf of Jim, Kendra, and their kids as they suffered through his last years, months, and days. Kendra said to me more than once that she felt the prayers of family and friends lifting them out of their most difficult moments.
I leave this up as a memorial to Jim, as well as an invitation to you to adopt this practice for those in your life who are struggling. Who better to hear our prayers than Our Blessed Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar?
If you should wish to make a donation in Jim’s name, please click here.
-Micaela, December 14, 2022
A meal train, only different
Have you ever been the recipient of a meal train? I’ll never forget the first time I was. I’d just had my third baby when a friend organized a group of local ladies. Every evening for two weeks, one of those ladies would show up on my porch with hot homemade food, dessert, a hug, and a blessing. It was enough to make a grown woman weep. Since then I’ve had 4 more children, all of whom brought meal trains with them. I haven’t taken a single bite for granted.
It’s an incredible and humbling feeling, being on the receiving end of those meals. They’ve nourished my family, linking us to each other and our community in an overtly physical way, a beautiful manifestation of the Body of Christ.
Sometimes, though, our friends are in need of a little more than a meal train. Sometimes our friends need prayers, and they need them in spades, not only for today or tomorrow, but for the long term. Many of you know my friend Kendra. She and her family are going through a challenging time right now. They don’t have any temporal needs, but have asked for prayers.
When I was in Eucharistic Adoration the other night, I was inspired to organize a Eucharistic “meal train” to feed Kendra’s family the prayers they need. Who better to hear their prayers than Jesus in the Eucharist? Who better to bring their prayers to Him than you, a member of the Body of Christ?
If you’re interested and able, take a look at the Sign-Up I’ve made.
While in Adoration, please invoke the intercession of St. Nuno and Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, praying especially for:
complete and total healing of Jim’s cancer,
for his doctors and other care providers,
fortitude, strength, and wisdom to their family during his treatment, and
radical trust and complete resignation to God’s will.
If you’ve never attended Adoration before, don’t be intimidated! I’ve included a few helpful links at the bottom of this post. My own best personal advice is to approach Jesus in the Eucharist with reverence and love, bring a Bible or a rosary, and be willing to sit in the stillness. More helpful info can be found in the links below.
The Adoration Chapel at our parish has had a truly profound effect on our family, bringing us closer to each other and to God. I highly recommend it, not just to pray for Jim, but as a regular spiritual practice for all Catholics.
Did I talk too much? I usually talk too much. Let me sum it up:
TL:DR
Who: you and me, praying for our friends Jim and Kendra.
What: Eucharistic Adoration: you commit to praying an hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Ask for the intercession of St. Nuno and Blessed Alvaro del Portillo.
When: whichever date works best for you over the coming year. See the Sign-Up to figure out which dates are available.
Where: any Catholic Church or Adoration Chapel (Jesus is present in the tabernacle as well as the monstrance, so if you can’t find an Adoration Chapel, a Catholic church is another wonderful option!)
Why: We are the Body of Christ. We believe that He sees us, hears us, loves us, and wants us to bring our cares to Him. Let’s storm heaven for a miracle of healing!
Note: please feel free to sign up for multiple slots. We always welcome more than one person per day, as well!
Helpful links:
Find an Adoration Chapel Near You (Call ahead to be sure info is correct.)
A Beginner’s Guide to Eucharistic Adoration
USCCB Prayers for Eucharistic Adoration
About Blessed Alvaro del Portillo
Questions? Email me. micaela.darr@gmail.com
My Lord and my God, I firmly believe that you are here; that you see me, and that you hear me.
I adore you with profound reverence; I beg your pardon for my sins, and the grace to make this time of prayer fruitful.
My Immaculate Mother, Saint Joseph my father and lord, my guardian angel, intercede for me.
