Homebound are spiritually connected to adoration chapel in Arkansas

Published: 2005-01-03

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (CNS) -- Sister Marietta Fecteau found a way to get more Catholics involved with perpetual adoration at St. Michael Chapel in Hot Springs. She signed on "co-adorers" -- those who might not be able to be in the chapel, but could still sign up for a specific hour of prayer and devotion. The nun, a Sister of Our Lady of Charity and Refuge, launched a program in 2003 for Catholics who wanted to share spiritually with those kneeling before the monstrance. She was concerned about several people who had been regular adorers at the chapel, but because of physical and health problems had reluctantly given up their weekly commitment. She also knew that many people become depressed when they are homebound because they have to give up so many things that were important to them. "People often give up prayer," because they don't have encouragement, she told the Arkansas Catholic, diocesan newspaper of Little Rock. But she noted that these "prayers can make a world of difference in our world where so much is going on -- wars, disasters, the need for vocations." Sister Marietta, who works as a cook and sacristan at the convent at St. Michael, developed a plan to enroll the homebound in a program that would allow them to commit to pray at home while spiritually united with someone who was physically present at the adoration chapel.

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