VIGIL STARTER KIT

SETTING UP AND RUNNING A VIGIL

0. First, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT, EVER get discouraged by the turnout. To get discouraged is the work of the devil trying to get you to quit. Don’t give in to him. Even if only ONE person shows up and it’s you, your heart will be transformed and you will receive many graces from God for not only attending, but for leading the effort and organizing the vigil. He will be so pleased with you! I have been advised by various spiritual directors who ALL said this same thing to me. Pray a Memorari every day for its fruitfulness and success and get others to join you.

1. Get permission from Pastor. This will be the biggest obstacle to starting a Vigil. If the Pastor says “no,” then you cannot proceed. You need his permission. If he says “no,” try the following:

a. Explain to him that this is a lay apostolate and his involvement will be little; perhaps a mass here and there until the Vigil builds up whereby you have a pool of priests to draw from to celebrate the mass. Some pastors feel so overwhelmed with their duties that they might feel that the work will fall on their shoulders. Reassure him that the work will mainly be done by the laity.

b. Perhaps the pastor will say “not now, or wait.” Then be patient, pray for him to change his mind, and follow-up with him every now and then. Be persistent but patient.

c. If the pastor is simply not open to the idea, then have a group of people pray for him regularly that he will change his mind and be open. There was one priest that was completely closed to the idea of Eucharistic Adoration. A group prayed for him for nine years and he finally came around. Now he is their biggest supporter. God sometimes has us wait. Sometimes it is the evil one trying the thwart God’s plan.

2. Formulate schedule throughout the night – See our Vigil Schedule.

3. Create flyer to hang up in area churches – See a sample flyer.

4. Put ads in area church bulletins – See a sample bulletin ad.

5. Give talk at masses or have the pastor give speech of the Vigil’s importance and purpose.

6. Make an announcement at the masses at least once a month reminding people to attend the Vigil. See sample of announcement.

7. Have sign-up at the end of masses and at the Vigil for adorers throughout the night. – See a sample sign-up sheet.

8. Arrange an organist for the opening mass.

9. Arrange a priest for the mass(es) and a Deacon for the Benediction if there is no closing mass.

10. Get a vigil team together. This team will meet once a month the week following the vigil to assess the vigil, make recommendations for improvements, distribute tasks to members to facilitate the next vigil, review previous months objectives and tasks. See sample of Vigil meeting form. The team members will also cover part of the night and serve as prayer leaders for their hour(s). That is, they will lead the prayers from the pulpit during their covered hours.

11. Arrange for alter boys for the opening mass.

12. Arrange for a lector for the mass(es) to do the reading and psalm.

13. Arrange, if necessary, a Eucharistic Minister to help the priest at communion time.

14. Arrange, if necessary, two people to take up a collection at the masses.

15. Prepare petitions for the mass(es) – See sample petitions.

16. Get a binder with adorer sign-in/sign-out sheets. See sample of sign-in sheets.

17. Get the Knights of Columbus involved for back-up support and security. The role of the K of C members will be to participate fully in the Vigil but also to be available to walk someone to their car if necessary and to handle any security issues that may arise.

18. Invite other priests to come celebrate the mass.

19. Prepare prayer packets to distribute at the Vigils. See the section on this website which shows the Vigil prayers. You may view and print these prayers for use at your Vigil.

20. Send email the week of the Vigil to adorers with attached list of adorers. See sample email. and schedule.

21. Send email the week of the vigil to the Knights of Columbus Vigil members with attached list of K of C adorer schedule. See Sample email and adorer schedule.

22. Send email the week of the Vigil to adorers reminding them which prayers they are leading. (optional)

23. Send email the week of the Vigil to the Deacon reminding him to do the Benediction at the Vigil. See Sample email.

24. Send email the week of the Vigil to Vigil email list. The Vigil email list is like a mailing list. Instead of mailing out current information about the Vigil and happenings through traditional mail, it is accomplished, instead, in an email. See sample. Have people sign-up to be on the emailing list at the Vigil.

25. Send email the week of the Vigil to the Priest reminding him that he is celebrating the mass at the upcoming Vigil. See sample of email to priests.

26. Advertise your Vigil in the Catholic newspapers, local papers, and local Catholic radio station.

27. Arrange for a stipend to be paid to the priests celebrating mass. $35-$50 is customary.

28. You may want to give a stipend to the organist. The collection taken up at mass will be helpful in this endeavor.

29. Once the Vigil is over, send a thank-you note in the mail to the celebrating priest thanking him.

ONGOING TASKS FOR VIGIL

1. Create flyer to hang up in area churches.

2. Advertise your Vigil in the Catholic newspapers, local papers, and local Catholic radio station.

3. Put ads in area church bulletins.

4. Make an announcement at the masses at least once a month reminding people to attend the Vigil.

5. Have sign-up at the end of masses and at the Vigil for adorers throughout the night.

6. Arrange an organist for the opening mass.

7. Arrange a priest for the mass(es) and a Deacon for the Benediction if there is no closing mass.

8. Arrange for alter boys for the opening mass.

9. Arrange for a lector for the mass(es) to do the reading and psalm.

10. Arrange, if necessary, a Eucharisic Minister to help the priest at communion time.

11. Arrange, if necessary, two people to take up a collection at the masses.

12. Prepare petitions for the mass(es).

13. Prepare opening greeting prayer.

14. Prepare intentions for mass.

15. Prepare any announcements to be made following Vigil mass.

16. Schedule regular monthly Vigil meeting.

17. Send email the week of the Vigil to adorers with attached list of adorers.

18. Send email the week of the vigil to the Knights of Columbus Vigil members with attached list of K of C adorer schedule.

19. Send email the week of the Vigil to adorers reminding them which prayers they are leading. (optional)

20. Send email the week of the Vigil to the Deacon reminding him to do the Benediction at the Vigil.

21. Send email the week of the Vigil to Vigil email list. The Vigil email list is like a mailing list. Instead of mailing out current information about the Vigil and happenings through traditional mail, it is accomplished, instead, in an email.

22. Send email the week of the Vigil to the Priest reminding him that he is celebrating the mass at the upcoming Vigil.

23. Arrange for a stipend to be paid to the priests celebrating mass. $35-$50 is customary.

24. You may want to give a stipend to the organist. The collection taken up at mass will be helpful in this endeavor.

25. Once the Vigil is over, send a thank-you note in the mail to the celebrating priest thanking him.

MONTHLY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL SCHEDULE

FRIDAY EVENING & SATURDAY MORNING

9:00 PM Confessions

10:00 PM Holy Mass

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until conclusion of Benediction

11:15 PM Opening Prayers: Holy Spirit prayer, Prayer for Life, Prayer for Marriages, Prayer for the Family, Litany for Priests prayer.

11:30 PM Talk or reflection followed by Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary & the Memorare & the Magnificat.

12:30 AM 15 prayers of St. Bridgitte followed by prayer for priests, leaders and country (Will move to 2:30 AM if we get behind schedule).

1:40 AM Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary followed by St. Michael the Archangel prayer and Novena for Priests.

3:00 AM Chaplet of Divine Mercy followed by prayer for Priests recited by St. Therese and Prayer for Vocations.

3:30 AM Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary followed by Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary prayer.

4:30 AM Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary followed by the Litany of the Sacred Heart prayer.

5:00 AM Stations of the Cross for Victims of Abortion.

6:00 AM An American Prayer to Mary, and prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe to End Abortion.

6:45 AM Benediction (Tantum Ergo) followed by Holy Mass.

7:00 AM Vigil concludes.

(Sample email to Priests explaining Vigil)

Dear (Name of Priest),

It was so nice speaking with you on the phone recently. Thank you for agreeing to celebrate our First Friday Mass on Friday, (Date). Below is a detailed explanation of our Apostolate, mission, and purpose. This will help you as you prepare your homily.

Should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at (Phone #). I look forward to seeing you around 9:30-9:45pm at (Name of Parish) in (City) on (Date). I will send you a reminder email as the date gets closer.

In the Service of Jesus & Mary,

(Name of Director)

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE ST. THERESE MARIAN VIGIL SOCIETY (www.vigilsociety.org)

The St. Therese Marian Vigil Society is an emerging Catholic apostolate aimed at starting and promoting First Friday all-night Eucharistic Vigils and nationwide in order to bring America back to God. In specific, it is oriented towards gathering groups of people to pray once a month on late Friday evening to Saturday morning in order to renew the Church and society through the restoration of the four root pillars—life, marriage, family and priests/religious and vocations. These elements are essential in the cultivating a culture of life and the restoration of Church and society on various levels.

These are Vigils of Love and for Love.

The greatest commandment is that "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mathew 22:37-39). St. Therese exemplified and honored this commandment to such a high degree as she did everything as an act of Merciful Love for God. She says, “The justice of God is satisfied with very little when Love is the motive of our reparation; even then He mitigates, to an excessive degree, the temporal punishment due to sin, for He is gentleness itself.” With Love as our motive, these Vigils become Vigils of Love for Love, that one Perfect Love, which is Jesus.

THE RESTORATION OF THE FOUR ROOT PILLARS, THAT BEING, LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS, ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE PROMOTION OF A CULTURE OF LIFE AND THE RENEWAL OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY.

Respect for LIFE from conception until natural death. Life is sacred at all ages and stages. We pray for an end to all actions against life: abortion, euthanasia, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research and even in Vitro Fertilization procedures. That is, any attack on the very essence of life from the instant of its conception, whereby the soul is immediately imbedded into the 1-cell zygote, until natural death. This includes the manipulation of embryos in laboratories regardless if the means of doing so seems noble.
The sanctity of MARRIAGE as a permanent covenant between one man and one woman committed to each other for life, that is chaste, open to life and lived according to God's plans.
To promote the building up of strong, loving and holy FAMILIES and to preserve the family unit as the basic cell of Church and society from being redefined in ways contrary to the divine law. This in turn will create the wholesome environment needed for the development of fruitful vocations of life and service to both Church and society and the establishment of other loving and holy families.
To pray for the renewal of vocations of PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, so that they may be faithful to their vows and the teachings of the Catholic Church, and for the increase of holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

This vigil is rooted in the observable fact supported by Church teaching that an increase in holiness of our shepherds -- bishops, priests and religious -- leads directly to an increase of holiness among the laity they guide; just as growth in holiness of parents leads to an increase in holiness of children. In addition, to the degree that life and the Church are placed in danger, so is American society at large in danger.

OBJECTIVES OF THE VIGIL

To pray for LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, and PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS.
To pray for reparation against sins committed against LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY and the CHURCH, with Love as our motive.
To give Jesus truly and really present in the Holy Eucharist praise and honor because He wants us to be devoted to Him, and because Eucharistic prayer, both in Mass and adoration, become the means par excellence for obtaining grace. With Love as our motive, these Vigils become Vigils of Love for Love, that one Perfect Love, which is Jesus.
To seek personal and communal holiness, a goal to which not just a few but all are called.

An increase in holiness of our shepherds -- bishops, priests and religious -- leads directly to an increase of holiness among the laity they guide; just as growth in holiness of parents leads to an increase in holiness of children. In addition, to the degree that life and the Church are placed in danger, so is American society at large in danger.

What exactly is a Powerhouse Eucharistic all-night Vigil?

It is a vigil whereby we avail ourselves of all the spiritual weapons available to us to combat the forces of evil that assail us in our day, especially, those attacks against LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, and Priests/Religious – these four pillars. LOVE is our greatest weapon of all. So even though we pray for these four key pillars, it’s really that we are praying to be LOVE to others. LOVE is our motive for participating in these Vigils. It’s not about Life, Marriage, Family, Priests per se; it’s actually about LOVE for it is in Loving others that lives will be preserved, marriages saved, families and priests will be holy.

At these Vigils of Love, we also incorporate other powerful weapons such as the sacraments of Holy Mass and Reconciliation, the power of the four mysteries of the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and 3am, the Stations of the Cross, and other prayers all while we adore Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament with enough quiet time to Listen to the Holy Spirit, all at the sacrificial time of the wee hours of the morning. These Vigils are very powerful.

OPENING GREETING AT MASSES

(Sample 1 Opening Greeting at Vigil Mass)

Good Evening,

Thank you for joining us this evening for our First Friday Vigil as we pray for LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS. I can’t stress enough the urgency and necessity of this vigil as we face great dangers. May God Bless you for joining with us.

Please take a few moments to ready yourself for Holy mass with quiet reflection and prayer.

OPENING GREETING AT MASSES

(Sample 2 Opening Greeting at Vigil Mass)

GOOD EVENING,

WELCOME TO THE MONTHLY ALL-NIGHT EUCHARISTIC FIRST-FRIDAY

VIGIL OF LOVE, AS WE PRAY FOR LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS. THE RESTORATION OF THESE FOUR ROOT PILLARS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE PROMOTION OF A CULTURE OF LIFE AND THE RENEWAL OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY, AND TO HELP SAVE AMERICA FROM SUFFERING FURTHER MORAL DECAY.

WE COME TOGETHER TO PRAY FOR OUR OWN SANCTIFICATION AND FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR HEARTS.

WE ALSO COME TONIGHT TO MAKE REPARATION AGAINST LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND THE CHURCH WHICH EQUATES TO REPARATION AGAINST THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY. BECAUSE WHERE WE FAIL TO LOVE THE WEAKEST ONES, THE WEAKEST OF THE WEAK REGARDLESS OF AGE, WE HURT THE VERY HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY.

Finally, we to give Jesus truly and really present in the Holy Eucharist praise and honor because He wants it and deserves it and because Eucharistic prayer, both in Mass and adoration, become the means par excellence for obtaining such grace.

OUR CELEBRANT TONIGHT IS _______________

FOLLOWING THE MASS, AFTER THE EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, WE WILL OPEN THE EVENING WITH PRAYERS TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FOR LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, PRIESTS AND VOCATIONS.

THEN _________ will give a talk on __________ YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT!

Let’s walk with His Holiness over that “Threshold of Hope” into a culture of life, into the greatest period of light, evangelization, and peace that the world has ever known – that era of peace that Our Lady promised at Fatima.

OPENING GREETING AT MASSES

(Sample 3 Opening Greeting at Vigil Mass)

GOOD EVENING,

WELCOME TO THE MONTHLY ALL-NIGHT EUCHARISTIC FIRST-FRIDAY VIGIL OF LOVE AS WE PRAY FOR LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS. THE RESTORATION OF THESE FOUR ROOT PILLARS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE PROMOTION OF A CULTURE OF LIFE AND THE RENEWAL OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY, AND TO HELP SAVE AMERICA FROM SUFFERING FURTHER MORAL DECAY, SO WE PRAY TO SECURE THE OUTPOURING OF DIVING GRACE FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF THESE FOUR PILLARS.

WE COME TOGETHER TO PRAY FOR OUR OWN SANCTIFICATION AND FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOULS.

IN THE YEAR 1917 OUR LADY OF FATIMA REQUESTED PRAYER AND PENANCE FOR WORLD PEACE AND FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS. POPE PAUL VI IN 1965 REMINDED THE WORLD OF HER REQUEST AT FATIMA. WE GATHER TO ANSWER THAT CALL AT FATIMA BY PRAYING FOR REPARATION AND FOR PEACH AND FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS.

WE GATHER THIS FIRST FRIDAY TO ANSWER OUR LORD’S REQUEST TO SAINT MARGARET MARY TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION ON THESE FRIDAYS FOR 9 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS FOR REPARATION OF SINS COMMITTED AGAINST THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. TO THOSE THAT DO THIS, MANY PROMISES ARE GRANTED BY OUR LORD, ONE OF WHICH IS THE GRACE OF FINAL PENITENCE; ONE SHALL NOT DIE WITHOUT RECEIVING THE SACRAMENTS. HIS DIVINE HEART WILL BE THEIR SAFE REGUGE IN THIS LAST MOMENT.

WE PRAY ALL NIGHT INTO THE MORNING WHICH USUALLY FALLS ON THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. HERE, WE ANSWER OUR LADY’S REQUEST AT FATIMA THAT TO ALL THOSE WHO ATTEND MASS, PRAY 5 DECADES OF THE ROSARY WHILE MEDITATING ON ITS MYSTERIES, GO TO CONFESSION 8 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER, AND SPEND 15 MINUTES KEEPING OUR LADY COMPANY OUTSIDE OF THE ROSARY AND MASS FOR 5 CONSECUTIVE FIRST SATURDAYS WITH THE INTENT OF MAKING REPARATION OF SINS COMMITTED AGAINST THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, OUR LADY HAS PROMISED TO ASSIST THEM AT THE HOUR OF DEATH WITH ALL THE GRACES NECESSARY FOR THEIR SALVATION.

OUR CELEBRANT TONIGHT IS __________________.

FOLLOWING THE MASS, AFTER THE EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, WE WILL OPEN THE EVENING WITH PRAYERS TO THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FOR LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, PRIESTS AND VOCATIONS.

THEN ________ will give a talk on the Seven Daily Habits of Holy Apostolic People. YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS IT!

(Talk explaining Vigil)

PURPOSE OF THE VIGIL OF LOVE; VIGIL FOR LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS.

This vigil is oriented towards gathering groups of people to pray once a month on late Friday evening to Saturday morning aimed at renewing the Church and society through the restoration of the four root pillars—life, marriage, family and priests/religious and vocations. These elements are essential in the cultivating a culture of life and the restoration of Church and society on various levels.

These are Vigils of Love and for Love.

THE RESTORATION OF THE FOUR ROOT PILLARS, THAT BEING, LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS, ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE PROMOTION OF A CULTURE OF LIFE AND THE RENEWAL OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY.

Respect for LIFE from conception until natural death. Life is sacred at all ages and stages. We pray for an end to all actions against life: abortion, euthanasia, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research and even in Vitro Fertilization procedures. That is, any attack on the very essence of life from the instant of its conception, whereby the soul is immediately imbedded into the 1-cell zygote, until natural death. This includes the manipulation of embryos in laboratories regardless if the means of doing so seems noble.
The sanctity of MARRIAGE as a permanent covenant between one man and one woman committed to each other for life, that is chaste, open to life and lived according to God's plans.
To promote the building up of strong, loving and holy FAMILIES and to preserve the family unit as the basic cell of Church and society from being redefined in ways contrary to the divine law. This in turn will create the wholesome environment needed for the development of fruitful vocations of life and service to both Church and society and the establishment of other loving and holy families.
To pray for the renewal of vocations of PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, so that they may be faithful to their vows and the teachings of the Catholic Church, and for the increase of holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

OBJECTIVES OF THE VIGIL

To pray for LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, and PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS.
To pray for reparation against sins committed against LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY and the CHURCH, with Love as our motive.
To give Jesus truly and really present in the Holy Eucharist praise and honor because He wants us to be devoted to Him, and because Eucharistic prayer, both in Mass and adoration, become the means par excellence for obtaining grace. With Love as our motive, these Vigils become Vigils of Love for Love, that one Perfect Love, which is Jesus.
To seek personal and communal holiness, a goal to which not just a few but all are called.

What exactly is a Powerhouse Eucharistic all-night Vigil?

"The gates of evil will be swallowed up by acts of unbounded Merciful Love to Jesus who is Himself, Perfect Love."
Nancy E. Martin

(Talk at Masses about Vigil)

Good Morning,
I come before you today to ask you to seriously consider coming to our First Friday Vigil of Love right here in our church.

Why come to this Vigil and specifically this mass? The term Vigil means “To keep awake…both physically and spiritually.” We only need to look at our world today to see its moral decay. Life, Marriage, Families, and the Clergy are being severely attacked. The late Fr. John Hardon said, “Only heroic Catholic families will survive; Ordinary Catholic families will fade away.” To be ordinary today in the practice of the faith is not enough to combat forces which assail us and the secularism that’s all around us. Strong Catholic families are being called to evangelize the rest of mankind. The power of prayer can transform our society into one which hears the Word of God in our lives and puts it into practice. At this vigil, we pray for: LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, PRIESTS and RELIGIOUS.

Some may ask why so late? Mass at 10 pm, prayers at 3 am, Benediction at 6:45 am. It’s in the mystery of the cross and sacrifice where the treasure and fruit lie which leads to one’s own sanctification and the transformation of our culture. Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering on the cross brought about the redemption of mankind. Our Lady of Fatima calls for penance, penance, penance. Wouldn’t you say the staying up late is good penance?

We also pray at this time to imitate Jesus who prayed late into the night in the Garden of Gesthemine.

Jesus spent the night in prayer before every important decision or endeavor. Some examples: when he was about to begin his public ministry; when he was about to select the twelve apostles who would later lead the Church; and the night before His Passion, he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemine.

The characteristics of the prayer of Jesus was typically frequent, at night, alone, intense, and lengthy.

Furthermore, it is a time when most people are available and do not have work or family obligations inhibiting them from attending.

Also, our Lord said to Sr. Faustina that “anyone who prays the chaplet whenever the 3 o’clock hour strikes will receive special favors and great graces. An ocean of mercy is opened at the 3 o’clock hour. I will not deny anyone their requests who prays the chaplet at 3 o’clock.” He didn’t say at 1pm or 6pm, but whenever the clock strikes 3

Call to mind, that 10 pm was not too late to be at a party, or 6 am too early to go get your morning Starbucks coffee. To sacrifice a bit of sleep for our Lord and these intentions is exactly the medicine that is needed to kill the maladies which infect our country.

We need you and your prayers. Of course, one is not expected to come the whole time, but for only one hour. The more hearts that are transformed, the more our country will be transformed and Americans will then follow God's plan, NOT our plan, but God’s plan for marriage, for the family, for life, and for ourselves.

Why adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? It is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ and it leads to holiness and the transformation of one’s heart. St. Alphonsus Ligouri says, "Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest, after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most efficacious to one's sanctity."

The presence of the risen Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is a wondrous gift which God has given us. How our reverence and devotion for Him would grow if only we would be more faithful in this loving and fervent practice! The more you go before the Blessed Sacrament, the more you are drawn to it. Try it and see for yourself. This is the Year of the Eucharist. Please take time to be with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

We owe God our life with all its joys and sorrows. After all, He not only gave US life, but He gave us HIS life as well, and for that we should be eternally grateful.

We are ALL called to be saints, not just a few. Do you want to be a saint? Our Dear Lord has made it an attainable goal for EVERYONE to reach. LIFE IS SHORT, DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY. If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

WHY IS THE VIGIL SO LATE?

Some may ask why so late? Mass at 10 pm, prayers at 3 am, Benediction at 6:45 am. It’s in the mystery of the cross and sacrifice where the treasure and fruit lie which leads to one’s own sanctification and the transformation of our culture. Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering on the cross brought about the redemption of mankind. Our Lady of Fatima calls for penance, penance, penance. Wouldn’t you say the staying up late is good penance?

We also pray at this time to imitate Jesus who prayed late into the night in the Garden of Gesthemine.

The characteristics of the prayer of Jesus was typically frequent, at night, alone, intense, and lengthy.

Furthermore, it is a time when most people are available and do not have work or family obligations inhibiting them from attending.

VICARIATE-WIDE FIRST-FRIDAY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL

(Sample Bulletin Announcement)

PURPOSE: For LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY and for our PRIESTS. This encompasses protection of life from conception until natural death, protection of marriage and family according to God’s plan, obeying God’s Laws, praying for our leaders and judges to preserve our God-given rights, make good moral decisions/laws, reversing those laws which are immoral, and more. This is greatly needed and has been expressed by our Holy Father. Furthermore, if our church is strong, so will be our country. Therefore, it is imperative that we pray for the clergy: To be faithful to the Church’s teachings, to be steadfast in obeying our Holy Father and for more HOLY vocations.

VIGIL ENDORSED BY (Name of local Bishop)

WHEN: 10pm – 7am. Every First-Friday of the month.

WHERE: (Name, address, and phone number of Church)

THIS IS A VICARIATE-WIDE VIGIL SO PLEASE INVITE OTHERS TO ATTEND. The Vigil will encompass Holy Mass starting at 10pm, followed by Adoration, Reconciliation, and various devotions & prayers throughout the night including the 4 mysteries of the Rosary, St. Bridgette prayers, quiet/reflection time and more all before the Blessed Sacrament concluding with the Benediction.

Please come and join us for an hour or more. For more information or to sign up for an hour of adoration, please call (contact name and phone number) or email her at (email address)

January 2005 – Main Celebrant will be: (Name of Priest and his Parish)

VICARIATE-WIDE MONTHLY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL

(Sample Flyer)

MONTHLY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL SCHEDULE

FRIDAY EVENING & SATURDAY MORNING

9:00 PM               Confessions

10:00 PM             Holy Mass

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until conclusion of Benediction

11:15 PM               Opening Prayers: Holy Spirit prayer, prayer for Priests and Vocations, An American Prayer to Mary, and prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe to End Abortion.

11:30 PM               Talk or reflection followed by Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary & the Memorare & the Magnificat.

12:30 AM              15 prayers of St. Bridgitte followed by prayer for priests, leaders and country (Will move to 2:30 AM if we get behind schedule).

1:40 AM              Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary followed by St. Michael the Archangel prayer and Novena for Priests.

3:00 AM              Chaplet of Divine Mercy followed by Litany for Priests prayer.

3:30 AM              Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary followed by Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary prayer.

4:30 AM              Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary followed by the Litany of the Sacred Heart prayer.

6:45 AM               Benediction (Tantum Ergo).

7:00 AM               Vigil concludes.

gggssdsd

THIS IS A VICARIATE-WIDE VIGIL so please invite others to come and join us for an hour or more. Any questions, please call (name and phone number).

MONTHLY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL (FIRST FRIDAY’S)

(Sample Mass Announcement)

We are having our ALL-NIGHT vigil on the First Friday’s from 10PM to 7AM to pray for LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY and PRIESTS. IT WILL BE HELD IN THE MAIN CHURCH. Please come spend an hour or more with our Lord before the Blessed Sacrament for these urgent intentions. The next Vigil will be (Friday, Date). Also, do you feel called to commit 1 hour with Our Lord? If so, we are in need of Adorers throughout the night. There will be sign-ups after mass in the back of church.

(Sample invitation to join mailing list or emailing list)

WANT TO BE ON OUR VIGIL EMAIL LIST?

PLEASE FILL OUT THE INDEX CARD TO BE ON OUR EMAIL LIST TO BE REMINDED OF THE VIGIL AND WHO THE CELEBRANTS ARE EACH MONTH AND OTHER INFORMATION.

PLEASE INLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS AND PLACE THE CARD IN THE BOX.

THANK YOU,

VIGIL TEAM

(Sample)

MASS INTENTIONS

Lord, we beseech you, hear our prayer

1. For the fruitfulness of the St. Therese Marian Vigil Society in its mission to start other Vigils of Love nationwide for LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS/RELIGIOUS. May the Holy Spirit lead and guide this Apostolate to bear great fruit for the transformation of souls. Also for the fruitfulness of our own Vigil of Love.

2. For an end to abortion in all its forms including the use of abortificents, those hidden abortions. For respect for life at ALL stages and that we may see Jesus hidden in the disguise of the weak and defenseless, the rejected, and what the world would judge as useless to our society, and for all victims of abortion for their healing.

3. Please move the consciences of those who are contemplating abortion. Please move to repentance the women who have chosen abortion over the gift of life. For the unborn children who will never grow to love God and neighbor because of abortion. Please comfort the women who suffer from post-abortion trauma and inspire them to seek spiritual and psychological help. Please sustain the courage and wisdom of those in the pro-life movement, so that they may be peaceful witnesses to the sanctity of life. Please move the hearts of our lawmaker and citizens so that the holocaust will no longer be the law of the land.

4. For an increase in the virtue of hope among those who labor against the culture of death.

5. For respect for life at ALL stages and ages and that we may see Jesus hidden in the disguise of the weak and defenseless, the rejected, and what the world would judge as useless to our society.

6. That God may give joy to those who are persecuted for fighting for God’s Will to be done related to life, marriage, and family issues such as abortion, euthanasia, promoting chastity within and outside of marriage, and that God will sustain them with His grace and love.

7. That married couples, founded by God to be between a man and a woman, stay together and love each other the way the Lord loves each one of us.

8. For an increase in holy families which foster love for one another and that the Catholic faith will be effectively transferred to the children. Also, for those hurt by family breakups, that they may experience God’s fidelity and tenderness and healing.

9. That the family, founded on marriage between a man and a woman be recognized as the fundamental cell of human society.

10. We pray for the leaders of our country who struggle with justice. We pray that they will make moral decisions and laws that are in accordance with your Holy Will. Please give them the courage and perseverance to reverse those laws that are not in accordance with your Holy Will.

11. For the Holy Catholic Church throughout the world, that she may carry on her mission of life with faith and joy.

12. For our Pope, Benedict XIV, that he be given the necessary graces that he needs to lead our church in a manner most pleasing to Our Lord. Also, that the leaders of the church may serve the people of God with humble and loving hearts. Help them to lead their flocks to full conversion, final perseverance and eternal salvation. Also please foster within young souls Holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

13. For those attending this Vigil tonight for the first time, that the Lord may move their hearts to come again to be with Jesus who is the real “Guest of Honor” here tonight and who wishes to bestow upon them many graces, He who is present in both Holy Communion and in the Blessed Sacrament: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

14. For the souls in purgatory, that they may soon share the full glory of heaven.

15. We pray for our sick, especially for ____________________

(Sample Adorer Email)

Dear Adorer,

Thank you for committing yourself for the FIRST FRIDAY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL, (Date), at (name of parish) parish as we pray urgently for LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS. Your commitment allows our church to remain open during the monthly vigil so that anyone may seek our Lord for refuge and strength. For this we are most grateful, as is our Lord.

***** VIGIL WILL BE IN THE MAIN CHURCH *****

Please see the attached Monthly Vigil List document to see your agreed-upon hour that you committed to.

Please sign in when you arrive in the sign-in binder.

Should you need to cancel your commitment, please follow the steps below:

1. Get another adorer or someone you know to take your hour.

2. Check the attached Vigil list (which lists all other adorers scheduled for the Vigil) and try to make a switch with someone for another hour.

3. Check the attached Vigil list and contact the adorer that holds the hour prior or just after your hour to see if they can double-up.

4. Contact (name) at (phone number) as soon as possible and she will take the hour or find a substitute.

5. If you plan to be out of town for an extended period of time or change addresses, phone number or email address we ask that you please call (name) at (phone number) so that a substitute can be found to cover your hour until your return.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The names and telephone numbers are shared among you for the benefit of the ministry alone. They are not to be given to anyone else.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING SUCH A GENEROUS COMMITMENT OF YOUR TIME TO OUR LORD

In the service of Jesus & Mary,

(Sample Monthly Vigil List)

(Month), (Year)

Monthly All-Night Vigil List for (Month). (Year) (First-Friday night & Saturday morning)

11:00 – 12:00 Person A’s Name Email Address Phone number

Person B’s Name * Email Address Phone number

12:00 – 1:00 Person C’s Name * Email Address Phone number

Person D’s Name Email Address Phone number

1:00 – 2:00 Person E’s Name Email Address Phone number

Person F’s Name Email Address Phone number

2:00 – 3:00 Person G’s Name Email Address Phone number

Person H’s Name * Email Address Phone number

3:00 – 4:00 Person I’s Name Email Address Phone number

Person J’s Name * Email Address Phone number

4:00 – 5:00 Person K’s Name Email Address Phone number

Person L’s Name * Email Address Phone number

5:00 – 6:00 Person M’s Name Email Address Phone number

Person N’s Name * Email Address Phone number

6:00 – 7:00 Person O’s Name * Email Address Phone number

Person P’s Name Email Address Phone number

* Signifies a regular, committed adorer each month.

(Sample Email to Knights of Columbus Adorers sent monthly)

Dear fellow Knights,

Thank you for committing yourself for the FIRST FRIDAY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL, (Date), at (name of parish) parish as we pray urgently for LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PRIESTS. We are most grateful for your help in this important mission, as is our Lord.

Attached you will find the list of Knights and their respective hours.

***** VIGIL WILL BE IN THE MAIN CHURCH *****

Please see the attached Monthly Vigil List document to see your agreed-upon hour that you committed to.

Please sign in when you arrive in the sign-in binder.

Should you need to cancel your commitment, please follow the steps below:

1. Get another adorer or someone you know to take your hour.

2. Check the attached Vigil list (which lists all other adorers scheduled for the Vigil) and try to make a switch with someone for another hour.

3. Check the attached Vigil list and contact the adorer that holds the hour prior or just after your hour to see if they can double-up.

4. Contact (name) at (phone number) as soon as possible and she will take the hour or find a substitute.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The names and telephone numbers are shared among you for the benefit of the ministry alone. They are not to be given to anyone else.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING SUCH A GENEROUS COMMITMENT OF YOUR TIME TO OUR LORD

In the service of Jesus & Mary,

(Sample Monthly Knights of Columbus Vigil List)

(Name of Council) Council # (Council #)

(Month), (Year)

Monthly All-Night Vigil List for (Month). (Year) (First-Friday night & Saturday morning)

11:00 – 12:00 Person A’s Name Email Address Phone number

12:00 – 1:00 Person B’s Name Email Address Phone number

1:00 – 2:00 Person C’s Name Email Address Phone number

2:00 – 3:00 Person D’s Name Email Address Phone number

3:00 – 4:00 Person E’s Name Email Address Phone number

4:00 – 5:00 Person F’s Name Email Address Phone number

5:00 – 6:00 Person G’s Name Email Address Phone number

6:00 – 7:00 Person H’s Name Email Address Phone number

* Signifies a regular, committed adorer each month.

(Sample Email to those leading prayers at the Vigil)

Dear (Name),

Thank you for committing yourself to volunteer during the FIRST FRIDAY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL, (Dates) at (Name of Parish) parish. For this we are most grateful, as is our Lord.

Thank you for agreeing to lead the Joyful Mysteries, the Memorare, and the Magnificat prayers.

In the service of Jesus & Mary,

(Name of Director)

(Sample Email to Vigil Email List Reminding them of Vigil)

MONTHLY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL (FIRST-FRIDAY’S)

This is your reminder to come to the ALL-NIGHT First Friday vigil starting at 10PM and concluding at 7AM to pray for For LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY and for PRIESTS.

It will be held at (Name of Parish) parish in (City, State). (Phone number here)

This is a VICARIATE-WIDE Vigil which WILL BE HELD IN THE MAIN CHURCH so please invite others to come. Come spend an hour or more with our Lord before the Blessed Sacrament for these urgent intentions and to receive many graces. The next Vigil will be Friday, (Date)

Confessions at 9pm

Mass at 10pm. – Our celebrant for (Month) is (Priest from name of Parish)

(Sample Email to Deacons)

Dear Deacon (Name of Deacon),

This is just a reminder about the FIRST FRIDAY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL, (Dates) at (Name of Parish) parish and your commitment to do the Benediction at:

6:45am Saturday

Thank you for helping with this most important effort. May God Bless you.

In the service of Jesus & Mary,

(Name of Director)

(Sample Email to Priests)

Dear (Name of Priest),

This is just a reminder about the FIRST FRIDAY ALL-NIGHT VIGIL, (Dates) at (Name of Parish) parish and your commitment to celebrate the mass at:

10:00pm Friday

Thank you for helping with this most important effort. May God Bless you.

In the service of Jesus & Mary,

(Name of Director)

(Sample Vigil Meeting Form)

ALL NIGHT VIGIL MEETING

DATE: TUESDAY JAN 4, 2005

TIME: 7:30 PM

WHERE: (Name of location)

AGENDA

OPENING PRAYER

OPEN DISCUSSION:

1. FEEDBACK AND IDEAS

_______________________________________________________________

2. CRITIQUE OF LAST VIGIL

_______________________________________________________________

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

TREASURERS REPORT

NEW BUSINESS

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION LOG
MONTH	YEAR	DAY OF WEEK		TIME
		DATE	IN		OUT
ADORER	SUBSTITUES & VISITORS		AM	PM	AM	PM



















*PLEASE SIGN IN AND OUT EACH TIME YOU COME FOR ADORATION*

ALL NIGHT VIGIL SIGNUP

(Sample Vigil sign-up Form)

DATE_________________________________

NAME EMAIL PHONE

11-12 PM

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12-1 AM

1-2 AM

2-3 AM

3-4 AM

4-5 AM

5-6 AM

6-7 AM