ASK – SEARCH – KNOCK - A movement of Continuous Prayer for Marriage and Family Life

What is it?

- started on 1st December 1998 by Fr. Johnny Doherty CSsR, this movement of prayer has spread through Ireland to England, Scotland, U.S.A., South Africa, Sweden & Australia by early 2002.

- individuals, couples, families, commit themselves to one hour a month, at a specific hour and on a specific day. During that hour their focus of the prayer is on marriage and family life. By the beginning of 2002, almost 20,000 people have made this commitment.


How does it work?

- generally, only 24 people each taking an hour per month is needed, organised on an area/parish basis. Individuals can join in from anywhere.

- it is not group prayer and there are no group meetings.

- the prayer takes place wherever people are at this particular hour.

- a booklet is provided to help with the hour of prayer.


For whom?

- Each hour begins with a prayer for those who have finished the previous hour.

- Part 1 is for children, young people, those preparing for marriage, couples living together.

- Part 2 is for all married couples from newly weds to couples in their golden years.

- Part 3 is for all families including those with no children, lone parent families and single people.

- Part 4 is for married people who are alone, including the separated, divorced and bereaved.

- Part 5 is for those in Church, state, and organisations responsible for the health of marriage and family life.

- Each hour ends with prayer for those who are taking over the next hour.


By whom?

Everyone can take part: married, single, separated/divorced, priest, religious, young, old, practising or not, active, or housebound etc., etc.,

Every person, couple, family, who commit themselves to this hour of prayer each month is doing something positive for the health of marriages and family life in their own situation and throughout the world.


What others have said…

"I have been confined to a wheelchair as a result of a massive stroke. I was very grateful to be included in the prayer campaign for marriage and family. The experience moved me to tears and I felt once again connected tot he community."

"As a single mother of 5, who has experienced the pain of divorce I am most aware of the need to pray regularly for marriages, and encourage others to do so as well."

"Fr. Johnny's booklet is wonderful. It brings to mind so many friends and relatives whom I love and want to pray for."

"My husband is not Catholic. This is the first time he has felt at home with something "Catholic". He has made praying at home together a very important priority in his life and I am thrilled to feel so close to him n prayer.

"The future of Humanity passes by way of the Family" – John Paul II: Consorto

Aims…

To ensure that Marriage and Family life are being prayed for all the time.

To get as many people as possible to pray regularly for Marriage and Family life.

To get as many parishes as possible to dedicate one day each month to pray for Marriage and Family life.

Through this movement of prayer to help build up an awareness of marriage as a Sacrament, the centrality of family life for human living, the need for acceptance of those whose marriage has ended, the vital dignity of every human person.

Liam & Anne Doherty
300 Tamnaherin Road
Cross
Derry
BT47 3EP
Tel: +4428 7130 1289
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR
Marianella
75 Orwell Road
Rathgar
Dublin 6
Tel +353 1406 7241
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.loveisforlife.com