St. Paul Street Evangelization

God's Providence on the Plaza, Pt. 1

The following story comes to us from team leader Dr. Deb with our team in Owatonna, MN:

Before heading out, Tom, Brian, and I met at the Co-Cathedral to pray for everyone we would encounter that day and ask God to use us as His instruments. After navigating an unexpected detour through Rochester’s subway system, we arrived at our usual outreach location.

One of our first encounters was with Tim and Charlotte, who were visiting from Texas. Tim, who had recently begun suffering seizures, asked for prayers for healing. He shared his desire to continue serving the Lord and thanked God for Charlotte’s ministry to the homeless. We prayed with them and gave Tim a St. Benedict medal. They were deeply moved by the prayer.

We also met Carmen and Sergio, who asked for prayers for arthritis and diabetes. Despite some language barriers, we enjoyed a joyful conversation about prayer and family. Carmen, who prays the Rosary daily, was delighted to receive a Spanish prayer book and a St. Michael medal.

Later, we met John and Annie, who were in town while John’s wife underwent medical testing. Annie happily accepted a crucifix and a rosary, and we prayed for John’s wife and assured them of our continued prayers.

A particularly sweet moment came when we met a toddler named Faith. We gave her a Guardian Angel medal and card. Afterward, we realized how fitting it was that Faith had received a Guardian Angel medal. She later returned to visit us, though she became adorably shy when she got close.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

"Lifting Up Those Who Are Crushed"

The following story comes to us from team leader Dr. Deb with our team in Owatonna, MN:

Five evangelists gathered at Peace Plaza and began the day by praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, open hearts, and fruitful encounters. God answered those prayers in remarkable ways.

One of the most moving conversations was with Matt, whose wife Melissa had passed away the night before while awaiting a liver transplant. Her blood pressure went crazy and they couldn't save her. He was devastated. Accompanied by his children, Noah and Madison, he shared his grief and struggles with God. We gave him a hug, prayed for his family and offered comfort and encouragement during this heartbreaking time.

Throughout the afternoon, many people stopped for prayer. We prayed for those facing cancer, autoimmune illnesses, surgeries, job concerns, family struggles, and deeper faith. Several accepted blessed medals, rosaries, Gospel booklets, and holy cards. Others shared personal stories and received encouragement, including Pete, who spoke lovingly of caring for his mother during her final days, and Kimberly, who learned how to pray the Rosary and had many questions about the faith.

We also met several people interested in evangelization, including Abby and Kate, who expressed enthusiasm about joining future outreach efforts. In a beautiful providential moment, JoAnn had recently been reading about purgatory and was able to answer questions from someone who unexpectedly asked about it that very day.

The outing was filled with what felt like divine appointments. Prayers were answered, meaningful conversations unfolded, and many people encountered Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness and prayer.

We ended the day thanking God for everyone He sent our way and for the opportunity to share the Good News.

Blessed Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ!

A reading from the holy gospel according to John:

Jesus said “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

- John 6:48-59

"Helping Cruise Workers Stay Afloat"

This report comes to us from store customer Kathryn:

I just bought 200 Rosaries (among other things) from the St. Paul Street Evangelization online store and wanted to let you know the good cause they're going to. Most of them will be donated to a lady who works on cruise ships in Alaska. Her ministry is to do outreach not with the passengers, but the staff she works with. The number of workers is huge...around 1600!! Sadly, the su***de rate is very high (including Catholics). This can be due to long periods of isolation, exhausting work schedules, and high-pressure environments. Also, they worry that admitting mental health problems could affect their employment. In addition, many are supporting family back at home and wind up experiencing relationship struggles, financial pressure and being away for long periods of time. So, as you can imagine, the staff she encounters are delighted when she hands them a Rosary to pray! Please pray for her. God bless her.

In addition, I'm still managing the bookshelf/Rosary/medal area at my parish. The feedback has been just amazing! So many "Good News" stories. God is good! (The ministry was God's idea, so I can't take any credit. I'm just obeying!)

Praised be Jesus Christ!

Blessed Memorial of St. Norbert!

Norbert of Xanten, also known as Norbert Gennep, was born in western Germany circa 1080. He came from a noble family and had a lukewarm faith in his youth. While travleing in 1115, Norbert fell from his horse and was unconscious for an hour. This near-fatal accident led to a conversion as he pursued the priesthood. Norbert returned home to live a life of penance; he sold all his property and gave the proceeds to the poor. Per the request of Pope Calixtus II, Norbert established the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also called Premonstratensians or Norbertines, in 1120. He practised such strict asceticism that his first three followers died from starvation. Discipline did not stop his community as they grew to include 40 men within a year of founding. Norbert was appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg in 1126 and served the See until his death on June 6, 1134. (Source: Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey)

St. Norbert, pray for us!

"Catholic-Friendly"

The following report comes to us from team leader Lucy in Boise, Idaho:

There seems to be a growing openness toward and interest in the Catholicism, so thanks again for your prayers. A young woman visiting from out of state with her mom stopped for a Rosary. Excited about beginning an internship with the Forest Service, she enjoyed hearing Chuck’s memories of working with the same agency. May the Lord bless our visitors and keep them safe and faithful.

Jacob Peter, a military veteran, shared that he carried a Bible and St. Michael medal during his overseas deployment. With a Catholic mom and a dad from a liturgical Protestant tradition, he currently attends the latter because of its location. Along with a Rosary and pamphlet, he gratefully accepted a St. Michael prayer card. Please pray that God will keep him safe and draw him into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Emerson, a young man traveling across the country, stopped for a Rosary after his car broke down in Boise. Raised Catholic but not yet confirmed, he felt called to reconnect with his faith and gladly accepted a map of local parishes. May the Lord lead him closer to Christ and His Church.

Another visitor, who has stopped before and has expressed concerns about Catholic practices, once again engaged in a friendly and respectful conversation. Please pray that God blesses his openness and deepens his relationship with Christ.

We also met several groups of young adults who stopped for Rosaries. While most were familiar with the devotion, we reminded them that the Rosary helps us grow closer to Jesus Christ. May they come to know the mystery of His love more deeply.

Although foot traffic was light, we still distributed 25–30 Rosaries and pamphlets, a St. Michael prayer card, and two parish maps. Please pray that God sends us people whose hearts are ready to receive Jesus Christ and His Church, and that much fruit comes from these efforts. Across Idaho, OCIA participation has increased dramatically, and we are seeing signs of that same openness on the street. May God bless and protect you and all those you love.

Blessed Memorial of St. Boniface!

An excerpt from a letter by St. Boniface, bishop and martyr:

Let us stand fast in what is right, and prepare our souls for trial. Let us wait upon God's strengthening aid and say to him: "O Lord, you have been our refuge in all generations." Let us trust in him who has placed this burden upon us. What we ourselves cannot bear let us bear with the help of Christ. For he is all-powerful, and he tells us: "My yoke is easy, and my burden light." Let us continue the fight on the day of the Lord. The days of anguish and of tribulation have overtaken us; if God so wills, "let us die for the holy laws of our fathers," so that we may deserve to obtain an eternal inheritance with them. Let us be neither dogs that do not bark nor silent onlookers nor paid servants who run away before the wolf. Instead let us be careful shepherds watching over Christ’s flock. Let us preach the whole of God’s plan to the powerful and to the humble, to rich and to poor, to men of every rank and age, as far as God gives us the strength, in season and out of season.

St. Boniface, pray for us!