We give You thanks O God for giving us another day.
We ask Your blessing upon this Assembly and upon all to whom the authority of government is given. Help them to meet their responsibilities during these days, enlightened by Your eternal Spirit.
We gather after celebrating Mothers’ Day. We thank You for the gift of self modeled by our mothers, who chose to place each of us before themselves in giving birth to us and nurturing us as we grew. May we all earn the pride of our mothers in the service we provide to the benefit of this nation.
Finally, we take special note this day, May 15, National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, of the 163 peace officers who died this past year in the line of duty. We ask that You grant them eternal rest for having paid the ultimate price in protecting us, and give their families consolation in mourning their loss. May they be assured that we as a nation hold them in our hearts, and understand that we will always be indebted to them.
May all that is done within the People’s House this day be for Your greater honor and glory.
“Presidential Proclamation –– National Day of Prayer, 2012
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, 2012
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Prayer has always been a part of the American story, and today countless Americans rely on prayer for comfort, direction, and strength, praying not only for themselves, but for their communities, their country, and the world.
On this National Day of Prayer, we give thanks for our democracy that respects the beliefs and protects the religious freedom of all people to pray, worship, or abstain according to the dictates of their conscience. Let us pray for all the citizens of our great Nation, particularly those who are sick, mourning, or without hope, and ask God for the sustenance to meet the challenges we face as a Nation. May we embrace the responsibility we have to each other, and rely on the better angels of our nature in service to one another. Let us be humble in our convictions, and courageous in our virtue. Let us pray for those who are suffering around the world, and let us be open to opportunities to ease that suffering.
Let us also pay tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces who have answered our country's call to serve with honor in the pursuit of peace. Our grateful Nation is humbled by the sacrifices made to protect and defend our security and freedom. Let us pray for the continued strength and safety of our service members and their families. While we pause to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending liberty, let us remember and lend our voices to the principles for which they fought –– unity, human dignity, and the pursuit of justice.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2012, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite all citizens of our Nation, as their own faith directs them, to join me in giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and I call upon individuals of all faiths to pray for guidance, grace, and protection for our great Nation as we address the challenges of our time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty–sixth.
BARACK OBAMA”
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Members and staff are invited each Wednesday at 11:00 am to pray the Rosary in H–234, the Congressional Prayer Room.
Praying the Rosary is a way to reflect on the life of Christ through the perspective of Mary. It only takes twenty minutes for this traditional time of prayer.
We welcome all who are interested, those who regularly pray the Rosary and those who wish to learn. We have prayer sheets and rosaries available.
If you have any questions, please call Karen Bronson in the Chaplain's Office at 6–4835. Or email Karen.Bronson@mail.house.gov
Sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain.
Join the Latter–Day Saints Staff Assn. for their weekly scripture study.
They are also expecting to start a group on the House side in the near future.
For more information contact David Rowberry at 202–448–3399
Join fellow Catholics on Capitol Hill for our next luncheon:
“What on Earth is Heaven?”
Dr. Peter Kreeft
Professor
Boston College
Date: Friday, May 11
Time: 12 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Place: 2123 Rayburn HOB
Lunch will be provided.
All Legislative Branch staff are invited to attend Catholic Staff Association events. RSVP to CatholicStaffAssociation@gmail.com.
Friday’s Topic: Winning in Troubled Times – Doing Your Whole Duty
When: 12 to 1:00 p.m.
Please bring your own beverage, a co–worker or a friend!
Led by the Senate Chaplain, Dr. Barry Black. Open to Congressional Members and Staff. Lunch is provided.
For more information, contact Lisa Wink Schultz in the Senate Chaplain's Office – 4–2510
Room is subject to change.
Open to Congressional Members, Staff and general public.
For more information contact Moon Sulfab
moon_sulfab@mcconnell.senate.gov
Rabbi Herzfeld will be reviewing the Book of Ruth in honor of Shavuot
Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld – Ohev Sholom (Orthodox)
Parshah Emor – Leviticus 22:26–23:44
Please forward to any colleagues (interns as well) on or off the Hill you think would be interested.
Note: Parsha and Commentary links are for your information. You are not expected to have read the parsha prior to the study session.
Light lunch will be provided – dietary laws observed.
www.facebook.com/events/300029830079807/
Contact: tom_jones@jec.senate.gov
Join Chaplain Conroy as he discusses the happenings at Pentecost...
Pentecost – What happened? A theology of the Holy Spirit
All staff are welcome to attend.
For more information – contact Elisa Aglieco at 5–2509.
Please join us to pray the Rosary in the Ford building.
11:45 am in Room 396.
All are welcome –– rosaries and prayer sheets are provided.
For more information, contact the Chaplain's Office at 5–2509