We know the names of our local bishops, as we hear them at Mass every Sunday in the Eucharistic Prayer when we pray for the pope, the bishop, and all the clergy.
But apart from this moment in the Mass, how often do we pray for our bishops?
Our bishops are our shepherds, direct successors to the Apostles. They teach, govern, and lead us -- especially the bishops of our own dioceses.
They have a very hard job as the most public face of the Catholic Church.
And they could certainly use all the prayers they can get to do this job well.
Adopt a bishop to pray for this year
This year, a beautiful new initiative encourages the faithful to “adopt a bishop” to pray for in a special way.
The project comes from Brick House in the City, a Catholic apparel and home decor company, and The Dorothea Project, a community of Catholic women focused on Catholic social teaching.
Here’s how the program is described on their website:
Each year, the Church asks a lot of her bishops. They carry the weight of shepherding souls, teaching the faith, making difficult decisions, and caring for the vulnerable in a world that is often heavy and divided.
This year, we’re inviting you to join us in solidarity: adopt a bishop in prayer. Adopt a bishop for the new year, hold him before the Lord with faith, and stand beside the leaders who guide and guard the Church we love.
Once you receive your bishop, commit to praying for him in a special way this year.
Head over to Brick House in the City to see how you can get your bishop assigned to you. Thank you for your commitment to praying for the leaders in the Church.
Here is the link to receive your bishop’s name.
Praying for our leaders
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the ministry of our bishops in unforgettable terms:
Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers.
In the beautiful expression of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the bishop is typos tou Patros: he is like the living image of God the Father.
We know that prayer has real and powerful effects, so praying for our bishops will help them more than we can ever know.
Here’s one prayer to get you started today.
Let’s hold up our bishops this year with extra prayers, knowing our commitment to praying for them will help the whole Church.
