Emmaus Ministry: Outreach of Holy Family Catholic Church in La Grulla

December 14, 2020

By Miguel Santos

LA GRULLA - The ministry began by God’s providence at the break of the pandemic when the first parishioner infected with the coronavirus in the community of La Grulla, Texas happened to be a regular volunteer at the parish. While quarantined, she began to stream the rosary from her bedside and people united together in prayer for her healing and that of others. The prayer community continued to grow as more people were sickened by the coronavirus. 

Every family in the community who contracted the coronavirus received a personal letter from Father Juan Rogelio, letting them know how the parish and others were uniting in prayer for them. The family would also receive a written ramillete espiritual, a spiritual bouquet of prayers the community had offered for their healing. This spiritual bouquet acknowledged the Masses, rosaries, Lord’s Prayers, fasting, Holy Hours, and so on offered for the family that month.

Following her healing, Father encouraged the parish volunteer to consider not only the spiritual healing of those affected by the coronavirus, but also their physical wellbeing. Together, they organized a group of women to cook and coordinate the delivery of meals, as well as cleaning supplies and disinfectants to families fighting the virus. Children in these quarantined homes would look forward to the deliveries, which often included crayons, coloring books, and other crafts for the little ones. As families recovered, they pledged their support to this growing ministry by donating funds where possible, giving their time to cook for others, and most importantly, uniting their hearts in prayer.

The ministry continues to grow as a remarkable example of solidarity and a love that truly builds hope in the lives of others. The ministry was named Emmaus to remind us that Jesus always comes to walk alongside us, more so in times of sadness, distress, and suffering to remind us that Love Builds Hope.