Praying for our community

This coming week includes the Rogation Days, traditionally a springtime observance scheduled just before Ascension Day. Rogation Days were a day to bless the fields at planting time, praying for a good harvest, and to 'beat the bounds' of the parish -- walk the boundaries of the geographical parish area, to pray for the needs and hopes of the community. What better time to ponder for ourselves our own 'parish' of Pauma Valley, Valley Center, Palomar and all the surrounding areas? This Sunday I will offer some prompts and guides to looking at our neighborhood with God's eyes. As you drive or walk around the area, what do you see? What are the needs you see there? What are the signs of hope? Are there needs we at St. Francis might be called to help address? Are there signs of God's grace that we should celebrate and join in with?