Note: This article was originally published during the pandemic, and has been updated to honor the longtime devotion of NCCW member Bette Hoffman, who died in January 2024. She is pictured in 2020, holding her book of prayer requests, with Prayer Line co-chair Mary Kay O'Rourke.

Over her many years as Nativity Prayer Line co-chair, Bette Hoffman kept a book of prayer requests that came over the phone.

It's actually a steno pad, with thousands of special intentions captured in her lovely cursive writing. First names—or no names—to respect privacy, Bette’s book reflects the essence of a mighty and deeply rooted ministry at Nativity.

Bette, who died on Jan. 28, 2024, after a time of declining health, was an original NCCW member of the Prayer Line, which was started by parishioner Dot Horwath, also deceased, around 1983.

Dot had heard about a prayer chain at St. Odilia in Shoreview, and thought Nativity needed one, too. Other early Prayer Line members include co-chair Mary Kay O’Rourke, Ann Wieswig, Marcella Cady, Marie Sperl, Mary Kay McQuade and Maureen McTeague. In February 2024, longtime parishoner Lucy Plunkett joined the Prayer Line as co-chair, to carry forward the legacy of Bette.

As she welcomed Lucy to the ministry, co-chair Mary Kay remembered Bette as "a wonderful first contact for people who needed prayers for themselves or others. She was a kind voice and a reassuring presence that led us well."

The Prayer Line concept has always been simple: Anyone may call in a prayer request or special intention, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., to Mary Kay—and now Lucy. In response, the co-chairs dial out to Prayer Line members, varying over the years between 10 and 30 today. (Margaret McDonnell reaches out to members on our morning Prayer Line.)

New Prayer Line members are always welcome, with standing rules only to pray for God’s will vs. specific outcomes, and to be discreet. This is a strict rule, to honor the ministry and those using it.

While no particular prayers are assigned, this one from Everyday and All Day Catholic Prayers (edited by Leonard Foley, S.J.) was among Bette's favorites: 

“Lord, your life on Earth was filled with concern for the sick. Have compassion now on all who share your pain. Give them healing of mind and body, restore their strength and spirit.

“May they be comforted by the knowledge that we are praying for them and have peace by a sense of your presence. Amen.” 

The Prayer Line continues to average between 150 and 200 requests per year, mostly centered on the sorrows and joys of life: health, relationships, faith, and financial security.

But special intentions also reflect the times. The Prayer Line was exceptionally busy through the pandemic, with countless requests to pray for the state of the world and for those affected directly and indirectly by COVID-19.

So that the Prayer Line is always available to those who need it, options are  occasionally considered for submitting prayer requests via email or text. But Bette said in 2020 that she hoped the ministry would always retain its personal touch. “When people are in need of prayers,” Bette said, “It’s nice to hear a human voice.”

HOW TO USE THE PRAYER LINE 
To make a prayer request, or to join the Prayer Line—new members are always welcome—call Mary Kay O’Rourke at 651-698-5638 or Lucy Plunkett at 612-817-0351, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

NCCW secretary Patricia McMorrow has been a Prayer Line member since 1994.