A “Peaceful Presence” in St. Paul
Comments from people who were there
From Michelle, a Methodist minister who led the Sunday evening prayer service concluding the first day of the “Peaceful Presence.” Michelle is married and the mother of two children. Read her blog.
September 1 - 4, 2008
The Twin Cities Community of Ignatian Associates is working with others in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota to provide a “Peaceful Presence”–a sanctuary to which people can come during the Republican National Convention, September 1-4, 2008. Central Presbyterian Church, located at 500 Cedar Avenue in St. Paul will be the location for the sanctuary.
The planners describe the sanctuary as a place which will serve as a simple space for respite from the hustle and harried activity of the convention; a quiet spot where one can work on attitude readjustment; and/or a place to reflect upon the day’s activity before going to work or after working a shift. The Church will be open from 8:00AM until 8:00PM each day of the convention. Each day will open and close with public prayer led by members of diverse denominations. The remainder of the time the space will be one of quiet, allowing for private prayer, contemplation, or simply sitting in the quiet.
The Core Team for the “Peaceful Presence” include Ignatian Associates in the Twin Cities, chaplains at the St. Paul Police Department, St. Paul Area Council of Churches, the Justice Committee of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the local head of Homeland Security.
Your prayer and virtual presence is requested in addition to volunteers for hospitality during the days of the convention.