FAQ

Please browse through our frequently asked questions to find answers to any of your questions relating to our website.

• How do I submit my prayer request?
  • locate the red Prayer Request banner
  • click on the link "Post Your Prayer Requests"
  • click on New Topic button
  • if you are a returning guest, log in with your existing user name and password
  • if you are new to the forum, register to obtain a new user name and password
  • type your prayer request
  • click submit
• How do I join a prayer group?

  There is no prayer group to join. We keep all prayer requests open to anyone who is kind to pray. All you need to do is register in the Prayer Request forum and post your reply to any of the Prayers listed. To do that you can follow these steps:

  • locate the red Prayer Request banner
  • click on the link "Post Your Prayer Requests"
  • click on the title "Prayer Request"
  • click on any of the posted prayer requests you wish to answer
  • click on Reply
  • if you are a returning guest, log in with your existing user name and password
  • if you are new to the forum, register to obtain a new user name and password
  • type in your prayer
  • click submit
• How do I post my prayer?

  If you wish to post a prayer to someone's prayer request, follow these steps:

  • locate the red Prayer Request banner
  • click on the link "Post your Prayer Requests"
  • click on the title "Prayer Requests"
  • click on any of the posted prayer requests you wish to answer
  • click on Reply
  • if you are a returning guest, log in with your existing user name and password
  • if you are new to the forum register to obtain a new user name and password
  • type in your prayer
  • click submit
• How do I post my witness?

  To post your witness, do the following:

  • under the Retreats and Pilgrimages tab, go to the Witnesses page
  • click on "Post your witness"
  • If this is the first time interacting with the system, register to create a new user name and password
  • If you have registered before, use your user name and password to log in
  • Fill out the form
  • Click on "Submit"
• What is RSS Feed?

  RSS "Really Simple Syndication" is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format. An RSS document (which is called a "feed", "web feed", or "channel") includes full or summarized text, plus metadata such as publishing dates and authorship. RSS feeds benefit readers who want to subscribe to timely updates from favored websites or to aggregate feeds from many sites into one place. It benefits publishers by letting them syndicate content automatically.
  
  Learn more

• How do I subscribe to RSS Feed?

  The user subscribes to a feed by clicking an RSS icon in a web browser that initiates the subscription process.

• How do I read RSS Feeds?

  RSS feeds can be read using software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader", which can be web-based, desktop-based, or mobile-device-based. Every web browser and email browser handles RSS feed differently.It is typically a very simple process. The best is to search on Google how to use RSS with your system. Here is a link to how to use RSS within your Windows Live Mail.

• Are all priests gifted in the charism of healing?

  All priests are gifted in that they are called to the priesthood and are able to bring us Jesus in the consecrated Body and Blood of Christ. OSMM offers a variety of retreats that offer many different priests and speakers who are gifted in many of the charisms of the Spirit, including healing.

• Are OSMM retreats charismatic?

  We prefer to describe our retreats as Eucharistic. Though some gifts of the Holy Spirit may manifest themselves, our focus is totally on God through his Son, and with the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.

• Can I just attend on Saturday or is it important to come all three days?

  It is not required but all retreats follow a continuous theme: Friday night is dying to self, Saturday is rising, and Sunday concludes with going forth with hope. To get the most out of a retreat it is best to attend all three days.

• Can you explain Resting in the Spirit?

  During a healing service, mass or while receiving prayer, some people will surrender/relax and fall gently to the floor while being under the power of the Holy Spirit. Many people do not rest in the Spirit. Whether or not a person rests in the Spirit is no indication of God's love for us. He loves us all beyond our comprehension.

• Do you have to be Catholic to attend a retreat?

  No, people of all faiths are welcome.

• Is it better to come alone or with a friend?

  There is no answer that fits everyone. It is best to do what will enable you to experience God in the deepest way. Some people like the companionship of a good friend or spouse to share their experiences and some like to totally immerse themselves in the weekend without distractions.

• Is OSMM faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church?

  Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry is always diligent in its faithfulness to the Catholic Church. All components of the weekend are devoted to the centuries long teachings of the church in relationship to Prayer, Liturgies, Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.

• What brings such well-known priests and speakers to OSMM?

  Many of the familiar and well-known priests have become friends of the ministry through retreats and personal contact. They are willing to come and often return to the retreats because they know OSMM is rooted in traditional and orthodox teachings of the Catholic Faith. They long to go where they can teach and witness to the faithful in such a receptive setting.

• What can I do to get the most out of a retreat?

  Plan to attend all of the talks, take notes, talk to other retreatants, pray with the prayer teams, and take time to visit the Blessed Sacrament.

• What is a healing service?

  People are given the opportunity to come forward and be blessed and prayed over by a priest.

  Is any one of you in trouble? They should pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? They should call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.
  James 5:13-16

• What is a prayer team?

  Prayer teams are community members of Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry who are called to pray with retreatants. It is an opportunity to pray with other people whose only purpose is to help you draw closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• What is the best way to prepare for a retreat?

  The best way to prepare is to go to confession, mentally detach yourself from your responsibilities at home, be open to God's work in your life, and be open to change.

• What is the normal schedule for retreats?

  Retreats begin with Mass at 4 p.m. on Friday and conclude about noon on Sunday. During the weekend, there will be daily mass, speakers, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, Prayer Teams and a Healing Service. There is also ample free time for private prayer, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful ministry grounds or purchasing religious items.

• Will there be an opportunity for items to be blessed?

  Yes, typically water, salt and other sacramentals are blessed during the weekend.