It's a Wednesday evening, nearing dusk. Dazzling orange sunlight dapples through the chapel windows behind the altar. You draw a deep breath, then slowly release it as your fingertips slow-dance across the familiar smooth beads of the rosary, a familiar refrain breathing through your lips. Peace, calm, and a warm sensation of deep connectedness takes root in your heart and lifts slowly through your body.
Welcome to Holy Hour at Clearwater Central Catholic.
The first Holy Hour on CCC's campus was held in September of 2013, a new opportunity for prayer and connection across the school community, brought to us by Mr. Andy Shannon, current Director of Campus Ministry. And Holy Hour has taken place every first Wednesday of the month [during the school year] ever since!*
Ms. Regi O'Brien, longtime CCC teacher, is a regular attendee to these monthly Holy Hour services.
"I absolutely appreciate how Mr. Shannon has brought the practice of intentional prayer into the CCC Community," said O'Brien. "Every Holy Hour he says a prayer for each class, individually names individual staff and faculty members to pray for, and encourages the students in attendance to intentionally pray for their peers they know particularly need it. From a faculty perspective, it provides a sense of what is going on in the lives of these kids."
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, CCC celebrated its 100th Holy Hour. Several dozen CCC students were in attendance, as well as several faculty and family members.
Among those students was senior Katelyn Botse-Baidoo.
"It's very relaxing attending Holy Hour," Katelyn explained, "and this week it also felt like an honor to participate in a milestone like [the 100th Holy Hour]. I think it's a great accomplishment to have held so many, and I definitely want to congratulate Mr. Shannon on making it happen."
Holy Hour has become a key component of "Living Faith" here at CCC. All members of the school community are encouraged to join our Campus Ministry program and Peer Ministers in this meaningful hour of prayer, held every first Wednesday of the month in the Chapel of St. Julie Billiart, from 6-7pm. Please contact Mr. Andy Shannon if you have any questions, and we hope to welcome you in the chapel very soon.
*Holy Hours began in September of 2013 and have taken place every 1st Wednesday (September–May) thereafter, the only exceptions being in May 2021 and December 2022. Even during COVID closures, Holy Hour was live-streamed on Facebook.