Apostles of Love have a number of Healing Ministries in operation, from weekly Eucharistic Healing services, One-One Prayer & Healing Ministries, Zoom Prayer Ministries, Peer Prayer Ministry, Unbound Deliverance Ministry, Anointing of the Sick, Ministry Training etc. All one to one appointments are by booking only. Also due to Covid  regulationswe have had to reduce our numbers at our services, so we ask you to please be patient. 

HEALING

Experience Jesus in His mission of healing! Physical, spiritual and emotional healing, central to the Church’s life and 2,000 year tradition, come to life today. Our engaging format will help you see and experience God’s healing love through prayer, teaching, prayers of healing, personal reflection, adoration and the Sacraments. For a better understanding of the Church’s teaching on sickness and healing, we suggest reading the following Church documents: 

  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
  • Instruction on Prayer & Healing – The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

  • HERE ARE SOME KEY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q1: Why does God allow suffering?

A:  God would not allow evil in his creation unless he intended to bring good out of it (see St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologia, Part I, q.2, a.3).  God is not the cause of evil and suffering.  He allows it because He brings about a greater good through it. Jesus’ death on the cross is the greatest example. The world is redeemed through his suffering and death. Jesus makes human suffering a part of the work of redemption. Since we are members of the body of Christ, our suffering can be joined with his suffering. It can be a form of union with God, the Father.This unification may bring about the healing we seek or God may allow the suffering to continue so that a greater good may be achieved.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “…but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

For further reading on this teaching please see Pope St. John Paul II’s apostolic letter, Salvici Doloris, On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering See also CCC #’s 412, 618, 1499.

 

Q 2: Does God want everyone healed?

A: Yes. Through Jesus, God reveals that all people will be healed, body, mind, and soul in the kingdom of heaven (CCC 1503). But the degree to which this healing comes in this life is a mystery. The fact remains that this life will include suffering (CCC 1505). While suffering is part of God’s permissive will, the victory of the Cross reveals that God wills to bring the greatest good out of evil and suffering (CCC 599). As we read in the Prophet Isaiah, it is “by his stripes we are healed” (Is 53:5). God promises complete relief of all sickness in heaven and our hope is in this promise.

“Healing is an essential dimension of the apostolic mission and of Christian faith in general. [It is] a religion of healing.  When understood at a sufficiently deep level, this expresses the entire content of ‘redemption.’”  Read Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, pg. 176.

— For further reading see Rev. 21:4, CCC #’s 1045, 1046, 2629

Q 3: Isn’t spiritual healing the most important healing to experience?

A: Yes, it is. By the term ‘spiritual healing’ we mean reconciliation with God.  This will include the forgiveness of sins and may also include the healing of interior wounds which make it more difficult for a person to receive God’s love and mercy. God desires to be in a relationship with each of us.  If a person has interior wounds that need to be healed in order for them to enter into this relationship with him, then he will work to remedy those.  It is common for people to experience interior spiritual healings when they seek physical healing. Yet, full reconciliation with God, our Father, is always the goal of ministry, including healing ministry. Sometimes physical healing occurs as well, and sometimes not. 

— For further reading see CCC nos. 1, 602, 1505.

Q 4: What if you’re not healed after participating in prayer for healing?

A:  God still loves you. The presence or absence of physical healings in this life are not an indication of your value to him. He wants what is best for you and is always working that out through the things you experience.  It is good to seek healing through both medical and spiritual means.  Jesus taught persistence in prayer, even to ask the same petition again and again, so it is a good thing to repeatedly ask him for healing.  If you don’t experience healing, know that God has a great purpose for your suffering (see FAQ #1).  He is using it for your good, no matter what. This requires dialogue and discernment with God about how you are to respond in love to your situation. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” Romans 8:28 — For further reading see CCC nos. 1505, 2742, 2633.

Q 5: What if I’m not healed in the way I expected?

A: God’s ultimate plan is to prepare us to be with him forever, not just to remove every pain and suffering from our lives on earth. Many people have specific expectations from God when they seek healing.  This is natural.  If someone has cancer they may be hoping and even expecting to be made cancer-free. There is nothing wrong with that.  Yet, God may choose to  work through healing prayer in a way which brings about a change of heart toward him, a softening of some stubbornness, a partial healing of the cancer, or any one of a number of other ways that can lead that person to conversion (CCC 1501). He may be inviting us to receive joyfully what seems a mystery. When someone seeks and experiences healing prayer, it is important to do so within a personal dialogue with God about what he wants in our lives. We should ask him questions and be open to all kinds of answers (CCC 2560). A Spiritual mentor or counsellor can be very helpful in this endeavour.  (See questions #3 for more info.)

Q #6:  What if I think I experienced a healing but then the ailment returns?

A: When a person experiences a miraculous healing they are not guaranteed to never experience that ailment or some other ailment again. Even Lazarus, who was brought back from the dead by Jesus, had to experience death again. We are no different. Total freedom from sickness and suffering will only occur in heaven. That said, there remains a great deal of mystery surrounding miracles of healing, and even more about this rare occurrence, sometimes referred to as ‘losing a healing’. All our experiences of God’s grace need to be discerned in order to be understood. So, during this life we should engage in a dialogue with God about everything we experience; God uses everything in our lives for our good and his glory. We should seek to cooperate with him and trust him with our lives, including our ailments (CCC 1499 & 1501).

We cannot discount the fact that in some cases the relief that some people experience in prayer for healing is due to natural means instigated by a positive experience of ministry.  When a person who is sick is given positive attention through the loving care of other individuals they may simply feel better, emotionally, psychologically, and physically. This is the work of God through the Christian community, even if it isn’t miraculous. That means that some people may think their ailment is healed because they feel better, but days later they realize that the particular ailment is still with them. This, then, is not a ‘lost healing,’ but perhaps a time of refreshment through experiencing God’s presence and goodness (Acts 3:20).

As to the phenomenon of “lost healings”, it is impossible to provide a generalized answer for every time someone thinks they have “lost a healing”. Whether it can be “lost” is of much debate and each case needs to be addressed individually. Doubt may play a part in some of these cases. The devil will always work against God and try to prevent people from living in the life of faith that he provides.  It is important to trust in him and hold fast to the blessings he provides and not allow yourself to question or doubt his love for you.

God’s ultimate purpose is to lead people to union with him through the forgiveness of sins and the divinizing power of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling. Miracles have an important part to play in God’s purposes. Yet, in healing ministry we must evaluate our experience of God’s grace according to his ultimate purpose, eternal union with him. When a miraculous healing occurs we should ask, “Did it help people experience conversion and move toward union with God?” From St. Paul we learn that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28).

— For further reading see CCC nos. CCC 313

Q #8: Does everyone have the charism of healing?

A:  No, not all are given the charism of healing. Those who have it should exercise it with prudence and docility to the Holy Spirit. All baptized believers are encouraged to intercede for others to be healed of their ailments, whether they have the charism or not. Christians can be confident in prayers which rely on the name of Jesus.  He is willing and able to work through any person’s prayers for the good of another.

 “…Charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world.” (CCC 799)

“…the particular forms these gifts take in various times and settings cannot be made normative for any person or group.  One cannot say that any one charism is for all Christians, since they are freely given as the Spirit wills.” Baptism in the Holy Spirit, International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services Doctrinal Commission, 3.6.

The charism of healing is “a gift granted to a person to obtain graces of healing for others.” (Instruction on Prayers for HealingCongregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2000)

“From the acceptance of these charisms, including those which are more elementary, there arise for each believer the right and duty to use them in the Church and in the world for the good of men and the building up of the Church, in the freedom of the Holy Spirit who “breathes where He wills” (John 3:8).” (APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM para 2)

— For further reading see CCC nos. CCC 799-801, 1508 -1509.

Q #9: How are the sacraments related to healing ministry?  

  • A: The sacraments are the ordinary way that Christ makes present his work of salvation (CCC 1076). In baptism, for instance, we receive the Holy Spirit who makes us participants in Christ’s relationship with the Father. Therefore, we are sons and daughters of God. It is through this participation that we receive extraordinary charisms to build the kingdom of God. The charism of healing “is a gift granted to a person to obtain graces of healing for others.”  These are an act of God’s mercy and love. They are meant to lead people to conversion and to a deeper participation in God’s life through the Sacraments.

— For further reading see CCC nos. 1504 & 1509.

Ten keys for good practice in the Prayer & Healing Ministry of AOL .

1. Prayer and Preparation – At the heart of the healing ministry is prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Those who minister in this way should be prayerful practicing Christians who are willing to listen and pray sensitively. They should make sure that those receiving ministry have been properly prepared for it, and know exactly what is being offered. Only AOL leadership approved teams are permitted to conduct prayer ministry.

2. Accountability – Everyone involved in the healing ministry should understand clearly the lines of accountability, and accept the relevant authority within their Parish Church. They should be aware of their personal responsibility for advice given, recognising that they may well be regarded by those receiving ministry as speaking in the name of the church.

3. Training – Individuals should receive appropriate training and be kept up to date with developments and its ecumenical expression. Healing Team leaders must make sure that members have opportunities for training and a clear understanding of good practice. Regular meetings should be held for supervision and review of the work of the ministry team. Those involved should take responsibility for their ongoing training and development.

4. Competence and Boundaries – People involved in this Ministry should be aware of their own limitations and need for support, and refuse duties or responsibilities which are beyond their proper competence. They should ensure that they are properly prepared and fit to be involved. The use of language, body language and touch should be appropriate, courteous and considerate to those receiving it. Ideally, people should pray in pairs with at least one member of the pair being of the same sex as the person receiving ministry. No one should ever be ministered to against their will.

5. Safeguarding – All teams must have Garda Clearance to minister, the Diocesan Policy should be displayed known and strictly adhered to.

6. Personal Conduct – The healing ministry is part of the ministry of the gospel. The personal conduct of all those involved should encourage confidence in this ministry and not undermine it. No ministry should be undertaken while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Nobody should seek any personal advantage, whether monetary, emotional, sexual or material, by virtue of a personal relationship. No personal view should be represented as the official stand or teaching of the church.

7. Confidentiality – Every person’s privacy and dignity should be respected and protected. Any limitations to confidentiality should be explained in advance, and any disclosure should be limited to relevant information. It should be disclosed only to appropriate people, and normally with the person’s consent. If any written record is kept, the person should be informed of the fact, and of their right to see the record.

8. Counselling and Psychotherapy – These specific treatments should only be provided by those who are accredited practitioners, who adhere to the code of ethics of their regulatory bodies. They should have professional Insurance Cover.

9. Deliverance – This is not a normal part of the ministry of healing, and may only be exercised in accordance with the Diocesan guidelines and Unbound Trained Ministers. The specific permission of the Bishop , is required for exorcism.

10. Anointing Of the Sick – This is a formal representative act of the Priest of the Catholic Church and may only be administered by a priest or person authorised specifically by the Bishop. Official Church blessing should only be conducted by clergy.

11. Partnership – Where appropriate, the healing ministry should be carried out in co-operation with chaplains and representatives of other professional and voluntary health care agencies.

PRAYER MINISTRY

Our Prayer Ministers consists of Mature people of faith  who are able to pray with you and for you regarding specific intentions or needs Our Prayer Ministers serve as intercessors in the our community to fulfill the call to pray for one another.and for the needs of those who need prayer in their lives. Prayer ministers also have in a way an evangelistic approach in intercession for the conversion of others in our wider commuinity. 

HEALING MINISTRY

Apostles of Love have a number of Healing Ministries in operation, from weekly Eucharistic Healing services at our Tuesday Morning Prayer meeting. One-One Prayer & Healing Ministries, Peer Prayer Ministry,  Anointing of the Sick. All one to one appointments are by booking, Click Here. 

 

UNBOUND MINISTRY

UNBOUND IS A SAFE, LOVING AND EFFECTIVE MODEL OF PRAYER MINISTRY

Unbound helps us respond to the good news of the gospel and apply truth to our lives using Five Keys: 1) Repentance and Faith 2) Forgiveness 3)Renunciation 4)Authority and 5) The Father’s Blessing.

BOOK MINISTRY

To book prayer ministry please complete the form below. Thank you

LEARN TO PRAY

1) Keep It Simple
2) Do It Often

3) Open Your Heart
4) Use the Lord’s Prayer as a Template
5) Listen Expectantly for a Response

To pray means to communicate with God. That can mean thanking Him, praising Him, confessing
something you’ve done wrong, or expressing a need you have. It can even mean just talking to Him
as you would to a friend.
Learning how to pray is really about developing a relationship with God. Relationships are built on
moments of connection. Those moments of connection bond you to another person, and many of
them center on communication — the words you say and the way you say them. But how do you do
that with the God of the universe?