The Rev. Philip N. Farrell, administrator at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church in Cranberry Township, recently addressed parishioners regarding the important role prayer plays in the Christian life.

Farrell reminded parishioners of the sayings “He who sings prays twice” and “The family that prays together stays together” to illustrate his points.

“The unity that we share with God and one another through prayer pours over into the rest of our lives,” Farrell wrote. “I would imagine that the sum of these two expressions is that if we are united in prayerful song, then we will be doubly strengthened as a family.”

Prayer, both individual and familial, is significant as an act of spiritual maintenance, he wrote. Prayer also sets the tone for every other part of life.

As a result, Farrell urged congregants that they should not hesitate to raise their voices in praising God, and in sharing that worship with others.

So, as the churches of the parish move closer to unity, Farrell encouraged the parishioners to look to joint worship of God as a source of unity.