2024 Spirit of Martha Award Winners

The Spirit of Martha Award is presented each year to a woman of Nativity of Our Lord who quietly and selflessly supports the sacramental life of the parish through her prayerful, intentional service.  

This year, Nativity Council of Catholic Women instead honored two women: Mary Kay O’Rourke (pictured) and (posthumously) Bette Hoffman, co-chairs of the Prayer Line for many, many years.

Their names will be added to the Spirit of Martha plaque, which hangs downstairs from the church in Steiner Hall.
The Prayer Line concept has always been simple: Anyone may call in a prayer request to the co-chairs (which had been Mary Kay or Bette). In response, the co-chairs dial out to other Prayer Line members (varying in number over the years between 10 and the 30 members today).  

New Prayer Line members are always welcome, with standing rules only to pray for God’s will to be done (as opposed to specific outcomes) and to be discreet. This is a strict rule, to honor the ministry and those seeking it.   

The Prayer Line continues to average between 150 and 200 requests per year, mostly centered on the sorrows and joys of life: health, relationships, faith, and financial security. But special intentions also reflect the times.

The Prayer Line was exceptionally busy through the pandemic, with countless requests to pray for the state of the world and for those affected directly and indirectly by COVID. 

Mary Kay O’Rourke has been a co-chair for decades, working in concert with Bette Hoffman, who was an original member of the Prayer Line — which means she was part of this ministry for 40-some years! Bette passed away in January of this year.  

We are very appreciative for the wonderful service Mary Kay and Bette have done quietly for many years!