Themed Holy Hours at St. Francis of Assisi

June 14, 2026

By Fr. Alex Kramer

At St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines, we are continually seeking ways to deepen our prayer life as a parish community. One of those opportunities is our Tuesday evening hour of adoration in the Church. During this weekly holy hour, we intentionally lift up a specific petition together as a parish. In particular, we will be praying for vocations, for the protection of life, for those we know who have fallen away Catholics, for the unity of our St. Francis Church and school community, and for peace.

From week to week, we will rotate through the five themes (vocations, life, fallen away Catholics, the St. Francis community, and peace) as the focus of our prayer during the hour of adoration in the Church on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. (see schedule below). This is a great time to come together and pray for a common cause, and also an easy way to ease into an hour of prayer once a week.

For those who may feel unsure about spending a full hour in silent prayer, these holy hours offer a helpful and welcoming rhythm. While there are meaningful periods of silence for personal prayer, the hour also includes communal prayer. Each holy hour begins with a prayer around the theme of the evening and a reading from scripture with a little homily. At some point during the hour, a communal devotion will be led. It will conclude with a final prayer and being blessed with our Eucharistic Lord.

These Tuesday holy hours are a beautiful way to grow in prayer, to intercede for important intentions, and to spend time with our Eucharistic Lord. Whether you are new to adoration or have prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament for years, all are welcome. We invite you to join us as we come together each week in prayer before the Lord. 

Tuesday Holy Hour Schedule

First Tuesday: Prayer for Vocations

Second Tuesday: Prayer for Life

Third Tuesday: Prayer for Fallen Away Catholics

Fourth Tuesday: Prayer for the Community of St. Francis of Assisi

Fifth Tuesday: Prayer for Peace