Pastor Randy Budnar of Saint Ann Catholic Church in Stoughton, Wisconsin, recently addressed parishioners regarding the importance and role of prayer in both the Mass and in life.

In response to a request from a parishioner that the St. Michael prayer be added to the Mass, Budnar wrote that he does not have the authority to do so, though the request could be forwarded on to the bishop. Additionally, Budnar also wrote that parishioners are welcome to say any prayer they wish to themselves.

“A good time might be after you receive communion,” Budnar wrote. “We do need prayers for God to protect us against evil and St. Michael is a good one to intercede for us.”

Budnar also reminded parishioners of the upcoming celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

“On All Saints Day, Nov. 1, we remember the Communion of Saints. God has given us many saints to guide by example, to intercede for us, to love us,” Budnar wrote. “On All Souls Day, we remember to pray for everyone who has died. We pray that if they are not in heaven, but in purgatory, they soon will be there."