[D-fendr]

Seems to me, one would pray to the One you know with certainty is able to do something about the prayer rather than just playing the odds and hoping the intercessor made it.

Well, it you were to take it as a gambling game, I think St. Mary would be a pretty safe bet. If you were a real cautious bettor, you could stick with her. Some may feel the Apostles are a good risk. But pretty soon the gambling metaphor becomes a bit.. odd?

I believe the Church's position is that a great many more Saints exist in Heaven than are recognized by the Church - a great great many more.

As far as those closer to us personally, family and friends, I can only speak for myself as I did above.

thanks for your post..

[D-fendr]

I would be interested in finding out what other's teaching/belief is about the Saints departed from this existence.

I mentioned earlier that I have been told by some that they are sleeping or asleep, something akin to that.

I don't really know the official Calvinist position.

The Catholic position has been pretty well spelled out, so I'd appreciate hearing the Protestant view.