When Father Malloy came to St. Michael's Church he knew he was in for a challenge. His parish was in a tough neighborhood filled with kids who were forgotten. Fortunately for Father Malloy, he had a trick up his sleeve...basketball. Hector, one of the forgotten, only cared about two things, his struggling mother and basketball. When his mother loses her job, Hector begins to feel the pressure of having to provide for his family. But when Hector crosses a member of the dangerous gang, the Snipers, he suddenly has one more thing to worry about...his life. Can Father Malloy convince Hector to become part of the team? More importantly, can Father Malloy help Hector turn his life around? A Shot and a Prayer is a story of faith, teamwork and the belief that every one of us can make a difference. "This is the kind of book that is impossible to put down." - Tom Starita, author of Two Ways to Sunday