Why A "Men's Spiritual Group?"

Most men will not gather for a prayer group or have in-depth discussions with other men on spiritual issues, at least not often. I don't mean to say that men are not spiritual, it is just that men's spirituality is much different than women and youth.

So you can't apply the same programs or approaches that work for youth groups, and church prayer groups (mostly attended by women) to men.

Men are more private and stoic by nature. They have a tendency to internalize private things and quietly evaluate them mentally and often not sharing the thoughts and issues related to such.

However, if you combine work or an activity with spirituality, you allow men to fulfill an innate desire while providing fellowship, friendships, creativity, honor, exercise, accomplishments, etc., while also nourishing the spirit and the soul.

Once men can be connected in a common activity that is purely seen and identified as manly, it not only allows comfort levels to form, but instantaneously allows any protective guards that might have been present to be lowered because the men feel a unity and a bond.

It is at this point that the manly spirituality, or the man's spirit can be nourished, cultivated, and grow in the context of a "Men's Group."

Once the bonds are formed, trust is established, and comfort levels are obtained, then God's word can be accepted and can penetrated into the Men. This penetration is not superficial, it is deep and life lasting. One might assume that men are not spiritual, or at least keep a reserved spiritual demeanor, but I would like to say that one must understand a man's spiritual nature before making such a statement.

Even though the modern world has attempted to blur the unique roles, charisms, and qualities of men and women, blurring them into a somewhat unisex and identical being, their souls and spirits remain as different as ever.

Men are strong, mostly quiet and reserved when it comes to deep feelings, and have an inner desire to protect, provide, and produce. They are deeply spiritual but externally reserved, and many have not had role models that taught them how to be a man and express his spirituality to others. This external expression of love of others and of God is foreign in the modern world, at least foreign to most men.

Yet, when seen, it is awesome. To see a man grounded in his faith, sharing his spirituality with others, confident in his manhood, it is not only exhilarating, but contagious and leaves other men jealous for what he has just seen. This type of Man can change the world.

It was once said: teach a child the faith and it might just rub off on his mother or siblings. 

Teach a mother the faith and it just might rub off on some of the family. 

But teach the faith to the father, help him live a life of faith, nourish that faith, and the whole family will be converted.

It is Fathers, Men, who can and will change the world that we live in. It is through "Men of Faith" that the world can be seen for what it is and God's light and truth can be made present.

That is why there is such a need for "Men's Spirituality Groups." Gatherings of men with a unique purpose. Men given opportunities to unite, form friendships, partake in projects and activities that are not foreign but familiar and comfortable. To allow opportunities for God's word to penetrate into their being and then be nourished and cultivated forming them into Men of Action, men who begin to look much different than the other men in society. Men who are envied for the confidence they resonate, for the joy that surrounds then, for the fortitude they expel, for the charity that has become such a huge part of their being.

As God grows within these types of men, the evils of the devil begin to diminish. 

The sins of:

Lust

Masturbation

Pornography

Pride

Anger

Laziness

excessive drinking, eating, and self-pleasures

begin to lost their hold on these men and are all of the sudden finding themselves free from the bonds that held them as slaves for so many years. Most men will never openly talk about their shortcomings, but they will listen to the truth when presented by a Man that they trust and admire. The might not openly show much emotion when such a sensitive issue is presented, but mark my word, they are listening and it is deeply internalized and applied.

These Groups are more necessary than ever before and the devil with use every weapon he has that try and stop them..... but he will not win! The truth will set us free! 

Join a Men's group, a real Men's group. Not just a fraternity, or a club, but a group that looks at the whole man; feeds him, helps him evaluate himself, incorporates activities and pleasure, but always maintains a balance and allows the man to grow spiritually. 

Because when it is all said and done, It really has only been about our spiritual journey with God and having Christ close to us, leading us, and showing us the way.

Can you see Him? Is He leading you?

Check out the "Men of Faith" blog  click here

Beaten Down.... Yet Strengthened!

Do you even have those days, 

or even those weeks when you feel that people and situations are just pounding you down?

That the devil is pursuing you relentlessly, no matter what you do, he continues to attack you.

That even some of your friends, or acquaintances, begin to act in evil ways against you. 

It sure can take its toll on you, and can even begin to instill doubt at times.

We had a good friend of ours tell us the other day that when one is acting in such a way that Goodness, Truth, and Love is being produced, that it is just then that the devil will fight his strongest against you. He is the cunningest of them all and will use any means to stop the good fruit from being produced.

This friend of ours also reminded us of our public acceptance during ordination of our commitment to not only serve Christ's people, but to lay down our lives and carry His cross. When one lives a good life, a comfortable life, a joyful life, it is easy to forget the commitment to suffering that one has made, especially when the harm comes on so suddenly.

Then I remember the Psalm (36):

Sin directs the heart of the wicked; their eyes are closed to the fear of God.

For they live with the delusion: their guilt will not be known and hated.

Empty and false are the words of their mouth; they have ceased to be wise and do good.

In their beds they hatch plots; they set out on a wicked way; they do not reject evil.

LORD, your love reaches to heaven; your fidelity, to the clouds.

Your justice is like the highest mountains; your judgments, like the mighty deep; all living creatures you sustain, LORD.

How precious is your love, O God! We take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

We feast on the rich food of your house; from your delightful stream you give us drink.

For with you is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.

Continue your kindness toward your friends, your just defense of the honest heart.

Do not let the foot of the proud overtake me, nor the hand of the wicked disturb me.

There make the evildoers fall; thrust them down, never to rise.   .

I can be rezealant, can trust and have faith, and can even endure suffering for my God, knowing that it can be connected to His suffering, but to see those that I love suffer and be persecuted for our beliefs, for our faith, brings sorrow to my heart. . And why, just because some of those around us have allowed evil to dwell within them.... .

And then I remember that the forces of evil are much greater than just a particular face, or a particular person, it is a force that endlessly and tirelessly attempts to invade others and works its manipulative powers for the destruction of all that is good in life.... I know that Sometimes (evil) or unholiness attempts to work in me, in those around me, but if we are protected by the Sacraments, a clean heart, a virtuous life, united in prayer and relationship with God, then it has no alternative but to seek out others who are vulnerable, have rejected the grace through personal sin and pride, to be the catalyst for perpetuating evil. .

This is the unending war that will go on until the end of time. yet we are Strengthened by the understanding that in our weakness we are actually more powerful in this fight. Yes we fall at times, but that just feeds our humility, allows us the relinquish some our own desires when we see our faults and  consequences of self-centered living, yet it allows us to grow in closer union with God's desires, God's ways, and to persevere for His Kingdom. .

We will continue to fight the Good fight, not in attempts to be divisive, nor to create scandal. Our attempts will be to unite, to spread the GOOD news, salvation, repentance, love, forgiveness, and understanding. .

Yet it should never be neglected or misunderstood, that the forces of evil at at work all around us and attempting to bring discord, disunity, anger, resentment, jealousy, greed and pride amongst us all....

Ministry Appreciation Dinner

 Here is the video tribute I showed in honor of those who serve.

We just returned home from our Ministry Appreciation Dinner at the Parish. Over 200 people attended (all of which participate in one ministry or another). What a great night of Food, Entertainment, and Fellowship. I purposley left my camera ay home so I could just enjoy the people and not be tempted to take photos.

The Fulfillment of All Desires

Click here to go to the Powerpoint Presentation

I have received so many e-mails from across the country and world from Men who would love to be a part of our Men's group, but live too far away. So many of you men have asked if I could share our journey with you. We are currently venturing down the path as explained from the lives and words of our Early Church Fathers and Saints.

Do You Want The Truth or Just Want To Be Liked?

I was told that a few people walked out during my last homily. I don't know if that was really true or not, or if they left for some unrelated reason. But, what is the real point of a homily? To entertain, or to break open the scripture, speak God's Truth, and give it practical meaning for our lives.

Just ask the Pope What He Thinks.

Decide for yourselves, was there anything said here that isn't truthful? Click here

Learn about Obedience and Peace (Homily This Weekend)

I have the honor of preaching again this weekend (6th Sunday of Easter) at the Saturday Evening Mass (5pm) and Sunday in Shingletown (12pm). 


The theme of the homily, inspired by Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 and  Jn 14:23-29 will be on Obedience and Peace.

If you would like a transcript of the homily, please visit my Homily Blog.

Good Friday Service (Christ's Passion and Death)

The service began in humility.

Prayer

The Passion was beautifully sung for us.

This was so very moving.

Father Jonathan - Intercessions
.

Sean and Caleb present the cross.

Veneration of the Cross

Each person took a moment to honor and kiss His Cross

For so many, this brought on such strong emotion.

Then the cross is laid upon the sanctuary for a sign of what Christ has done for us. We are now to meditate on our lives, our relationship with Christ, prayer, and awaiting his resurrection and what that will mean for us.

I Believe!!!!!

Lord - I pray, I beg of you, to forgive me for my trespasses, help me to grow in holiness, help me to fully understand, and to be a good and faithful servant....

Catholic Privilege

As many of you already know, I often speak of us Christians needing to take the harder road, picking up our crosses, and enduring trial after trial until we receive our heavenly reward.

.

This is true, that suffering is a part of being a Christian, and it includes making the decision to turn away from the secular world to live a life of holiness.

.

But we often forget that being a Christian also comes with numerous privileges as well. These so called privileges are exclusive to those who believe.

.

Privilege # 1 = Hope

.

I first think of the ability to have hope. Not hope in ourselves as much as the knowledge that God is the one in control of our lives and He has this plan that is uniquely ours. Yes we have free will to make decisions, but God has this master plan for us and even though at times we don't understand why certain things are happening in our lives, it has a purpose to help us grow and prepare for eternal life in heaven.

.

Privilege # 2 = Trust

.

As a child has total trust in their parents that they will be cared for, protected, and loved, we as Christians also posses this trust in our Lord and Savior.

.

Privilege # 3 = Love

.

Many in this world feel alone and isolated, yet as a Christian we know that we belong to a family that was established over 2000 years ago by Christ himself. This is a family that exists for the purpose of love. It is said that you will know that they are Christians by the way that they love and care for each other. We are a part of that family.

.

Privilege # 4 = The Sacraments

.

This Privilege is not only uniquely Christian but uniquely Catholic. What is a Sacrament? It is an external sign of an inward grace that was instituted by Christ himself and that makes Christ present to us. We experience and interact with Christ, in the real person, in such an intimate way, that we are made holy by this encounter.

.

In Baptism we are made children of God, welcomed into the Christian family, and cleansed from the original sin (Adam and Eve) that separated us from heaven.

.

In The Holy Eucharist we are able to receive Christ: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. He who is everything becomes part of us, we not only consume him as he directed us to do on Holy Thursday, but we are consumed by him during the Holy Eucharist. Wherever Christ is, so is the Father and the Holy Spirit. And wherever the resurrected Christ is, so is the whole Heavenly Kingdom, including the Saints, the Angles, and all who have received their heavenly reward. When we received Holy Communion, we receive all of heaven into our being, we are made holy and experience heaven...... WOW!

.

In Confirmation we are sealed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit and strengthened to live a life with the power of the gifts of the spirit. We confess our desire to be a catholic and to live a life that is pleasing to our Father and Lord. We set out to not only to fight against the evils of the world but to bring Christ's love into the darkness.

.

In Holy Confession we are allowed to confessed our failings, those behaviors, or lack of actions, in which we willfully chose to turn away from God and separate ourselves from heaven. With the power that Jesus gave to Saint Peter and the Holy Priesthood, our sins are exposed from the darkness and brought out into the light of Christ, our contrite heart is revealed, and those healing words of absolution are showered upon us. We are healed and restored back into communion with our Church, our Faith, and Our Lord and Savior.

.

In Sacramental Marriage two people of opposite genders and bonded together in much more that a agreement, a covenant is made that brings the two together for a life to be lived as one. What God has brought together no man shall separate. This is a bond that is life itself, grounded in Love, Charity, service, and faith. A Sacramental Marriage is the closest thing on earth that represents God's relationship and love with us. It is Holy, Pure, Sacred, and life giving and life sustaining.

.

The Anointing of The Sick is the Sacrament that is healing itself. It not only washes away any sin that has encroached upon the soul, but prepares the soul for entrance into heaven. Yes it can produce physical healing if it is the will of God, but most importantly it heals the spirit and soul on the person.

.

In Holy Orders one transcends his own limitation and represents Christ to the world. Inadequate as he might be in is own qualities, he is given the grace to minister in the name of Christ. He becomes that instrument of grace to the world. Not by any doing of his own, he still remains limited in his humanity, yet when called upon by others in faith, he is that presence of the love and power of Christ. In The Sacrament of Holy Orders, internally the man is literally changed. His soul has been transformed and he can present Christ to the world through his life.

.

.

As Christians we are a privileged group of people that are so very blessed,

blessed and Privileged beyond our own understanding.

.

The Protestant / Catholic Debate

After my last posting, describing the Protestant faiths as the cause of much of the confusion regarding the interpretation of theology and in effect morality, as I expected, I have received numerous comments and e-mails from unhappy and offended protestants.

As I mentioned previously, my intent was not to offend, but rather to bring to light a significant issue that has harmed our society and the whole world in fact.

One response I received from a nice Protestant Lady was "I believe the real danger is ignorance of Gods truth!" Meaning that the danger isn't the Protestants.

I don't disagree with this response, but I think she and others are still missing the point.

The question that often comes up is "What is God's Truth? "

On some issues it is easy to see, but with other issues, identifying with certainty what is God's truth can be confusing. That is why Jesus handed over the Keys of the faith and the Church to one person, Peter, to have the definitive say on such issues. He was the first Pope, and there has been an unbroken succession of Popes since the time of Christ with the purpose of having that definitive voice on confusing issues. Jesus knew that this would be a problem in the future, that is why He established such. (This is often an overlooked point with Protestants - but is critical as you will see)

Without that definitive voice, it doesn't take long to have varied views on biblical teaching, theology, and morality. A good example is the 60,000 different protestant Churches that have different beliefs. This all happened in a short time, since the 1500's. There are congregations each week that are breaking off from churches because of differences of opinions, differences of understanding of what God's truth actually is. These are not bad people, rather many are very devout and Holy in their actions and their beliefs. Yet they are not even aware of the underlying issue that keeps them in disunity.

The Catholic Church has one set of beliefs. Only one.

If an issue comes up. The definitive voice is the Pope (As Jesus Established).

Without this understanding and the willingness to succumb to the authority that Christ instituted, there will always be disunity in His Church.

To understand this concept a little better, lets read the words from Stanley Hauer a prominent Protestant theologian, who recently preached about Reformation Sunday (celebrated in some Protestant churches) and about how that particular celebration was scandalous and what Protestants can learn from Catholic unity.

Here is a snip from that sermon:

Catholics do not begin with the question of “How much do we need to believe?” but with the attitude “Look at all the wonderful stuff we get to believe!” Isn’t it wonderful to know that Mary was immaculately conceived in order to be the faithful servant of God’s new creation in Jesus Christ! She therefore becomes the firstborn of God’s new creation, our mother, the first member of God’s new community we call church.

Isn’t it wonderful that God continued to act in the world through the appearances of Mary at Guadalupe! Mary must know something because she seems to always appear to peasants and, in particular, to peasant women who have the ability to see her. Most of us would not have the ability to see Mary because we’d be far too embarrassed by our vision.

Therefore Catholics understand the church’s unity as grounded in reality more determinative than our good feelings for one another.

The office of Rome matters. For at least that office is a judgment on the church for our disunity.

Surely it is the clear indication of the sin of the Reformation that we Protestants have not been able to resist nationalistic identifications. So we become German Lutherans, American Lutherans, Norwegian Lutherans. You are Dutch Calvinist, American Presbyterians, Church of Scotland. I am an American Methodist, which has precious little to do with my sisters and brothers in English Methodism. And so we Protestant Christians go to war killing one another in the name of being American, German, Japanese, and so on.

At least it becomes the sin of Rome when Italian Catholics think they can kill Irish Catholics in the name of being Italian. Such divisions distort the unity of the Gospel found in the Eucharist and, thus, become judgments against the church of Rome. Of course, the Papacy has often been unfaithful and corrupt, but at least Catholics preserved an office God can use to remind us that we have been and may yet prove unfaithful. In contrast, Protestants don’t even know we’re being judged for our disunity.

He is correct that at times the Papacy has been corrupt and has acted in err. I wouldn't of expected any different, they have all been human, and nobody has ever said that the popes have been perfect. Yet in regard to the teaching of the faith on issues of theology and morals, there has never been an instance of err. There has never been any changes in the faith regarding the tenet dogmas of the church. Yes some traditions might change from time to time, as well as devotions, but these are very much different from the everlasting core beliefs. The Catholic Church is united with these dogmas.

Someone once asked:

Aren't there a bunch of different Catholic rites?

Well Yes there are. Most Catholics are ignorant of this fact. There are more than just Latin-rite Catholics, which 99% of us are.

.

Followed by: "I mean, you have the Roman, Byzantine, Carmelite, Dominican, and a whole bunch of other different titles. What happened? "

What happened is that each of the prayers and ways of worshiping God developed in different places in different ways over many years. The Church has never believed that every catholic rite has to have the exact same prayers or ways of having the liturgy, as long as the essential elements of each liturgy are there.

"So why the split?"

There is no split. There is still unity. A different Catholic rite is still Catholic. They are still in union with Rome. It might be the Eastern Orthodox you are thinking of here. They are not Catholic.

"What makes our church the 'right one'/the one to be in? "

There is no "right" rite, but there is a "right" Church - which is the one true Church Jesus established = the Catholic Church.

"And what makes this split different than the one Luther made?"

What makes the difference between one rite and another different than the difference between the catholics and the lutherans or the catholics and the baptists?

Again, between the differing Catholic rites there is unity in diversity, not disunity. Between Catholics and Protestants we have much bigger doctrinal issues, the preeminent issue being authority. Luther rejected the Catholic Church's authority and set himself up as an authority of one. This opened the door to the doctrinal chaos we see in Christianity today.

The different Catholic rites developed different ways of praying, different doctrinal emphases, etc. But, there is always unity.

.

I believe that we will always have disunity, chaos, fighting, and envy until the day that we can all be one church under God, and under the authority of the Pope.

.

Jesus knew this and that is why He made it so very clear that the church needed to be handed over to one person to govern guided by the Holy Spirit.

.

If protestants continue to hold on to their justifications to stay separated from the catholic faith, they will not only be void of the fullness of the faith, but perpetuating a world full of immorality and chaos, (not personally maybe) since some a very good people, but by strengthening the separation of what God wants united. And as I have said before, for the most part, they are completely unaware of the significance of their actions.

Christ Our King

Each year as we come to the end of our Liturgical Year, the Church invites us to celebrate this great feast of Christ the King at the end of our yearly cycle of feasts and festivals that have celebrated different events in the life of Jesus, Mary, and the other Saints. We are reminded that Jesus Christ is Lord and King.

"Jesus is Lord" was the early Christians first creed. On that belief is based our Christian Faith.

Proclaiming Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords is the heart of Christianity. It is also a pretty incongruous thing. We think of a King as having power and control, dominion over his subjects. Yet, Jesus never held political office, had no special academic degrees, and no cultural influences. He died at age 30 on an instrument of fools, as a common criminal.

Today’s feast puts us in touch with the sublime incongruity upon which all Christianity rests. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, along with the beginning of John’s Gospel, is the strongest statement made about Jesus in the Bible. Listen again to what he says: "He is the image of the invisible of God." Want to see God? - Look at Jesus. Want to know what God is like? – Look at Jesus.

"In Him were created all things in heaven and on earth – visible and invisible. Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Powers – all were created through and for Him. He is before all things; in Him all things hold together. He is the head and body of the Church, the beginning, the Alpha and Omega – every letter in between. In Him, all fullness was pleased to dwell."

This is high praise if I’ve ever heard it. Jesus is the Word who governs all things.

King of Kings
Lord of Lords
God of Gods

But what about Christ's Crucifixion?

What a strange reality that is the basis of our religion: a King on a Cross.

The cross reminds us that our notion of Kingship is sadly lacking. We have a mistaken idea of what power, majesty, Lordship are all about. We think of Kingship and power as the ability to save yourself. If you have enough money, you can save yourself from all sorts of inconvenience; if you have political influence, you can save yourself from getting in trouble; if you have cultural power, you can save yourself. We think a King should be able to protect himself from just about anything.

What Jesus Christ, the King, tells us is that a true king is not one who saves self, but who forgets self in a simple act of love. A true King does not fill himself up with possessions or surround himself with protection, but empties himself with love.

What is power? What is Kingship? Look at Jesus – the icon of the invisible God – and we see it is not what we expect.

Our notion of power has been distorted through sin. Saint Augustine said that sin is the separation of love from power. Remember Adam and Eve? They had it all; they lived happily with a balance of power and love, but they wanted MORE power – to be like God. Sin entered the world and a distorted view of power came with it.

With the coming of Jesus, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, one in whom all power rests, - Love becomes incarnate; - Love becomes a helpless child; - Love becomes a life of giving self away; - Love becomes a life lived in love, poured out for others; - Love becomes a King on a cross.

Self-emptying love is the ultimate power. Gandhi did through non-violent love what years of war and force could never accomplish. Martin Luther King transformed American society with this non-violent love and uprooted institutional violence through the power of love. John Paul II faced down what I grew up seeing as the "evil empire of Communism" with the power of the simple acts of love.

Jesus, our King on the Cross-, does what no amount of force or fear could ever do. He saves us from sin, from the separation of power and love, and in the great act of power and love, which is the Cross-, transforms the world.

Let us pray on this feast of Christ the King that our lives will be transformed, and we will see this great transforming power in simple acts of love.

St. Louis De Montfort - The Story of Our Lady's Slave

I just finished reading this remarkable book about the life of Saint Louis De Montfort. It not only carries the "Nihil Obstat" and "Imprimatur," but inspires, teaches, and radiates wisdom. This truly is a book that will change a piece of you forever......

- - - -

"Well, what do you think of Fr. De Montfort?" asked the Bishop eagerly. "Is he preaching heresy? Is he a tool of the Devil, as some people say? Or a mad-man, as others think?"

The city was in an uproar over Fr. Louis De Montfort, and Bishop de Champflour had sent 3 wise priests to investigate. "I'm especially interested in learning about the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary;" he had told them.

Yes, huge crowds of people were coming to Fr. De Montfort's mission services, and hundreds of souls had been converted. No one left his confessional unconsoled. But some people had their doubts about what Fr. De Montfort was preaching.

What was all this talk of becoming a saint easily and quickly through the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary-by a holy "slavery" to Jesus in Mary?

Now the 3 priests were back, and the Bishop awaited their report. What would they tell him about this unusual missionary priest?

This book tells what the priests had found out. It also tells about the trouble stirred up for Fr. De Montfort by the Calvinists, by the Jansenists, and even by some Catholics who did not understand what True Devotion to Mary was all about.

In short, here is the remarkable story of the priest who went about helping others become saints by show-ing them how to be "slaves" for Jesus through Mary. For Ages 10 to 100

- - - - -

For any DJM's (Disciples of Jesus and Mary)

this book you will find particularly inspiring and enlightening due to it's spirituality

being so in line with yours - It should be a "Must read" for DJM's.

Direction For Our Times From Anne the Lay Apostle

On the first of every month,

Our Lord gives Anne a new message about His call to service.

October 1, 2009

Jesus: My dear children, I am with you. I watch closely as you struggle for holiness. Often, you are uncertain of your spiritual condition. You strive to serve but feel conflicted by the times in which you are serving.

There are some things that all humanity deals with regardless of where in history they are placed. First, there will always be a difference between the world’s path and heaven’s path. These two paths, while they can run along side each other for increments, will always separate. Ultimately, each man will have to choose. Every man, to a greater or lesser degree, will have to contend with choosing first good over evil and then he will have to make another choice and that is the choice of choosing My plan for his life over his own plan for his life.

After that, the choices become even more studied in that the man must choose My plan in each day, in each task and even in each moment. You may say, dear apostle, that this is a difficult call for a man, to study his actions in each day. You may say, this is asking a lot.

You are right.

I, Jesus, am asking a lot of you. I ask for your full commitment and I do so without apology.

Dearest apostles, if you give me your full commitment, there is no limit to what I can do. Look at your life. You have said yes to me on many days. Examine what I have done with your yes answers. Consider what I am building with the commitments of so many children of God who are willing to be directed by the Saviour, their King.

I am building a structure of love. I am building a structure through which many are returning.

Truly, your hearts, open and filled with My love, call out to others. You provide for Me a welcome to those who feel separated. If they can be taken into your heart for even a brief moment and experience Me, with My love, then they will have the courage to both approach Me directly and to accept Me directly.

Please, do not count the sacrifices when you consider your service. Do not count the loss of worldly respect. Count only the souls who are comforted and consoled. Count the repentance and healing of so many who have been restored to unity with heaven. Count the humility that I have bestowed on you, dear apostle, since you began to learn about true holiness.

I am your King. I can give you anything. I choose to give you peace and holiness. I choose to make of you a resolute servant. Accept My will in your life and you will then be able to accept all of the graces heaven has stored up for you.

What would you do to be spiritually fed?

Sometimes I wonder if my ministry work is meaningful to others, not for my sake, but am I actually helping others in their journey of faith?

We have been offering our "Be not afraid hours" at the church every Thursday for some time now. Some Thursdays the chapel is packed, other times we might have 10-12 people.

I know it isn't about numbers, but rather helping people along their journey. But when the numbers are large, somehow it makes you feel that the effort is meaningful.

Tonight we had an average size group and after the group ended we socialized with each other for sometime and then I left to run an errand while my wife remained to further visit and socialize. (If you know my wife - she is a professional socializer - she calls it "Her Sport")

When she returned home, she told me that one of the ladies who attended tonight needed a ride home and that she drove her.

During their conversation, they talked about their children, life as a mother and a wife, and then this humble lady stated that she didn't want to miss the gathering tonight, but didn't have a car tonight since she loaned her car to her daughter, so she walked in the 100 degree weather for 45 minutes to the church.

She walked for 45 minutes in 100 degree weather just to attend the "Be Not Afraid Hour."

That just blew me away.

How many people do you know would walk 45 minutes in extreme heat even for Mass?

Ministry isn't about quantity, it is about assisting people along their journey, helping to provide opportunity for growth, for love, for charity, for relationships........

Even if just one soul is helped through one's efforts, isn't it worth it?

I am all too quick to forget the important aspects in life, in ministry, in friendships, in relationships.

She is a true disciple.......

Thank you Lord for the lesson.......you did it to me again!

Don't you just love those "Ah Ha" moments

I was sitting on the sofa reading when all the sudden it hit like a brick...... You know those rare moments when out of the blue an answer to a question comes to you so clearly that it is unmistakable, unmistakable that the source was from something much greater than yourself.

Often these moments answer one of life's truths even when you really didn't know the question specifically, even though it had been at the core of a personal struggle.

I often feel troubled by the state of our culture, our society, and how I perceive it to be on a rapidly downward spiral in regard to morality, values, and ethics.

It is easy to attempt to place the blame on this occurrence, that group of individuals, or even a technology.

Then it hit me!

The only person to really blame is myself. I don't mean in a self-loathing sort of way, but in another sense...... Hear me out and see what you think.

I truly only have control over myself. If I was completely and truly living my Faith (lets be honest; have anyone of us embraced our faith with such fervor, diligence, fortitude, and persistence as is asked of us?) I could of made a significant difference in at least one person's life.

If by my example, and God's grace, I could help to make some small change in the world, and that change is a catalyse for another change, and so on, and so on, get my point.

SO, the point that hit my like a ton of bricks, is that my focus should be not so much on identifying the wrongs of the world, but to be that Christ-like presence to the world.

The battle against good and evil will persist until that final day, it isn't up to me so much to devote an abundance of time identifying just how bad certain aspects of this culture actually has become, as it is to be that shining light to the world.

By being such a loving light, the contrast with be so evident, that anyone will be able to see so much in life as it really is, without the greyness of deception, and then who would not want to choose Love, Life, and Happiness over such alternatives.

Thank God for those "Ah Ha" moments that for some can be dismissed so quickly, although for that individual, they are a personal and unique connection with our creator, a capturing of grace, and when applied to our lives, are food for holiness, and a step closer to everlasting life.

Searching for the "TRUTH"

All too often I am having a conversation with someone and when we begin to discuss an issue, something interesting happens.

Instead of contemplating the issue, the other party immediately defends their beliefs.

This happened the other day when I was discussing an element of faith with a Protestant.

Then it hit me! He really wasn't at all interested in the TRUTH, but only wanted to live in his comfortable place of his current understanding and beliefs.

Are we not all on a mission for seeking Truth in our lives.

Isn't God truth in all fulfillment?

Can we understand God enough?

Shouldn't we always be in search of additional truths, in search of greater understanding of God?

I began to ponder why a person would not want to seek out further truth in their life.

I began to realize that for so many, their faith is their foundation, and any challenge to their foundation, if weak, can make them feel unstable and vulnerable.

They immediately want to support their foundation in fear that it might collapse. I don't mean to say that this is done consciously, but surely subconsciously.

I have a little different approach on such an idea.

I enjoy being challenged on issues of my faith, as long as it is done respectfully, not as an attack.

By not means am I an astute apologist for the faith, but each challenge makes me dig a little deeper into the truths of my faith and my belief system.

Often the challenge is the motivator for additional research and study. And guess what, I always come out with a greater understanding of God, my faith, and my religion.

I have never been disappointed. But I must say, sometimes my belief is drastically altered.... and adjusted.

But what about those poor souls who duck all challenges to their faith. I am sorry to say that they will find it very difficult to grow in their faith, their understanding of God, and of themselves.

When an aspect of your foundation is challenged, and a enhanced, or even somewhat different understanding is acquired, it changes at least in some aspect your whole being.

For a Christian, their beliefs are at the core of how they see life. Any change to the core, and everything is seen differently.

I think this process is exciting, at times somewhat frightening, but no doubt a part of God's divine plan for us.

I am sure that I am not at this moment exactly where God wants me to be for the rest of my life, especially in regard to spirituality. I am such a neophyte, a beginner.

I have such a love for this person, Christ, but in the big picture, I know him so very little. I can feel him ever so close in my life, but there is so much more to learn, to experience, to understand.

I accept all challenges as blessings, because the truth lies within My God, not my current understanding.

I am a disciple of Christ, who is the truth, the way, and the life........

A Message from Ann, the Lay Apostle

On the first of every month,

Our Lord gives Anne a new message about His call to service.

September 1, 2009

Jesus: Dear apostles, I remind you to ask heaven for the graces you require. In order to work in My plan, united to My will, you must be in the habit of asking for all that you need.

This constant petitioning for help in your service creates in you an awareness of the unity within which you serve. In this way, you will begin to understand that nothing can be attributed to you except your willingness to serve.

You will receive the graces you require, of course, and with these graces will come humility because you will acquire an understanding of the relationship between your requests and heaven’s answers.

If heaven is supplying you with all that you need to complete the tasks heaven has assigned to you, then you cannot take credit for what is being accomplished.

You may say that you are already doing this. I respond that I want you to increase both your dependence on heaven and your awareness of your dependence on heaven.

Each day, every day, ask heaven for help throughout the day.

My beloved apostles, I am preparing you for a new time which will bring you joy because you will serve peacefully in complete trust.

Why would a child fret when his Father sees to his every need?

Truly, you are united to heaven. I seek only to instill in you a greater awareness of your unity.

I, your Jesus, call on you for dedication and sacrifice, it is true, but not without cause and not without benefit. See to My interests in your day, please. In turn, I will protect your intentions. Spread joy and goodness. Spread unity and peace. Spread trust in God who will never abandon His children.

The Attacks are Coming!

It didn't take long for a person to attempt to rip apart my future plans to move my family to a catholic community.

Click here to read their attack.

The devil will use everything he has to attempt to stunt our family's spiritual growth.

However, We have the weapon to ward off any and all spiritual attacks the evil one can throw at us, The Sacraments!

If we aren't being attacked I get a little nervous. Being attacked means that we must being doing something that the devil dislikes.

The devil is very tricky. He studies you and looks for your weakness and will spare no time trying to distract you, wound you, and direct you away from holiness.

A good catholic uses these opportunities to frequent the Sacraments, increase prayer, and increase acts of charity.

A good attack can always fuel exceptional growth and closeness with God.

God: Thank you for the opportunity to defend my faith, my spiritual choices, and endure the challenge all for you, your love, and to fulfill your desire that I parent my children well and teach by example.

The Man in the hole!

Message From Heaven

On the first of every month, Our Lord gives Anne a new message about His call to service.

August 1, 2009

Jesus: Dearest apostles, I thank you for your efforts for Me. Do you see the fruit of your labours? Perhaps not. Perhaps you continue serving, living out your commitments with no understanding of how I bless the world through your service.

I hear your sighs. I am with you in your uncertainty. In humanity, there is always uncertainty. In humanity, there is always doubt. There also comes fear and each human will experience heaviness in his heart some day. None of these things should persuade you that you are serving in vain. None of these things should distract you from a zealous representation of the gospel message.

You see, the message is so much bigger than each of you. And yet, each of you is necessary. The gospel truth pushes itself into a world that craves truth, even while it rejects truth. You, beloved apostle, are part of that push. You will feel the strain in your body and soul. You will feel the sacrifice. If you did not feel any such strain or sacrifice, there would be cause for concern because living and spreading the gospel is work. When you feel tired, remember that I also felt tired. Never separate your sufferings from My sufferings and you will be at peace, even as you carry your share of the cross for this time.

I am with you, loving and sustaining you. I am ever watchful. When you need Me in a special way, you shall have Me, with every grace required. Do not be afraid of anything. Your Jesus will never abandon you.