You should be receiving your newsletter in the mail.  My thanks to Leah and Carole who helped fold, tape, label, and stamp.  It was a much bigger project this time because our group has grown so much in the past 6 months.  These ladies were a much needed help!

            When you finish reading your newsletter, please take a couple of minutes to email or phone me with your comments.  The only way we know if there is any benefit is if you tell us.  My grateful thanks to those who helped write it this time.

            It was a real pleasure to speak to the Mercy Associates in Independence.  It gave me a chance to remember the wonderful religious sisters of the RSM in Cedar Rapids, IA many of whom were my college professors.  They had a much greater influence on my adult life than I ever expected.  I have always been grateful for the opportunity to know them.  It was nice to feel as if I were giving something back to them for all they have done for me.  Please keep in prayer our own personal little sister of mercy, Sister Mary Jo Kennedy, RSM as she recovers from her recent illness and eye surgery.

            This morning I discovered another patron saint to help those of us who pray for prodigal Catholics.  A priest on the radio (don’t remember his name) was talking about today being the feast of St. Mary Magdalene.  He said because she stayed at the tomb weeping and wanting to see the Lord, instead of running away when seeing the body of Jesus was not there, she became the first to meet the risen Christ.  Had she run away, too, she would not have been where Christ was coming by.  Father suggested she is a wonderful example of perseverance. 

            Of course, my spirit soared when I heard that.  What a biggie for us!  Perseverance!  We have to hang in there, no matter how terrible and hopeless the situation may appear. Let us say to one another, often, “Don’t give up!”  Tears may well up, but KEEP ON PRAYING!  Hope and Love are on the way.  The Lord is coming into our situation!  Wait for Him.

            The mercy of God is a theme that continues to thread its way through the people I meet, the places I visit, and the talks I listen to.  It is in the forefront again, and I would like to ask for your collective wisdom today.  A friend said to me last night, “My grown children are always telling me what is wrong with the Catholic Church—they say some terrible things.  I keep praying for their hearts to be softened and their eyes to be opened.  But, I wonder, is it really possible that God will be merciful to them after all the things they say and do?”  She and I talked a long time about this.  As I thought about our conversation this morning, I would like to ask the members of this group, many of whom have dealt with the same thing:  How would you answer her?

            I’m also asking your patience.  The Marian Mantle office will be closed for the next two weeks. However, if you need to talk to me, I can still be reached at 913-526-8977.  Just leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I can.  If you placed an order, there will be some delay in mailing materials.  Again, in an emergency, call me.       

Peace,

And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.  The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be still." 

The LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.  Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go on dry ground through the sea. “                  ~Exodus 14

Tuesday, July 26, is the Memorial of the Blessed Mothers Parents, Saints Joachim and Anne.  Let us ask them to pray for our children and guide them back to their Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of us all.

St. Anne, Grandmother of Jesus, St Joachim, Grandfather of Jesus, pray for us and for our children and those we love.  Just as grandparents never see a child’s dirty face, they only see the love shining in a child’s eyes, when God looks through His Mercy at us and at our prodigal loved ones may He see the same thing.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.