Schoenstatt Family England

FamilyWeek Holiday & Pilgrimage 2012

Fr. Bryan Cunningham — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:46:57 +0000

FamilyWeek Holiday & Pilgrimage in Haus Marienau, Schoenstatt Germany from 4th August -11th August 2012 – inclusive. This year we will visit Schoenstatt 100 years after Fr. Kentenich became the Spiritual Director of the students in the Junior Seminary in Schoenstatt. He was to find himself with a job for life – he was called to be a prophetic educator for many, leading them in the Covenant of Love to the Heart of Mary and her beloved Son, Jesus. Later on he was to say that the appointment in the Seminary 1912 was not just a job for a young priest but the discovery of his life’s vocation. The modern world demands a new approach for young people to find God in their life. Fr. Kentenich wanted to help people find their way and put their trust in God and in response to His Love for them they would bear witness to Christ in the unspoken example of their lives, in the words of encouragement and challenge they say to others searching for God and in the unstinting service to others, helping to build God’s Kingdom.(To download the Poster click here.)

Contact Konrad & Ann Ostmeier

e-mail: Konrad Ostmeier 1@aol.com>

A and K Ostmeier 12, Thorncliffe Ave., Royton OL2 5RZ

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A Love Story

Fr Duncan McVicar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:38:33 +0000

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord’s presence with me. He asked me, “Do you love me?” I answered, “Of course, Lord! You are my Lord and Saviour!” Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?” I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t; be able to do, the things that I took for granted. And I answered, “It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You.” Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you still love my creation?” How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, “Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you.” The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?” How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God’s Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, “It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word.” The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?” How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, “Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.” And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?” With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!” I thought I had answered well, but God asked, “THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?” I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.” “THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?” No answers. Only tears. “Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?” I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give. “You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all.” DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?” I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? My heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.” The Lord answered, ” That is My Grace, My child.” I asked, ” Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?” The Lord answered, “Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever.” Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? Then I asked God, “How much do You love me?” The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

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Into My Vineyard February 2012

Fr. Bryan Cunningham — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:38:29 +0000

Meeting of the Schoenstatt Family

Welcome to our ‘Into My Vineyard Meeting’. This year we focus on the Shrine as a place of being in God’s presence, a place of grace and spiritual growth, a place for the New Evangelisation spoken of by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. We want to reach out to welcome new people. To download invite click here

We will change the dates and format of our Covenant Mass each month. A new initiative of Parish Shrine days extends an invitation to ten Parishes in Salford Diocese to spend a day at the Shrine. For this we need a new apostolic team to run the days. Our Taste and See Mass continues to invite especially young families to our Sunday Family Mass. This year we receive in the month of May/June a unique copy of the Pilgrim Mother Shrine from John Possabon which has been journeying in Europe and will be crowned as Mary Queen of the New Evangelisation in September 8th 2012. The Mosaic Prayer Garden is taking shape - we look forward for an update in this gift to Our Lady for the year 2014. There will be time for the Branches to meet during the meeting to discuss and plan their programme for the year. To download overview of programme towards 2014 click here

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Taste and See Family Mass February 2012

Fr. Bryan Cunningham — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:51:19 +0000

Welcome to our Taste and See Mass in February. Our Mass in on Sunday 12th February at 3.30pm followed by a shared meal. All are welcome. This year we celebrate a Year of the Shrine. In faith we say: God is here in the Shrine. God is near and God needs us. Our home is a secure place in which we want our family to experience God’s presence. Not distant nor estranged our God is near to us and knows the beating of our heart and the sound of our breathing. He is near to us because he loves us. He needs us. Our children know of God’s love because they experience the love and care of their parents. His choice is to become dependent on us – that is why he invites us to join in his plan of love. Anchored in the heart of God we have the courage and confidence to reach out to many. To download Poster click here

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A 17th Century Nun’s Prayer

Fr Duncan McVicar — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:00:19 +0000

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself, that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessing cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint – some of them are so hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen.

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A Tandem Ride With God

Fr Duncan McVicar — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:18:33 +0000

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a distant ruler. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn’t really know Him. But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like being on a bicycle, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn’t know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!” I was worried and anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared”, He’d lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord’s and mine. And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it, but He knows all the “bike secrets”, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He just smiles and says… “Pedal.”

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Footprints in the Sand

Fr Duncan McVicar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:00:55 +0000

This is the true story behind the famous poem. Margaret’s boyfriend Paul proposed. While happy, she was hesitant. She and her boyfriend seemed so different. They decided to take a little walk along the beach to discuss marriage and its importance. When they reached the far end of the beach and were about to begin their return journey, Margaret glanced down and noticed that their footprints had washed out to the sea. Turning to Paul she said, ” Well, if our married life is to be like this, we don’t stand much of a chance.” Paul replied, “When things are tough for me, you will help me – and when things are tough for you, I’ll help you.” They continued walking, until Margaret glanced down again and saw that only one set of footprints had washed out to sea. Again, Margaret suggested that their life together didn’t appear to have much of a future. This time Paul responded by gently lifting her up in his arms and carrying her along the beach. Finally, he set her down and said, “Margaret, I want to impress upon you that when life is so bad that we can’t seem to help each other, God will carry us.” Then, pointing to the single set of footprints the two of them had just created, Paul added, “If you just looked at the set of tracks we just made, you couldn’t tell that I carried you – but I did.” Margaret found his words and the thoughts behind them very beautiful. that night she couldn’t sleep, so she got up and wrote these words; One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed You most You would leave me.” The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” This beautiful piece, printed time and time again, has a love story all it’s own. She called the piece “Footprints” Today, “Footprints” is one of the most widely distributed inspirational pieces in existence. It can be found on plaques, cards and jewelry. Its power lies in its message – the message of the greatest love of all. And yes they did marry. Love – is an eternal source – Let the Good Lord carry you!

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The Prayers of a Mum

Fr Duncan McVicar — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:00:01 +0000

Sometimes I sit and look back on my life, I remember the pain and remember the strife, I didn’t know what I was looking for, until I heard Jesus knock at my door. He asked to come in, but I kept saying no, I closed the door to my heart and he said “I’ll never go, I’ll keep on knocking until you ask me in.” But I chose to stay in my life of sin. I thought that I had the game of life already won! I had money in my pockets and carried a gun. The life of a gangster is what I had chose, Selling drugs to buy new clothes, driving new cars and going to shows. This is what I thought life was about, never had a worry, never a doubt, but mum kept on saying that I was missing the truth. She said “I always pray for you and the youth, material things in the world are not all bad, but without God in your life, your heart will remain sad!” I listened really close and I knew deep inside she was right, my happiness was a front, cause I felt lonely and sad at night. My mum said, “God can take all your pain away,” but I again chose an alternative way. Alcohol and drugs were my choice this time, all my pain and thoughts were gone for good, out of my mind, but then again, that was just for a season, the day came when I really had nothing, no money, no cars, no home, and for what reason? The drugs and the alcohol took over my life and when I didn’t have them, again, came pain and strife. All this time my mother did pray, and life got harder for me each and every day! I was tired of life at that moment in time, I had nothing except, pain in my heart and a very lost mind. The time had come when I wanted to die, but all I could do was just sit there and cry. All I remember was what my mum kept on saying that, Jesus loved me, and she’ll continue praying. I looked at the door to my heart, and started debating, could Jesus still be there, could he really be waiting. I started to cry and fell to my knees, I shouted out loud, “God! Help me please!” I opened the door and Jesus was still standing there, with fire in his eyes and a bright blinding glow to his hair. Then he spoke one more time and said to me again, “I love you my son, will you please let me in?” I asked him into my heart that day, and at that moment, he took all the pain in my life away. I fell at his feet and started to cry. ”Thank you Lord,” I gave him my gun and he gave me a sword, He said, “These are the words I have spoken to you, go forward in life and may your life be a new!” From that day forward I sang a new song. “Thank you my Lord for the Prayers of a Mum!”

[A true life Testimony]

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The Special Tablecloth

Fr Duncan McVicar — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:00:45 +0000

This makes you understand that things happen for a reason. The newly-ordained pries arrived in early October. When he saw his new church, it was very run down and needed a lot of work. He set a goal to have everything done in time to have the first Mass on Christmas Eve. On December 19th, a terrible tempest – a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit. He cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve Mass, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he went in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory coloured, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colours and a Cross embroidered right in the centre. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus… She missed it. The priest invited her to wait in church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the priest while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The priest could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the centre aisle. Her face was like a sheet. ‘Father,’ she asked, ‘where did you get that tablecloth?’ The priest explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again. The priest wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the priest keep it for the church. The priest insisted on driving her home that was the least he could do. What a wonderful Holy Mass they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the Mass, the priest greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the priest recognized from the neighbourhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the priest wondered why he wasn’t leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike. He told the priest how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between. The priest asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to the same house where the priest had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman’s apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine! (True Story – submitted by Father Reid)

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It’s Only Fifty Pence

Fr Duncan McVicar — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:20:15 +0000

Several years ago a priest moved to Bolton to a new Parish. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the bus from his home to the city area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him fifty pence too much in change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the fifty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, “Oh, forget it, it’s only fifty pence after all. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.” When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the fifty pence piece to the driver and said, “Here, you gave me too much change.” The driver with a smile, replied, “Aren’t you the new Parish Priest that arrived recently? I have been thinking lately about going to Mass at your Church. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.” When the priest stepped off the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest lamp pole, and held on tightly, and said to himself, “O God, I almost sold your Son for fifty pence!”

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