Mary has requested that the daily message be given each day to the world. It is read nightly at the prayer service from her Image Building in Clearwater, Florida, U.S.A. This is according to her request. All attempts will be made to publish this daily message to the world at 11 p.m. Eastern time, U.S.A. We acknowledge that the final authority regarding these messages rests with the Holy See of Rome.

October 23, 2000

A Prayer for Intimacy with the Lamb, the Bridegroom of the Soul

Oh Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, come and act on my soul most intimately. I surrender myself, as I ask for the grace to let go, to just be as I exist in You and You act most intimately on my soul. You are the Initiator. I am the soul waiting Your favors as You act in me. I love You. I adore You. I worship You. Come and possess my soul with Your Divine Grace, as I experience You most intimately.

Messenger: Include Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in 6:20 prayers.

Messenger: Please pray for 3 urgent intentions!

Messenger: Please pray for the healing of Father Carter through the intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater.

A Rosary for Healing or for Someone with Cancer.

On one Hail Mary bead or as many as you desire, say: (this is given for Fr. Carter, you can replace your loved one's name).

May God heal Fr. Carter through the intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater in union with the Mass and all the Masses being celebrated around the world.

Pray the Hail Mary or Hail Mary's then pray this after the Hail Mary.

May the cancer be uprooted and thrown into the sea.

We believe with all our hearts.

After the Glory Be— pray the following petition.

May Fr. Carter be healed through the intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater if it be the holy will of God.

Note: You can look at Mary on the image rosary while you pray this rosary.

Messenger: CAN YOU HELP US BY GIVING US ROSARIES FOR THE SCHOOLS REQUESTING THEM?

Mary speaks: PLEASE MAKE WALTER'S ROSARIES. THE SCHOOLS WANT ROSARIES AND THERE ARE NOT ANY ROSARIES LEFT.

Messenger: There was a house and a big room beneath it with an entry to the outside. A woman afraid of security on the downstairs entry never ventured into the area so the big space was wasted. She felt secure in the small area upper house and never went to the area beneath.

After being cramped in the area above one day, she implored her friends to go beneath with her and to her amazement when she opened the doors of the area beneath her living quarters she saw the large, spacious unused area below.

She had wanted to remain in the area she was familiar with and not venture out into a new space, but her toes were cramped and her house bulged at the seams.

How foolish, you say, to not want to open a door and descend a stairway when it even belonged to her.

She was set with the familiar and her fear kept her stuck.

When going below to the new room she saw the spacious gift of a new place. She just needed to go beyond her fear and proceed outward.

Our life is a spiritual journey, if every time we have fear or experience pain we stay stuck, we will not explore the opening that can lead us into deeper insight into the mystery of God. It is more difficult for a man to stay locked in a room and grow. A plant has trouble spreading its roots in a little pot.

To grow in the spiritual life we must be willing to explore the unknown. The doors we open on the way will be ones in which we carry the cross with Jesus.

I think of John Chapter 5: 1-9:

John 5: 1-9

The cure of a sick man at the Pool of Bethesda

After this there was a Jewish festival, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now in Jerusalem next to the Sheep Pool there is a pool called Bethesda in Hebrew, which has five porticos; and under these were crowds of sick people, blind, lame, paralysed. One man there had an illness which had lasted thirty–eight years, and when Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had been in that condition for a long time, he said, ‘Do you want to be well again?’ ‘Sir,’ replied the sick man, ‘I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is disturbed; and while I am still on the way, someone else gets down there before me.’ Jesus said, ‘Get up, pick up your sleeping–mat and walk around.’ The man was cured at once, and he picked up his mat and started to walk around.

Messenger: There are the blind and lame and crippled outside the sheep gate.

John 5: 8

Jesus said, ‘Get up, pick up your sleeping–mat and walk around.’

Messenger: All the sick were laying around the sheep gate.

We are laying around the gate that takes us into His Sacred Heart, but it involves pain and suffering, we have to pick up our cross and enter in. We have to follow Him.

It is the will of the Father we endure suffering. If we think like the world that we aren't supposed to suffer and keep looking for pain pills and candy and pleasures to ease our pain we will be like the sick and the lame that hovered around the sheep gate.

I do not know about sheep gates, etc. I only know that all men need the Sacred Heart of Jesus and we must go through that gate.

From the litany of the Virgin Mary:

"Gate of heaven".

From the litany of the Sacred Heart:

"Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven".

The Hearts of Jesus and Mary are our little heaven on earth. We must not be afraid to go there. We must model ourselves after them.

October 23, 2000 - Second Message

Messenger: It is acceptable to talk about painted nails and clothes and spas and sports stars and stadiums.

Oh, people get so excited about sports and sports stars. People will do so much to see a movie star at a restaurant or on a golf course.

Oh, Jesus, you are truly present in your Divinity and Humanity in the Eucharist and I see so few speaking about that.

Oh, Jesus, I live to help souls get to heaven and I thirst to get there myself.

Oh, Jesus, I talked to a friend tonight who said there are so many channels on the television that focus on only worldly matters.

Oh, Jesus, I ache inside. I love you so much.

One Blue Book given out can lead a soul to the Mass, one Blue Book can lead a soul to the tabernacle.

Oh, Jesus, help us do this. Oh, my brothers—

Can you help us? Think of what one Blue Book message has done for you. We need funds to print Blue Books. We all need to help distribute these books and the Mary image pictures.

Look at the gift God has given us with Mary's image on the building. Mary has asked us to spread the pictures. Look at all the  money people spend. We can get so many pictures printed with little money.

Everyone should be helping distribute the Mary image pictures.

We need to realize that great gifts will be granted from God when we pray the prayers in the red prayer manual for the Church and the world and when we distribute the image pictures. We need to encourage people to look at Mary and pray through her powerful intercession.

Please help us. In this troubled world, don't you see Mary is really appearing on the building and see what a gift it is? We must tell the world and tell them to pray through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater.

God, please help us to circulate the pictures and books and please give us funds to do so.

PLEASE help us.

We have so many orders for school rosaries, it is wonderful, but we need supplies. Please help us. Please, we need rosaries and rosary makers. Help the children of America.

Messenger: We include some witness letters from servants, handmaids, and apostles in the Movement.

Witness Letters

Margaret Mary R.

How has being a member of Shepherds of Christ changed my life?

I have always loved God my whole life. My mom was a convert to Catholicism when she was in her early teens. She taught me the love of God and neighbor and her closeness to Mary our Mother.

During my adult life I was very active in the Church. I was a religion teacher, Eucharistic minister, member of various church committees and groups. I even trained to become a Third Order Franciscan, but there was always something missing. There was always this void and ache in my heart which I couldn't identify.

My children started migrating to the Ohio area in the late 70's. I would visit them and a seed was planted in my heart telling me that maybe one day I would also live out there. In the early 90's I finally moved to Ohio. As I would visit my daughter who lived in Norwood, I would pass this huge building, which looked like it was boarded up, and I would feel a closeness to it. I didn't know at that time that it was Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center. Each time I passed it, it felt like a hand was beckoning me to come.

After a visit back to New Jersey to see my mom, I was awakened one Sunday and in my heart I knew very strongly that I was to go to this building. I drove up to the Catholic Church next door and watched the people going in the side entrance to this building. I went in. I walked down the hall and saw the big doors that led into the Holy Rosary Chapel. I went in, I exclaimed, "My Lord, I have come home!"

From this former Seminary building, now named Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, (The Blessed Mother calls it her house) many men became priests and dedicated their lives to God. Now after being in disrepair for many years there was a rebirth occurring.

It was here at this beautiful oasis of Our Lady that I became part of the Shepherds of Christ Movement. It was there that this Movement was born. I found myself readily joining and attending the prayer meetings. They were led by a lovely lady, who was God's messenger and through whom Jesus gave wonderful love letters to teach us all how to live.

Through these beautiful letters, which have now become Blue Books and are published through the ministries and readily available, the longing in my heart and soul was filled. I started to learn how to relate to my God and to my fellow human beings. I learned how to love unconditionally as Our Lord has taught us. It was as if a giant window opened and the lovely warm fresh air come flowing in and engulfed me. I now realize that the guidance of the Holy Spirit was at work in a major way.

Even though I have come a long way in my journey of life, I realize I have a long way to go. But through the grace of God and my simple "yes", I will completely find the way to my God.

I realized that we need a life of prayer. The more we pray, the more grace is given and the more joy we experience in praying.

God has taught me that the most important thing in life is love of God and neighbor. This love extends to our praying incessantly for the souls here on earth and those waiting in Purgatory and to our helping to make reparation for the sins of the world.

I now have so much joy in my heart, even amongst the suffering and trials that come along. We, too, must carry our cross to Calvary to be able to spend eternity with our beloved God.

My life is more peaceful now and lived in a simpler way. I no longer crave earthly possessions but the gifts of the Father.

Sue H.

How has being a member of Shepherds of Christ changed my life?

It seems that I have been searching for a good part of my adult life for a fulfillment I didn't know existed. I guess I always thought that raising my five children and providing a good home for them and my husband was where I was supposed to be.

A friend came back from Medjugorje in 1988 and told me that Our Lady requested that we pray the rosary everyday. And so this is where it all started. I started praying the rosary daily and my life started to change. It was as though from that point Our Lord was leading me on a journey-- prayer groups, St. Louis de Montfort consecration, more prayer groups, grasping for any knowledge I could.

Then in August of 1994 I was led to Falmouth, Kentucky, for Our Lady's apparitions after finding out Our Lady was no longer appearing in Conyers monthly. I continued to visit Our Lady's farm on the 8th's for the next 11 months, the last being Oct. 8, 1995. I remember saying monthly that I felt as if I was being prepared for something but didn't know what. If I'm to be honest, I would have to say that I felt somewhat guilty always praying to Mary and not feeling a deeper relationship with God. I knew she took our prayers to her Son, Jesus, but I felt an emptiness that wasn't being fulfilled.

Then on June 8th, 1995, we went to the Holy Spirit Center after the Falmouth apparition and Rita came up to us and asked us if we would like to pray the rosary with her. We declined because of the long and hot day and returned home. We then went down to the Holy Spirit Center for the Miracle of the lights on Aug. 31st, 1995. The next day we stopped at the Center again and Rita again asked us to say the rosary with her. And so we did this time. It was truly beautiful (Sept. 1, 1995). In June when we met with Rita she gave me a Blue Book. I honestly didn't open it right away because I had so much other material to read. My sister-in-law said that I really should open it. I did.

This was what would finally fulfill my longing. This is what I had been looking for, a relationship with my Lord. I learned so much through these Blue Books. I started to talk to Rita weekly and started to learn more and more. I then began writing up rosaries for her and continued the learning. I learned of Our Lord's great love and how He is always with us. I learned of His presence in the Eucharist, something I always knew but it never really sank in. My life changed dramatically and I had this craving more and more to be with Jesus in front of the tabernacle. I attended the 13th's at Tom's Farm and the Holy Spirit Center and couldn't wait until the following month.

Sometimes I feel I'll explode if I can't say what I know and I feel. But it also brings such sadness to know of His great love and not have the whole world be able to experience it.

This is why I feel Our Lord is teaching us to pray. It does help to know we are helping to save souls and it helps me to deal with the lack of faith that surrounds me in today's world.

When He gives me a gift or grace and my heart feels so full of love I never want to leave the tabernacle.

God has so graced my soul to have allowed me to become a Shepherd of Christ apostle leader, for I have done nothing to earn this gift. And yet He allows me to love and know so many wonderful people in the Movement.

I accept this gift and pray that I will spend the rest of my life doing the Father's will and dwelling in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Melanie Mary N.

 
What has the Shepherds of Christ done for my life?

How do you put into words God's Grace? How do you express His Almighty Love and Goodness? How do you write about things that are not tangible?

Through the Shepherds of Christ Ministries I have learned to KNOW, LOVE and SERVE Him, my God.

I remember as a child in grade school learning the catechism. The dear sisters would say, "You must know, love and serve God to be happy with Him in Heaven." I loved learning about Him!

The Blue Books and writing to Jesus daily is such a gift. I have learned personally about my Jesus, my spiritual Spouse. To really know Him is certainly to love Him and all mankind. Because I know and love Him so, I want to serve Him every minute of the day. In doing so, I pray, offer up daily duty, love and serve others, strive to be a good wife and mother and an apostle.

I want to identify with His Passion, and He allows me to experience His sufferings and His Mother's sufferings. To identify is to know.
I want to help in the salvation of souls. Not just one, but millions. I desire souls to love Him as I do and more, because He deserves to be loved so.

I have continued my catechism classes, when I thought 12^th grade was the end. There is a knowledge that I know that I am not worthy of or deserving of. He has touched me and I have responded to His call. I pray I will only do His Will.

Thank You God, for choosing this little, tiny soul for Your very special service in the Shepherds of Christ Ministries.

Lord, I am not worthy, but only say the word and my soul will want to say, "Yes".

He has graced me throughout my life, but now more than ever. As a Married Couple and Leader Apostles, He has taken our life and expanded it so greatly that I cannot express all of this in words. It is certainly a privilege to be working side by side with the Almighty.

He has blessed us a hundred fold, my family and myself. We are more loving and forgiving of one another's imperfections. God has given us one another to serve Him together. I can never give back to Him what He has given to us, but we can try to give as much as we can.

Thank You Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for allowing me to be with You in the Shepherds of Christ Ministries.

I love You, Mary, and the Shepherds of Christ Movement very much.

Daniel N.

What has the Shepherds of Christ done for my life?

In Luke 24:13-35 we are given the beautiful account of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. It was evident that they "knew" of Jesus, but they were unable to recognize Him when He joined them on their journey. As they walked, Jesus interpreted all the scriptures concerning Himself. Upon arriving near the village they begged Him to stay. Jesus complied with their request. At table, Jesus blessed and broke the bread and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they "recognized" Him. Jesus immediately vanished from their site and they hurriedly returned to Jerusalem to tell the Apostles what had happened.

I see myself as one of those disciples on my journey to the Kingdom. I "know" Jesus, but do not always recognize Him. Through my involvement in the Shepherds of Christ Ministries, Jesus joins me on my journey. As we walk, Jesus teaches me about Himself through the Priestly Newsletter, the Blue Books, the Daily Messages and all of the various publications of the ministry. When I receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, I recognize His presence in me and I in Him. Thank You, Jesus, for opening my eyes and allowing me to come closer to You.

I realize my relationship with Jesus is not a one way street. I must respond to His love for me and be willing to serve Him. My connection with the Shepherds of Christ allows me to serve in a most special way. Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Prayer Manual prayers and the Holy Spirit Novena, spreading devotion to His Sacred Heart and complying with Mary's request at Fatima, enable me to demonstrate my love for the Most Blessed Trinity. In a marvelous way, the more willing I am to serve Jesus, the closer I come to Him through increased knowledge and love.

I want to thank all of the Shepherds of Christ Associates whom I have come to know since joining the ministry in 1996. The love and concern for one another is truly Christ-like. Finally, I want to thank my wife Melanie for leading me into the Movement.   Our love for Jesus and each other has grown immensely. Praise Jesus!

Ellen S.

Looking back on my life, I see how our Blessed Lord has been preparing me for Shepherds of Christ. My childhood revolved around prayer and involvement in Church activities. I am eternally grateful for the influence of my parents who taught me to love the Mass, and to respect priests and religious. My father would not tolerate prejudice of any kind, setting the background for the career I would have serving abroad in many countries.

When I retired and returned home I wondered what I would do, as I looked immediately for a Charismatic Prayer Group, studied the Bible and attended daily Mass. I decided to continue working as a secretary, but something kept gnawing at me that there was more. One evening at a Baptism of the Spirit Seminar I was participating in, I met Rita and her son. I was taken with this young boy as I prayed with him and smiled at his mother, inviting them to come to our prayer group.

One day I arrived at work and went immediately to my computer to write a resignation letter. I had not thought of this at all and when I read it, I smiled and thanked the Holy Spirit because it was a most loving note. My boss was taken back in unbelief but was convinced I was serious. That weekend I had a knock on my door and "enter Rita." She said, "I receive letters from Jesus and wondered if you would type for me. I’ll bring over my computer." I said I would be glad to (not even a blink of the eye or questioning her receiving letters from Jesus!) This began our friendship and my privilege for the next seven years as together we recorded love letters from Jesus and Mary and from the Father. The Blue Books were born.

I could write volumes about my experiences, but will share one: I had a large Sacred Heart of Jesus picture before me as I worked and from day one as I began I heard, "I bless the work of your hands." and knew it was from Him because my hands would fly across the keys and I knew He was doing the work for me. Every message I typed went straight to my heart. I began to attend Mass and daily adoration with a love I never thought was possible. I now know Him as my personal friend and constant companion. I love Him with my whole soul and my whole being. From the very first rosary I attended with Rita and the founder, I knew, believed and can witness to the love that exists in Shepherds of Christ.

Presently I am living in Clearwater, Florida, working as a volunteer at Mary’s Image Site along with the handmaids, servants and apostles our Lord has chosen to be here. I am amazed how our Movement has spread world wide. I love greeting people from all over the world and listening to their testimonies, especially the many who come to tell us how Shepherds of Christ has changed their lives.

Thank you, Lord, thank you, Father, and thank you, Mary, our Mother who blesses us each day. Amen.

Sheila L.

Shepherds of Christ - it's hard to express in words what you know in your heart regarding the tremendous effect Shepherds of Christ has had on one's life. Where does one begin? As I look back on my life with Shepherds of Christ the miracles begin to visualize in my mind. I see myself back in the fall of 1994, when Rita first asked me to come to the Tuesday Shepherds of Christ meetings and bring my family. I was shy and not brave enough to step out, but gradually Jesus began to work in me and I have stepped out more and more and have become bolder and bolder as a soldier for Christ.

God was definitely preparing me all of my life for my involvement with the Shepherds of Christ. I can see how God has fulfilled many of my prayers, hopes and dreams through the Shepherds of Christ Movement. I remember as a child being able to go to Mass every day and I loved it. Little did I know that this love would blossom into a deeper love and understanding of the tremendous power of the Mass. I have learned to live my whole day and night no matter what I'm doing as a prayer, lifting it all up to the Father, with and through the Son and in the Holy Spirit, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass going on ALL over the world to help with the salvation of souls!!! WOW!!! Shepherds of Christ has immensely affected my prayer life, especially offering up my life for those souls on the edge of death. Before Shepherds of Christ, I didn't know how we could share in a major way to help save souls.

I remember when I got older, I always wished that I could talk to Jesus for just one hour so He could help me through my trials. Here again God has fulfilled another prayer beyond my wildest dreams through my learning to spend one hour with Jesus before the tabernacle, especially after receiving Him in Holy Communion. Yes, it is there that Jesus has helped me through many, many trials and just filled me with His LOVE.

Again God fulfills my prayers and hopes and dreams beyond all telling with God's Blue Books and Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. They have been my daily weapons in the fight against Satan. Whenever confronted with daily battles, a message from God's Blue Book always comes to mind, especially my favorite, February 17, 1994:

Jesus speaks: Store up your moments as part of eternity. Every moment here is part of your pass to My kingdom. How are you living this moment? Is it used to give service to Me and preach My gospel? Are you making all your moments count towards your eternity? Each moment is but a breath and it is gone. Did you use the moment I gave you to do My work? This time is not yours. I can snatch your moments away in one breath. It matters, My children, only as you choose to serve Me and spread My love!

That is so powerful!!! It takes your breath away. And then there is the Rosary Book, Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. I can't describe in words my love for these rosaries. I can only quote again from one of my favorite and powerful rosaries, July 11, 1995:

Jesus speaks: Know that, as you go through each day, as you suffer all through the day with different trials, different obstacles that are put in your path, I am with you as you struggle... I allow you to suffer many sufferings, for you are being strengthened... I am sending you into the world as My special apostles of love.

These two books are always there to guide, comfort and lift me up. I can see more and more the peace, unity and oneness that God is wanting for all of us.

Lastly, Shepherds of Christ has fostered a bond of love between myself and my husband, Steve, that words can't express. We have come to realize the power of praying as a couple and being able to go to Mass in the morning together. I can see more and more the close connection between our spousal union in marriage and my spousal union with Jesus, the Bridegroom of my soul. We have been very blessed with our two children who are also involved with Shepherds of Christ, Emily as a handmaid and Nick as Junior Shepherds of Christ Coordinator.

God is so good and has blessed us with one of the greatest gifts that He could give us -- The Shepherds of Christ Movement!!!

Margaret C.

How Shepherds of Christ Has Changed My Life

In midsummer of 1996, after receiving some material from a friend, I asked people to help form a Shepherds of Christ prayer chapter. I requested and obtained our Pastor's permission to expose the Blessed Sacrament nightly for our prayer gatherings. I also began making monthly pilgrimages to China, Indiana, for the special prayer service on the 13th of each month and a bit later, for the three-day retreats with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

The teachings, prayers, love letters, and way of life given to us by Jesus through His Shepherds of Christ Movement helped me realize that I held erroneous views about my faith and God's ways. I recognized too, that I had developed several unChrist-like habits. As ridiculous as it sounds now, the discovery that I could not make myself holy by hard work and perseverance, was quite an insight. But these disconcerting conclusions were accompanied by the refreshing realization that I was made to be totally dependent upon my Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier, and Heavenly Mother for all things -- including my sanctification. I came to understand that I needed an increased dependency:

On God the Father for His mercy, grace and the manifestation of His will for me,

On Jesus for His example, word, Sacrifice of the Mass, Sacraments, and Shepherds of Christ teachings,

On the Holy Spirit for His gifts and transforming action,

On Mary, my Mother for her protection, modeling and intercession.

The fact that all these gifts are free for my taking, will never cease to amaze me.

The pace with which self dies and gives way to Christ would be discouraging if it were not for the infinite, unconditional love and patience Jesus has for each soul, the explicit guidance He provides us on how to become more like Himself, and His generous promises. Jesus' love, expressed most vividly for me in His Incarnation, Passion, death, Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, provides the impetus I need to forever plead and beg for God's transforming action in me.

The stations and the rosary prayed as Jesus and Mary request, have made Their lives so real and made me increasingly aware that Their lives were always shaped by love for God the Father, for each Other, and for souls. I often now place myself at the scene of the mystery or station, and find myself asking questions, seeking counsel, expressing gratitude, or making a request or Act of Contrition. I have come to recognize that the slightest lack of love between my brother and myself is offensive to God and my Mother and that it distances me from Them. I have come to equate the lives of Jesus and Mary with a never-ending "fiat" -- some prayed tearfully, some joyfully, but all said unconditionally. This unending and uninterrupted fiat has become a source of great inspiration. While I believe it is rarely if ever attained in this life, I know that Jesus has set this as a goal for the members of His Movement. Stations, rosary and the messages from Jesus and Mary have also convinced me that working as a co-redeemer with Jesus and Mary is not only an essential component of Christianity but a privilege that allows us to truly share Divinity.

One of my favorite lessons is the channeling of grace and mercy from the Father, and the reverse channeling of our prayers to Him. A second favorite is the instructions Jesus has given us for more effectively offering the Sacrifice of the Mass. These two lessons have substantially affected my prayer life. I still frequently find myself trying to devise my own strategies, my own goals, my own time table; but when I catch myself doing so, I at least now recognize the absurdity of such self-direction and the wisdom of using the fool-proof methods identified by Jesus and Mary in the Shepherds of Christ Movement.

So with the grace of God I intend to daily nestle in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary through frequent consecration, learn to listen with my heart to Their counsel, beg for Their help to discern the Father's will, and join Them in praying "fiat".

Oh Jesus and Mary, I'll need eternity to begin to thank You for the lessons You are teaching me and the call and mission You have given me as a member of Shepherds of Christ. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I give to each of You, my body, my heart, mind and soul. I place my trust in You.

Emily L.

 
How Being a Member of Shepherds of Christ Changed My Life

Walking the aisle with that vision so deep in the heart, of a bride in her brilliant, pure white dress, white radiant veil, and white roses in her hair, ready to meet her Bridegroom. What words can express the intensity of that moment - everyday walking to the altar to be wed to the Almighty God?

The moment of reception, after receiving the Almighty God, the Divine Bridegroom of the soul. For isn't it, indeed, a "reception" after the wedding, for within my heart I dance with my precious Spouse as He sings of His ardent love. And what words can describe the embrace of the King of Heaven, the dancing to His heartfelt voice, the longing to express the burning love as He gives Himself so completely? Our Bridegroom is with us at every second, as we walk, talk, eat, drive, sing. He sits there as we read His tender letters of love, with His beating Heart feeling such emotion in each word that we read and smiling on us with the most gentle, sweet love. What words can describe the excitement of that moment - a new bride so over-flowing with vibrant life as she sits next to her Lover outpouring Himself?

What words can describe this love from a Mother that leads us to such a union with God?

What words can satisfy the burning within the soul to express the depth to which we feel for this Movement?

All this far surpasses the little terms we could use to say what has been imprinted on our hearts.

So many gifts given from heaven: the morning offering and consecration, the precious Blue Books and Daily Messages, the Rosary Book and the Children's Rosary Book, all the tools for intimacy with Jesus, the Mass, the Eucharist and the word, the Juniors, the 6:20 prayers, the joys and the sufferings, the love and the graces, the beautiful apostles, handmaids, servants, and Fred. ( I love you guys a whole lot!! )

From death to life I've traveled on my journey in the Shepherds of Christ, with constant death - resurrections, but the knowledge of God and the great union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother are beyond all words.

It's such an ache to write this letter because it doesn't even scratch the surface. I could go on forever and it seems like I am. What a gift, this tremendous LIFE in Him that He has revealed through the Shepherds of Christ!

And what words can truly express it?

Jane K.

I am just so happy in Shepherds of Christ. Having grown up in a family crippled from divorce, my whole life I knew of lacking. As a family though, my mom, myself and my brother and sisters would faithfully to go church every Sunday. I did love Jesus so much and I loved every word of the Mass. And I longed to receive Holy Communion, though I did not know that this ‘banquet’ I felt so drawn to was truly Jesus: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. I did not learn this magnificent TRUTH until I was a late teenager, after many years of trouble and ‘falling away’ from the Church.

I can’t exactly explain why or how God granted me the grace to finally ‘see’ but now I can look back in all sincerity and say that our Lord had mercy on me and granted me the great Grace of first ‘conversion’ and then of being so drawn to His Eucharistic Presence through the prayers of the Shepherds of Christ (this all started in 1996).

Now I am a handmaid of the Good Shepherd and my heart feels so complete and at the same time so desirous of getting closer to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The prayers, the rosaries from the Heart of Jesus have brought me from a struggling state of spirituality, to a deep relationship with Jesus my Spouse. I just love Jesus so much and I feel in my heart, just wanting to cry for joy. I know I can never pay Him back for all the gifts of HEALING He has bestowed on me since I first started coming to the prayer services at Mary’s Image Site in March of ‘99.

I am so grateful to God and I look forward to every Tuesday, that I may be more deeply healed, that is, more deeply united, more purely united to His most Sacred Heart.

Thank You, Father! Thank You, Jesus, Thank You, Holy Spirit and thank you, Mother Mary for all the great gifts and graces you have given us in these many revelations.

As I am given more the grace to see my own imperfections, as I am graced with His Healing Power, I feel the little fire in my heart grow.

And I LOVE SO MUCH my Shepherds of Christ family! The Handmaids, Servants and Apostles. They are my loving family and I love and appreciate you all so much! I am so happy!

Sheila W.

Written January 14, 2000

Jesus has led me gently and gradually into closer union with Him through Shepherds of Christ. From the Prayer for Union that I found in church, to the first time I read a Blue Book, to my first 13th meeting, to starting a prayer chapter in my parish, He has patiently led me into doing things I didn’t know I could do.

I have loved Shepherds of Christ from the beginning because I have experienced Jesus' guidance in a special way.

And here I am, a Handmaid of the Good Shepherd, being a spouse of Jesus, loving and serving Him here in China, Indiana. For many years, I wanted to work for Jesus in the Church, but didn’t know how.

The daily Mass and holy hour were a part of my life before I knew about Shepherds of Christ or the Blue Books. Reading the Blue Book for the first time confirmed what I was already doing and gave me the direction on how to spend that hour with Jesus before the tabernacle.

During the last few years of my working days, I looked forward to the time off so I could spend it with Jesus before the tabernacle. I purposely did my housework during the weeknights so I could have Saturday totally free to spend with Him before the tabernacle.

So, to be here in China, where I can focus totally on Jesus, loving and adoring Him in the Eucharist, and helping to send out His newsletters and filling the orders, is a dream come true for me.

Being a handmaid has been a joy and a challenge. A joy to know this is God’s will for me and a challenge to change myself and to let go of the things I am attached to.

I am now sitting before Jesus, in the exposed Blessed Sacrament, and I am thankful to Him that He has fulfilled my heartfelt wish to be able to love and serve Him 24 hours a day and to adore Him in the Eucharist.

I am also grateful to Jesus for letting me work with the most selfless people who are in Shepherds of Christ. They are always willing to help me out when I need them and go the extra mile to make things easier for me. It is a blessing to be in this family called Shepherds of Christ.

I am also thankful for my friends back home who have been a great support to me, who have prayed for me and helped me to move to China.

On the 13ths, when everyone is gathered for the rosary here in China, I look at the people and I feel a connection in my heart to all of them, to my friends from Jasper and my Shepherds of Christ family and I thank Jesus for loving me through these beautiful people.

And I thank Jesus for leading me to the Shepherds of Christ and for teaching me so many things, especially how to be a better spouse of the Lamb. It is my heartfelt desire to be united with Him forever and He is continuing to lead me there a step at a time. I love Him with all my heart and I love the Shepherds of Christ Movement.

Sheila W.

We were married on May 6, 1972 and were very much in love. Just as it was at Cana, we invited Jesus and Mary to be with us in our marriage. We have always tried to make God first in our lives and adhere to the Church's teachings on all matters.

Through the Shepherds of Christ Ministries we can live our faith together. The Married Couples Rosaries are excellent and the questions on the Daily Messages are very thought provoking. Writing to one another enhances our relationship as does the consecration prayers. These seem to be areas where we have strengthened our marriage and know that our love is more alive than on our wedding day.

Bringing our imperfections to light helps to bring more of an understanding towards one another and an examining ourselves rather than pointing the finger at our spouse. To say, "I am sorry" or "I love you" is very necessary in a marriage or other relationships. We try to work together everyday to improve. We thank one another and thank God for bringing us together in the Shepherds of Christ Movement. What a privilege to be a Married Couple - Apostle Leader in the Shepherds of Christ Ministry.

The Blue Books have strengthened our faith together. We no longer leave right after Mass. Thanksgiving to God for the reception of Himself is very important to us. Yes, our life has changed from good to Great!

Do we have struggles? Yes. God allows us to suffer to make us stronger. We have an opportunity to offer our sufferings, trials and sacrifices to help in the salvation of souls.

One of the most important lessons we want to pass down to our children is to LIVE YOUR FAITH!!! A holy example speaks a thousand words.

We are blessed with 3 holy children. Steven Daniel, Julie Marie and Mary Lucia. We also have 3 miscarried babies in heaven. Francisco, Jacinta, and Theresa.

What a wonderful God we have. Thank you God!

In the two Hearts,

Dan and Melanie

How has the Shepherds of Christ Movement changed my life?

Before I felt called to be a member of Shepherds of Christ my life was very different. I was in the world and of the world. The thought of God never crossed my mind, yet there was this ache in my heart to be satisfied that caused me to search, and search, and search for what my soul craved. I tried this and I tried that, only to be left empty.

One day I experienced the love of God in a most profound way. I knew that my search had ended. For the first time in my life I was made whole. I knew that I wanted more.

Several months later a very dear friend gave me a Blue Book. I began to sit in front of the tabernacle (which I had already been doing) and to read the messages every day. I didn't realize it at the time but God was beginning to work in my heart in a most profound way. Everywhere I went to pray these Blue Books and Shepherds of Christ Prayer Manuals began to pop up.

One day before Mass I prayed the prayers and I knew that I was a shepherd. The first Shepherds of Christ meeting I attended was on May 13, 1997 at Tom Arlinghaus' farm. I KNEW I WAS A SHEPHERD.

I began to attend the Sunday rosaries every Sunday at the Morrow Center and I began to feel His life grow within me. More and more He began to lift the veil and I knew that He is a real Person and that He wants to be the Bridegroom of my soul.

Last September (1999) I moved to China, Indiana, to be a servant. The greatest desire of my heart ever since I have joined Shepherds of Christ is to be His special spouse. I wanted to give myself totally to Him as His bride.

Since I have been in China I have been consistently praying the Shepherds of Christ prayers from the Prayer Manual and through this He has taken me ever deeper into His Heart. I exist in Him to heights I never thought possible. Reading Blue Book messages from Him all through the day has been an essential part of my growth in Him. He really speaks to me through them. He praises me for a job well done. He admonishes me for a job not so well done. He comforts me in my troubles and constantly assures me of His love when I am feeling downcast. He has taught me so much through the Blue Books. He has come alive to me through the Blue Books. I love you so, Jesus. Amen.

Carol K.

How Shepherds of Christ has changed my life

My spiritual life up to 1994 was almost nothing. I had been out of the Catholic Church since my marriage in 1965 (27 years). My husband and I would go to his Lutheran Church on Christmas and Easter every year, that was the extent of my faith. After my civil divorce in 1988, I began searching and feeling this compulsion to come back to the Catholic Church. In 1992, I went to my cousin, who is a priest, and made my first confession and after 27 years came back to the Catholic Church. This began my spiritual journey.

I joined Shepherds of Christ in 1994, at the very beginning of the Movement. I always thought I loved Jesus, but I only loved Him with words. It wasn’t until I joined Shepherds of Christ that I became aware of a love for Jesus that I never knew was possible. This love became deeper and deeper in my heart for Him, not a lip service love, but a love I feel deeply in my heart and soul with such deep emotion.

Shepherds of Christ has taught me how to pray, how to consecrate myself to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, how to grow in my union with Jesus through reading the Scriptures, through the Shepherds of Christ Prayers and the Blue Book messages. To know Him and to love Him and I find this love in the Blue Book messages. He gives us His loving words in His love letters to us. He is a personal God to each one of us. He tells us of His love in words we understand and with such emotion. I never properly knew the love of Jesus before this. I now know the true meaning of the Mass and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist and how truly present He is in each one of us in His Divinity and Humanity, a uniting with each one of our souls. I love Jesus so much!

I would never have known this love and this union with Jesus if it wasn’t for Shepherds of Christ. All I want is to know, love and serve God with my whole heart and soul. Jesus outpours His grace on us when we say the Shepherds of Christ prayers. He has given us great gifts in this Movement, including each other. Our Shepherds of Christ members have grown into a loving, spiritual family and we are all one in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

I thank God for not giving up on me after all the years I neglected Him and for giving me the grace to know, love and serve Him.

Kathy W.

Shepherds of Christ Ministries has brought peace into my life. Our Lord directs this Movement and guides all peoples through His daily messages to the world. I have become a practicing Catholic again, now with great fervor and participation in the Mass which previously seemed like only a duty to fulfill the Third Commandment, "Remember to Keep Holy the Sabbath Day," I felt as if I were a 'bump on a log' at Mass; just putting in my time. Now there is participation of the heart. Our Lord has revealed the importance of His presence at Mass and that He wishes all to attend as frequently as possible. He tells of the gifts of healing and spiritual growth we receive for ourselves, families and the positive effect this celebration has on the entire human race. Our Lord is only reiterating what our priests, bishops, cardinals and Pope have taught us regarding the benefits of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Through daily consecration we say "yes" to our Lord's request to give Him our lives and allow Him to step in and transform us. I find Shepherds of Christ Ministries very loyal to all the teachings of the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. This ministry bears great fruit for the world through its dedication to prayer. Our prayer chapters all over the world plead for the needs of the priests, Church and world through the recitation of the rosary and formal prayers.

I am proud to be part of an organization that follows the traditions of the Catholic Church and is dedicated to building up the body of Christ through prayer, sacrifice and pure love for her.

Rosie R.

How has Shepherds of Christ changed my life?

The first time I opened God's Blue Book, I knew that Jesus was speaking to me! The message was just what I needed that day!

I had not attended daily Mass since Catholic High School, approximately 30 years previous. MY PRAYER LIFE had been practically non-existent -- attending Sunday Mass and calling on God during trials. In fact, the threat of my husband dying of cancer took me back to praying the rosary and praying novenas to the Blessed Mother. After he died I was at a loss, for I considered him my "rock". For the first time ever in my life, I began praying to do God's will. I had a career, but I felt in my heart that I didn't want to do that for the rest of my working life.

I was invited by a friend to make a Cursillo weekend and without hesitation, said yes. Following the grace-filled weekend, I entered the chapel for adoration and picked up the Blue Book, which I had ignored for weeks. I immediately fell in love with Jesus and my life began to change! With the help of Jesus through the Blue Book, along with daily Mass and Holy Communion and spending time after Communion with Jesus and time in prayer, I was able to work through my depression, which I had even denied existed.

After giving out many Blue Books to relatives and friends, I received an invitation to attend the first monthly Shepherds of Christ national prayer meeting at Tom A's farm held on October 13, 1996, with Rita leading a Live Rosary. I felt drawn to every meeting after that, and soon found myself in the core group at Morrow, Ohio, attending weekly prayer meetings with Live Rosaries. Through the use of the Blue Books, mostly in front of the tabernacle, weekly prayer meetings, and rosaries at Morrow, I have grown closer to Jesus than I ever thought possible.

I thank Jesus every day for His many graces and the deep love that He gives me to draw me closer and closer to Him. I also thank my spiritual Mother, Mary, with all my heart for her help when I turned to her in desperation and for the help she's given me throughout my life.

As an apostle working in Florida at Our Lady's Image Site, I have a great opportunity to spread the light and love of Christ to all I meet!!!

Mary G.

 
How has being a member of Shepherds of Christ has changed my life?

When I was a baby, we lived next door to a convent and I had 12 years of Catholic education. I married and lived Cincinnati eventually. After my civil divorce, my three younger children and I moved back to Price Hill in Cincinnati where I grew up. This time brought me the Catholic Charismatic experience.

Dad died in '86, and I moved away to a small town. Though I tried, I thought no Catholic church or prayer group met my needs so I attended Protestant prayer meetings and services. I found ministers and prayer groups that deeply love the Lord Jesus, and I would still be in these circles except that I went back to Cincinnati to visit. I hadn't told my old friends that I was no longer a practicing Catholic so I joined them when they attended charismatic functions. At one of these I was given Blue Book I.

Actually, someone tried to give it to me and I wouldn't take it saying, I had too much to read , so it was given to the friend I was staying with. When we got home and she was out of the room, I opened the book so I could congratulate myself for not accepting it.

That's Jesus! Jesus is speaking in this book! I read almost the whole book that night, then I ate humble pie and phoned the lady who had pressed me to accept it. I received it in a few days.

Back home I read and reread it. Jesus was speaking loud and clear and I went to the nearest church and made a confession and resumed my long neglected practice of daily Mass. I also began to go to the Shepherds of Christ chapter meetings in Morrow, Ohio, where I heard the call for volunteers to come to the Virgin Mary Site in Clearwater, Florida.

How well I understand God's words, "Your thoughts are not My thoughts!".

Changing my thoughts and my ways comes more slowly than changing my address, which is now Clearwater, Florida.

Though retirement isn't at all what I thought it would be, I wouldn't trade places with anyone at all.

Kathleen W.

I give my heart to Jesus and Mary with you in love! I write this for the honor and glory of God and in thanksgiving to Jesus for calling me to this Movement.

Jesus says in St. John's Gospel, "You did not choose me, no, I chose you…" Jn 15:16.

What a calling! To be chosen to be a Handmaid of the Good Shepherd! His special spouse! The spouse of THE KING & CREATOR of the Universe!

WOW! And a Movement personally directed by Jesus! Thank you, Jesus!

Words cannot express all I would like to say. Since 1st grade I wanted to be a nun. I saw the nuns at my school and I wanted to be like them. Unfortunately growing up... all the peer pressure in school and the struggles of young adulthood took away any hope of being a nun. I followed the ways of the world and left Jesus out of my life.

During my senior year of nursing, the seed of pursuing a religious vocation sprang up again in my heart. I started attending daily Mass as often as I could, and Mary our Mother was bringing me closer to Jesus. My 1st choice was Mother Teresa's Order, however, that didn't happen for me.

After graduation from nursing school I went to a Bible Institute Retreat at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. While there, I attended a Baptism of the Spirit Seminar and felt a strong presence of the Holy Spirit.

That fall, in 1996, I went back to Ohio for another retreat, and while I was in the chapel one evening, I picked up God's Blue Book II and read a message on Communion from Jesus. I almost fell out of my pew! The message touched me deep in my heart. Thankfully, I was able to take the book home. the messages were awesome! I never knew of having such an intimate relationship with Jesus!

I started spending an hour everyday after Mass. I joined the Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart and later started a Shepherds of Christ Prayer Chapter. I got the other Blue Books, the rosary book and rosary tapes. I felt so committed to praying the prayers and the rosary mediations were so powerful! I thank Jesus and Mary for all these revelations!

I heard about the handmaids in 1998, while ordering through the Shepherds of Christ. I was really interested in them. I thought maybe this is where God is calling me. I kept praying to do His will.

Jesus, in His time, made it all work out. When we give our lives to Jesus, He can do more than we could ever ask for or imagine! Jesus loves us!

I feel so blessed and privileged to be in the formation of being a handmaid! Thank you, my Father, for this Movement and all the beautiful people in it! Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your tremendous work in my soul! Thank you, Jesus, for choosing me for this special calling. And like Mary, my life is a continuous FIAT. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." and "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

Doris J.

What has Shepherds of Christ and being a Handmaid done for my life and for my relationship with Jesus?

I first heard of Shepherds of Christ from a letter received concerning a rosary gathering at Tom’s Farm in October 1996. My family already had plans for the 13^th. When I received a notice for November 13^th my brother and I went not knowing much about Shepherds of Christ, but if it was praying the rosary-it had to be good. It was the most powerful rosary I ever attended. I didn’t go for several months, but felt drawn to this ministry and compelled to pray the prayers and read the blue books. Jesus was talking directly to me through them and it was great.

Jesus has always worked slowly in my heart. Pain and suffering in my early adult life brought me to realize that God was the only one I could turn to in my need. God alone was my strength.

In July 1997, news came that the department where I worked was being phased out by the parent company on the east coast. I was disenchanted with my job and I only continued working there to live, so I wasn’t concerned about the lack of a job.

During this same time, I felt pulled in my heart to pray with Shepherds of Christ as a body. I was shy and I would just come, sit, pray and be silent, not really talking to anyone very much.

I knew from my childhood that I would never marry. The pull Jesus had on me was stronger than the world’s, though I didn’t realize the source. For the past year I had become closer to Jesus and I felt what I would do with my life, next, would be for him alone.

On August 13, 1998, I went to China, Indiana, to the monthly rosary knowing something was going to happen-but not knowing what. During the rosary the president of Shepherds of Christ started reading a letter from Jesus about women being called as handmaids and their way of life. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit descend on my head and I was glad to be sitting. I knew Jesus was calling me to become a handmaid, a call that I had been waiting patiently for, for over two years.

After the rosary I acted on the Holy Spirit’s prompting immediately-knowing if I didn’t, I would find excuses not to. Jesus’ hand is very strong in my life. I was accepted as a candidate for a handmaid within a few days and gave two weeks notice at work. I found myself in Clearwater, Florida, within three weeks.

As a Handmaid of the Good Shepherd my life is very prayerful and very one on one with Jesus as His spouse. He is the Bridegroom of my Soul. Just being with him after Mass and in front of the tabernacle is candy to my soul and leaves me speechless. Being a handmaid has brought the joy, love and peace of my Divine Bridegroom into my life to an extent I didn’t even know could exist.

He calls me to constant change and growth. I cannot remain the same, for my life and love for him would stagnate. I live to serve him. I have only scratched the surface of the depth to which my soul craves union with my Lord and Savior. Any life in God is hard work, but the rewards are unbounded.

Jesus loves each and everyone of us on a personal level. He died on the cross to save each soul. He, the living God, is truly waiting in the tabernacle for us, to love us, if we would only come and sit with him.

Since my move to Clearwater, Florida, in 1998, I have recently traveled to China, Indiana, for a stay and I am currently in Morrow, Ohio, doing the work Jesus has called me to do. Jesus knows where I will be next, even though I do not.

There is nothing boring about being on Jesus’ roller coaster. The ride is into eternity! I can’t wait to see you there!

Joan R.

How Shepherds of Christ has Changed my Life

My testimony is about my journey, about unconditional love, and the revelations that I have been given after being a part of Shepherds of Christ Ministries for a few years.

I have always been a bit of a loner, mainly because I didn't feel that anyone could like me, much less love me, unless I proved myself to them, or unless I was perfect. I have observed conditional, controlling, dysfunctional types of love that look NOTHING like what I'm learning about by reading Jesus' love letters to us, the priestly newsletters, participating in daily Mass, and by spending time alone with Jesus in front of the tabernacle. It's NOTHING like the human love I'm experiencing with my fellow apostles in the Shepherds of Chris Movement.  I avoided deep relationships due to past hurts, and I fought to stay away from authority figures probably out of fear. Fear of rejection, fear of judgment, fear of loneliness. Unfortunately, one of the authority figures I stayed away from was our Lord. This obviously includes priests, and Confession. For too long, I went my own way.

But as I promised my mother before the Lord called her home, I went to Lourdes in 1992. Jesus sent Our Lady to touch my heart, so I would fall in love with Him all over again as I had done as a small child. I had wandered far away. I did not know anything about Lourdes, though I had some Catholic education. My heart was broken, and I believe He gave me a new one during the two years following, which included getting involved in a Charismatic healing prayer group, Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, Falmouth, and some of the early Shepherds of Christ rosaries and activities.

In the Shepherds of Christ, my walls are slowly being destroyed. They are being knocked down with this "unconditional love" (human and heavenly) I was speaking about. It is with a love that "complete strangers" were showing me, not because of my accomplishments, or anything dynamic or special about me. It was purely that link of common devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart. When I imagine the Reign of the Sacred Heart, as our Lord has promised us, I imagine that this is what it will be between everyone. I'm seeing a love that cannot be compared to anything I've seen in life so far.

My cowardice is diminishing slowly, and I look for every opportunity I can to talk about Jesus and Mary, to anyone who will listen. I am happy to say that my whole self has changed dramatically over the past ten years, and now my friends who know me well come to me first when they have needs for prayer. These are people who would never have done that when they met me. So I am not quite so afraid anymore. I have become an enthusiast for Christ.  Yes I have.  How can I not be, as I grow closer and closer to Him in this journey? I want people to know within the first few minutes of meeting me, that Jesus is my Lord, and He is first in my life. If they don't, I'm not showing my love for Him.

So my life has changed in many ways, but the key thing is accepting and learning about the love that "strangers" have for me. It's a love that can only be found IN the two Hearts. I'm learning to die to my old distrustful ways, and reach out and love back. I realize that we can't GIVE this kind of love unless we have our love relationship with Jesus. Mary helps us get that, if we let her. She has with me.

I have a new family - and no, I have not abandoned my blood-ties family, but I see that I have a new family also, new earthly parent figures, brothers, sisters, and friends who truly love me with a genuine love I know I can trust. Some of them are models of love, as husbands and wives, as brothers and sisters. I want to be able to imitate this love in my life, and return it. These people readily say "I love you" to me, which is an awesome, wonderful gift. In the past, it would have shocked me, but now it doesn't because I believe it to be true! If they love me this way, Jesus' love for me is unfathomable. I want His fire even more now.

The Shepherds of Christ has been a huge answer to the many questions about my whole puzzling life. It has answered big questions like:

Why did I insist on attending the University of Dayton, without applying anywhere else, seeing the campus, talking to anyone about it, or even knowing that it was a Marian college? I was SO DRAWN, there, and I had no reasons whatsoever.

Why did I spend 3 years in France, and why did I go to Paris on several occasions and was drawn to Notre Dame ("Our Lady") and Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) churches there every time? I loved them so and I didn't know why. I wasn't even attending Mass (or praying) regularly.

Why did I DEMAND RUTHLESSLY …that I come back to Dayton, Ohio, after living and traveling in Europe, and loving it there? Why didn't I go somewhere more cosmopolitan????

Why did I study about computers and business planning, and work for 10 years in those fields in "corporate America" when I really wanted to be a nurse?

I have no answer but that the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Mary were always guiding me, watching me, letting me make mistakes and get lost. But They never left me. Their Shepherds of Christ Internet team (of which I am a part) was being formed, as was the publishing department (of which I am now trying to lead with His help). It all happened right in front of me, without my knowledge about where it would take me. I accept this as the big picture of my life, which I think I am beginning to understand. It helps me see that Jesus never left me, and He still loves me, despite my sinful past. I have finally been led to my home on this earth. I didn't find it; I was led here. I think I really heard the Holy Spirit without knowing it.

Our Lord allowed me to be inflicted with Multiple Sclerosis and several other crosses that only He can heal, ten years ago. Would I have listened and turned back to Him, be given very special  work  to help save souls, had this not happened? I doubt it. M.S. now has several other meanings to me. The Mother of my Savior came and called me back to Him. It was loud and clear. Then I had no choice but to look at My Sins, get over My Sorrow, and start the road to My Salvation. There are many other MS's, but the end is that MS = My Salvation, through my quest to help save Many Souls. It's a cross that is much lighter, and the messages in the Blue Books, the priestly newsletters (especially those about suffering) have all helped me to see this daily suffering for what it is. It's a gift. It's an additional chance to offer up each day of suffering for the salvation of souls. Would I ask to have it all taken away now? His will be done. Not mine.

My role in the Shepherds of Christ seriously began after I left "corporate America", on my daughter's first birthday. It was this date that I became officially "disabled", left the workforce without looking back, and I have never been happier. I took with me all of the knowledge and experience I learned there, and now I am using every bit of it to work for our Lord and our Lady, while I stay at home with my daughter. I'm where I'm supposed to be. Jesus cleared my daily "corporate work" schedule, and filled it with His Own agenda. I said, "YES!".

I can't end this without giving credit to my awesome aunt Emily, who gently invited me to Falmouth, Cold Springs, and the Holy Spirit Center, and into her life. She gave me my first Blue Book, introduced me to the messenger, gave me great spiritual direction, and has been a priceless inspiration and great support to me in my journey here. Thanks aunt Em, I love you!

Jesus, thank You. Holy Spirit, thank You, Father, thank You, Mary, thank you. I will continue to try to listen. Now that I have seen the world so differently by listening to Your words daily, I see the world and do not enjoy the same things that I used to (praise God!). I cannot go back to the world I knew. It's not of You. I am Yours. Praise the Living God!

Paul C.

My journey to do and know God's will

Presented by: Paul, a Servant of the Good Shepherd

For many years I have been searching to know and do God's will.

I always knew in my heart that some day I would be doing something special.

For many years I was always attending daily Mass and saying my rosaries.

One day in 1988, in the back pew of the church, where I was attending, there was a pamphlet on Medjugorje. It said to pray three rosaries daily, fast twice a week, attend Mass, go to Communion and confession.

My prayer life intensified from then on. In that same year, I went to Medjugorje. After that I went on pilgrimages to Rome, Fatima, Lourdes, Garabandal, and to the Holy Land. In Canada: St. Joseph Oratory, Ste. Anne de Beaupres, Notre Dame de l'Assomption in my hometown of Rogersville N.B. and other places.

In 1995, Rita (a messenger) came to Delray Beach, Florida, for a prayer meeting at the Marian Center, where I was working. I asked her to pray for me that I may know our Lord's will and have direction in my life.

Two years later, she got in touch with Don and asked if we could make tapes for the Shepherds of Christ Movement. We started making tapes of Mary's message and getting more involved in the Movement. We would come to Clearwater, Florida, on the 5th of the month for the rosary. In Delray Beach, Florida, we had a prayer chapter of the Shepherds of Christ on Monday nights. I felt more and more drawn into the Movement. In July 1999, I went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and China, Indiana, for a retreat, where I read the Blue Book and prayer manual. It was a very powerful retreat. I freely decided to answer what I believe was a call from Jesus to go to Clearwater, Florida, and live there. Jesus works in strange ways at times. I have learned to know and love Jesus more and more and become closer to Him. I put my life in His hands and with the protection of Mary by my side, I trust that they will take care of me.

Harold K.

I feel that my association with Jesus and His Mother began many years ago. I really believe that we are shaped and molded throughout our lives for what we are meant to do later. I was born at a Convent in the small town of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. The hospital was under construction at the time, so the St. Marys convent was used as a temporary hospital. My father was in the hospital for a number of operations while I was in grade school. Since children were not allowed into the patient's rooms at that time, my mother asked me to paint or draw a picture for my dad, and she would take it to him. I think that was the beginning of my art career. My family and I were Methodist at that time, and I was Methodist until my Sophomore year in college. At that time, I met the girl who is now my wife. She was Catholic, so I began instructions to see if I could accept the teachings of this religion. I had many questions about Mary and the devotion given to her by Catholics. Fortunately, I had a very excellent instructor in Fr. Thomas Gavin, and I now have a great deal of love and respect for Our Lady. We lived in Cincinnati a number of years where I became a part time wedding photographer and wildlife artist. My wife and I joined two prominent Marian movements, and in December of 1994 we began praying with a Shepherds of Christ visionary. I was asked to illustrate a Blue Book cover, then another, another and another. Since then I have been asked directly or indirectly by Our Lord and Our Lady to illustrate, paint, photograph and videotape many things for Shepherds of Christ Ministries. All of these things, I am very happy to do as my part in bringing souls to the service of Our Lord and Our Lady. I also enjoy singing for Our Lady especially when she requests it. I truly love being a part of this great ministry.

Yours in Their Hearts,
Harold K.

Messenger: Here are some examples of Harold's artwork.

Diane K.

I remember when I was young and I would think of Fatima and Mary appearing there and wonder what it would be like to live at a time when Mary or Jesus would come and directly talk to us on earth. I remember wishing that I could have lived and been around when Mary appeared to the children at Fatima.

On December 23rd the family was driving by the Holy Spirit Center and decided to stop and see how the chapel was coming along. A nice man showed us around and then said that some people were praying the rosary at the back of the chapel and we could join them. We decided to do that and had the beautiful experience of participating in one of Rita's rosaries. We told her how nice it was and she said we could come back on Christmas Day if we wanted to. We said that it was a possibility and a time to meet was set. The family, along with my parents went back to the center that Christmas Day to pray a rosary with Rita. At the end of that rosary my mother very calmly asked if anyone else saw Mary's statue coming to life at different times during the rosary. We were very happy with the gift that was given to Mom. That was our introduction to the Movement.

As time went on we joined in the rosaries whenever we could. As things developed our prayer time became longer and more intense. I remember one time when I was silently communicating with Jesus, explaining to Him that I would not be able to go to daily Mass the next morning because I needed that time to clean the house for those that were coming to learn about the new Catechism that evening. I had, after a fairly lengthy, one sided, conversation with Jesus, convinced myself that I could stay home and clean. During the rosary meditations that night Jesus said, "It doesn't matter what your house looks like, you should go to Mass." Needless to say, I went to Mass. This was what Jesus was asking. He wants to be so close to us and give us many graces to help us through the day. Jesus and Mary want us to come into their Hearts. What helped me was when we were told to come into the "red room" of their Hearts. It is such a peaceful, safe place to be!

Our prayer lives have developed and drawn us together as a couple and as families even through our children are grown and married. We greet each other with the prayer: "I give my heart to Jesus and Mary with you in love." It is a powerful consecration prayer, and I recommend it to everyone. Say it with your whole family, whether they are at home, away at school or married.

The Shepherds of Christ Movement has affected my life in many ways. I thank Jesus and Mary for asking me to be a part of this ministry that has fulfilled my childhood dream. I am thankful to Jesus for drawing me ever closer to Him in the Eucharist.

Excerpt from Apostles' Manual

February 23, 1997 (Excerpt)
Sacrifice

When I go to Mass I offer a sacrifice. God wants our all. He wants to be first in our life. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his son.

Gen. 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18:

It happened some time later that God put Abraham to the test. "Abraham, Abraham!" he called. "Here I am," he replied. God said, "Take your son, your only son, your beloved Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, where you are to offer him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall point out to you.

When they arrived at the place which God had indicated to him, Abraham built an altar there, and arranged the wood. Then he bound his son and put him on the altar on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to kill his son.

But the angel of Yahweh called to him from heaven. "Abraham, Abraham!" he said. "Here I am," he replied. Do not raise your hand against the boy," the angel said. "Do not harm him, for now I know you fear God. You have not refused me your own beloved son." Then looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. Abraham took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.

The angel of Yahweh called Abraham a second time from heaven. "I swear by my own self, Yahweh declares, that because you have done this, because you have not refused me your own beloved son, I will shower blessings on you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants will gain possession of the gates of their enemies. All nations on earth will bless themselves by your descendants, because you have obeyed my command.

The Father gave His Son for us. This is how great the Father's love is for us.

When we go to the altar many times we are suffering. We want something really bad, but we know we love God the most. What the Father asks for us is to offer that which we are so attached to as a sacrifice, united to the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. If we offer this sacrifice to Him, the Father will pour out blessings that will be divine blessings, greater than anything we could have here on earth.

The Mass is the perfect sacrifice we offer to the Father, in which God pours out His blessings and we are one with Him and with all others in a profound expression of love. God shares His divine love with us and we partake in an intense way in His divine loving capacity. In order to become one in Him and to feel His love like this, we must surrender ourselves and be open.

He told Abraham to offer his son. God gave him his son back. He wanted Abraham to love God above all things and people.

Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice to the Father. This is the most pleasing sacrifice to the Father. If He gave His Son Who died for love of us, will He deny us when we unite our petitions with Jesus and offer these at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

He took them to the highest mountain and He was transfigured before them in the greatest light.

Mark 9:2-10:

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain on their own by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became brilliantly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus, "Rabbi," he said, "it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him." Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.

As they were coming down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what 'rising from the dead' could mean.

We go to the altar of sacrifice. The mountain to come, in which so many graces will flow, is the altar of sacrifice where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered through the hands of consecrated priests.

(End of Excerpt from Apostles' Manual)

Excerpt from priestly newsletter, Issue 3, 1999

(End of Excerpt from priestly newsletter, Issue 3, 1999)

(Please copy and pass out to family and friends.)

Q: How can we go to Church more often as a couple?

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