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 11p.m. Eastern time, U.S.A.
We acknowledge that the final authority regarding these messages
rests with the Holy See of Rome.
|
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December 23, 2001
December 24th Holy
Spirit Novena
Scripture selection is Day 8 Period I. |
The Novena Rosary Mystery
for December 24th is Sorrowful. |
Please pray for 6 urgent intentions
pray for Ron and Ron
Letters from Priests
I read with deep interest your edition
of Shepherds of Christ. It is spiritually based, neatly organized,
and very readable. Again, congratulations on a beautiful ministry.
Rev. Joseph F. Brennan
Pastor, St. Genevieve Church LaFayette, Louisiana
Thank you for sending me the
newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. I loved it. I need all the help
you can give during these confusing times. I must not lose sight of my
objective—a true salesman for Our Lord. I must be sold first to love Him
before I bring others to Him.
Fr. Sabbas R. Christ the
King Rectory Commack, L.I., New York
A blessed New Year—and a quick note
of thanks for the excellent bulletin, Shepherds of Christ.
Eamon Carroll, O. Carm.
Chicago, Illinois
I just wanted to drop you a note to
tell you how much I enjoyed reading Shepherds of Christ. I found it good
spiritual reading—and refreshing. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Eugene P. Hruska, V.G. Great
Falls, Montana
Dear Ed,
I just wanted to take this chance to thank you for
sending to me the Shepherds of Christ Newsletter. I have appreciated it very
much, both to keep in touch with what you are doing and to enjoy the rich
variety of topics needed for priestly reflection today—topics like
friendship, prayer, and the Holy Spirit (a subject close to a Paulist’s
heart) in recent issues.
Sincerely,
Larry Boadt, CSP Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ
I like your newsletter very much.
Shepherds of Christ gave me plenty of food for prayer!
Fr. Michael A. Becker St.
Rose of Lima, Altoona, PA.
Dear Fr. Ed,
From nowhere I received a copy of your newsletter.
Reading it was a source of simple delight as is anything buoying up our
priesthood these days. The folksy “Joys of Being a Priest” (by Fr.
Philip Hamilton, March-April issue) brought a smile. I think of these
fifty-one years with their ups and downs as something very special. As life
moves quickly and relentlessly on I am sure of this: It Is Great To Be a
Priest. To have spent this one life on anything less would appear to this
simple soul as a great waste. Please keep the newsletter coming—and thank
you for the lift!
Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. Charles Mallen, C.SS.R. Venice, Florida
Dear Ed,
It is slow in coming, but I want to add my voice to the
praise your newsletter for priests must be getting. I find the material good
for reflective, meditative reading and praying. Heaven knows we priests need
that.
In the Heart of Christ,
Bob Harvanek, S.J. Loyola University, Chicago
Dear Fr. Ed,
Of all the stuff that comes cascading into my mailbox
every day, “Shepherds of Christ” really stands out. To me it exemplifies
one of the great strengths of Catholicism—its spirituality. I use the
newsletter for my prayer after Mass. It has brought me closer to God through
Christ by focusing on the basics of Catholic-Christian spirituality in a way
that enlightens and inspires.
Fr. Bill Zimmer Chicago, Illinois
It gives me special pleasure to share
the following letter. It comes from my doctoral dissertation director, Fr.
Ernie Larkin, O. Carm. He is one of the leading experts on the spiritual
teaching of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. He has also been
one of my most influential teachers, and for this I am most grateful to him.—Editor
Dear Ed,
I am embarrassed not to have been one of the first to congratulate you on
your obviously successful newsletter for priests. It is…solid,
inspirational, and founded in the best of our tradition. I am very proud of
you. May the Lord touch many of our hearts through this ministry. All the
best to you!
Ernie Larkin, O
Carm. Phoenix, Arizona
Dear Father Ed,
Prayer is truly the food of faith and faith is the foundation of our
priestly lives. Through your Shepherds of Christ newsletter you remind us
through your insights and prayers that emotion does indeed feed devotion and
that we are all only a heartbeat away from the face-to-face presence of the
Father through the Son in the Spirit! Thanks for all your letter means to
all of us.
Fraternally,
Msgr. Jeremiah F. Kenney Baltimore, Maryland
Dear Father Ed,
The enclosed is a small way of thanking you for the articles in Shepherds
of Christ.
The article “Thoughts on the Eucharist” (July-August)
reminds me of the overwhelming love of Christ for me, fellow Catholics and
the world. I pray in the vein of St. Peter Eymard that I might return my all
and answer Christ with “this is me for you”.
In Christ,
Fr. Joe Kenlon, O.F.M.Cap New Paltz, New York
Dear Father Ed,
I must sincerely tell you how enjoyable your newsletter is. I find it
spiritually uplifting. Many times in our earnestness to be of help we forget
our own spiritual needs.
You are doing a great service to the American priesthood.
May God bless you and sustain you in your endeavors. My prayers are with
you, because I (and I am sure many other priests) feel enriched every time I
read your newsletter. Thanks.
In Jesus’ love,
Rev. William Bonnici Clinton Township, MI
November/December 1995 Issue
Dear Fr. Ed,
Thanks for the Shepherds of Christ newsletter. I enjoyed the July-August
one. 'Twas very good and uplifting. May the Holy Spirit pierce your mind
with ways to encourage your brother priests. Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. John Turk
Warren, Ohio
Dear Father Ed,
With all the misquotes and the twisted interpretations of the Catholic
Teachings in our daily Press, it is enjoyable to pick up Shepherds of Christ
and read some solid Catholic Teaching. Keep up the good work. Thank you for
the Newsletter.
Fr. Werner Verhoff, C.PP.S.
Dear Fr. Carter,
I appreciated very much that you wrote to me. I can imagine the amount of
work you have in publishing a newsletter for 45,000 priests and preparing to
send it to priests in other countries. I congratulate you that you send it
free of charge…
I received only two issues. I would love to get every
issue. Your newsletter is a mine of thoughts and inspirations…
…in my humble opinion, encouragement is what priests
need the most today. Everybody should show them their appreciation…for
bearing the burdens of those who left or are not coming. I admire the great
majority of young priests for their beautiful spirituality. Yours
respectfully in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Leonard Currieri, M.SS.CC.
Linwood, New Jersey
Dear Ed,
In the true spirit of St. Ignio you have captured the essence of some very great
saints in the Church. I found your selections truly inspiring and reinforcing of
the beliefs that must be at the center of every priest's life. Thank you and
keep up this long needed newsletter.
Father Jim Wysocki,
Marine City, Michigan
January/February 1996 Issue
Dear Father,
Your publication is most welcome; a breath of fresh air and wisdom.
All the best in Christ,
Don Derivaux
St. Alphonsus Church
McComb, Mississippi
Dear Ed,
Your current Newsletter, December issue, is simply exceptional. Very solid food.
I'm reading it very slowly. I especially liked Basil Pennington's image of the
Christic self.
In Christ Jesus
John Wetmore
Church of St. Stephen, Protomartyr
St. Louis, Missouri
(Dear Father Ed,)
Thank you for the great newsletter. I use it for spiritual reading. It's a great
help.
Fr. John Le Voir
Church of the Holy Trinity
South St. Paul, Minnesota
Dear Fr. Ed,
I always enjoy the newsletter. It is always full of such a broad range of solid
spiritual and doctrinal authors and topics. Very inspiring! As someone rather
newly ordained (Oct., 1993), I'll take all the support and inspiration I can
get!
In Christ,
Glenn Eftink
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
March/April 1996 Issue
Dear Fr. Carter,
Thank you for your valuable newsletter of spirituality for
priests.
Fraternally,
Msgr. Walter Schroeder
Church of the Magdalene
North Tarrytown, New York
Dear Ed,
I've read every issue of Shepherds of Christ, which is rather rare, because I've
received a ton of junk mail every day. Thanks for taking time out to share your
inspiring reflections with us who are "too busy."
Just a token to defray some of your costs.
In Christ,
Msgr. Domenic M. Luong
Mary Queen of Vietnam Church
New Orleans, Louisiana
Dear Father Ed,
Thank you for your Nov/Dec Newsletter. Some paragraphs are clearly gifts of the
Holy Spirit for me. Keep up the great work for Jesus Christ.
In JMJ,
Gus Biehl, S.M.
East St. Louis, Illinois
Dear Fr. Carter,
Thank you for your most welcome newsletter. I read it gradually, one section at
a time, so I can sit with and let sink in the penetrating thoughts you have
gleaned from a wonderful variety of sources. If it weren't for this well-chosen
digest I would not meet some of the spiritual writers you feature. Yours is an
excellent resource for contemplatives on a tight schedule.
In Christ's peace,
Frank Desiderio, C.S.P.
St. Paul's College
Washington, D.C.
Greetings!
I am enclosing a donation for Shepherds of Christ which I
find uplifting and inspiring.
Rev. Gino Dalpiaz, C.S.
Scalabrini Mission Center
Stone Park, Illinois
Dear Fr. Carter,
I just received my first newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. I am very grateful for
this publication. It provides some wonderful reflections and it is possible to
read them even with a busy parish schedule.
Thank you for providing this wonderful service. Please accept
the enclosed donation as a token of my appreciation.
Gratefully,
Rev. Gregory F. Hoppough, C.S.S.
Sacred Heart Church
Waltham, Massachusetts
As we are establishing the newsletter in an increasing number
of countries, we are beginning to receive letters from our brother priests in
different parts of the world. This helps all of us to be more aware of our
fraternal union with all priests throughout the Universal Church. Here is a
letter from a priest in Uganda, Africa:
Dear Father,
I am writing you to thank you for a well-done job for the renewal and growth of
priests through the spirituality newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. I am also
grateful for the copy I received recently, the Nov/Dec 1995 issue. How I wish I
had received all issues. The articles are nourishing, supportive, informative
and challenging. Thank you very much for your work and generosity.
I am wondering whether it is possible for me to continue
receiving a copy of Shepherds of Christ regularly. As a person involved in
giving renewal courses for priests, seminarians, and religious men and women, I
have found it helpful.
Fr. Albert Gavamukulyo
Kisubi, Uganda
Dear Fr. Carter,
Deo Gratias and also to you for your Shepherds of Christ
newsletter-a gem. Your articles always have solid meditation material and an
inviting way of leading us priests on that path of holiness to which we are
called.
May your work be graced by the Lord.
Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Eugene Golas,
Grand Rapids, Michigan
My dear Fr. Carter:
Many thanks for the March-April issue of Shepherds of Christ.
That is the first issue I ever saw or received. May the good Lord bless you. It
is a wonderful newsletter. I am enclosing a small donation. May God love you.
Sincerely,
Fr. Charles Jirik,
Minneapolis MN
Dear Ed,
I recently ran across your publication. As a newly ordained
priest, I found it most refreshing and affirming. Please subscribe me at the
above address. We are all grateful to people like you who help people like us.
Gratefully,
Fr. John Kennedy,
Monroe, Louisiana
Dear Fr. Carter,
Thanks so much for the spirituality newsletter. I'll be using the Sept.-Oct.
issue for meditations for the rest of the year and beyond.
I was a little down due to the fact that there are four
terminal cancer patients in the parish and it is hard to cope-with them, their
families, and oneself. Then your lovely newsletter came and truly lifted my
spirits.
Please accept the enclosed to support your grace-filled
ministry.
In Christ,
Fr. Walter E. Heinz
Pomeroy, Ohio
Dear Father,
Using your reflections is like making a retreat-great for reviewing.
God bless you,
Fr. Edmund Schreiber
Franklin Park, Illinois
Dear Friend,
I want to thank you for publishing Shepherds of Christ. I really do appreciate
your thoughtfulness of helping us pastors to keep our mind's focus on Jesus.
Thank you,
Rev. Gerald Cernoch
Shiver, Texas
Dear Fr. Carter,
I want to thank you for sending me a copy of Shepherds of Christ. This
Spirituality Newsletter for Priests contains very nourishing food for priests.
Reading through it lifted up my "drooping spirit." May you be blessed
in this ministry.
And I have a request: There are 78 Diocesan priests in the Diocese of
Darjeeling, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, working in the remote
missions. A copy of Shepherds of Christ to each one of them would be very
enriching. May I request you to send to me about 80 copies of Shepherds of
Christ regularly so that I can send each priest in the Diocese a copy.
Thanking you in advance,
Yours fraternally in the Lord,
Fr. Thomas DiSouza
Diocesan Administrator
Darjeeling, India
My dear Fr. Carter:
Just a short note and a small donation to support the wonderful work you are
doing for the Lord. May He bless you and your spiritual ministry to His priests
throughout the world. I read all that you have been writing with care and
prayer.
In your charity, please remember me and the Church in China.
Fr. Bernard Hwang
Oregon City, Oregon
Dear Rev. Fr. Ed Carter, S.J.,
Thank you very much for providing us
with rich spiritual literature.
The Shepherds of Christ Newsletter
has been very useful to us and I have received positive response from a good
number of priests. Thank you for the good work and we shall be happy if you
continue sending them to us.
Fr. John Bazimenyera, St.
Augustine's Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
Dear Fr. Carter,
It took me such a long time to answer
your letter of over a month ago. I am sorry for this delay. I have just received
your issue of SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST for March/April 1997 for which I heartily
thank you. I have already distributed quite a lot to our Gozitan priests, and
they want to thank you as they find your newsletter very enriching spiritually.
I am sending some copies to the Seminarians in Malta and to other priests there.
By the way, I have some good news for
you, I think. A little over a month ago His Lordship, the bishop of Baton Rouge
was our guest at Manresa Retreat House. He came over to visit the families of
three Gozitan priests who work in his diocese. I have introduced the SHEPHERDS
OF CHRIST newsletter to him, which he appreciated greatly. I also passed over
some copies to the Spiritual Father of the American College in Rome who was
accompanying His Lordship.
God bless you with His love and
peace. Rev. Joseph M. Galdes, S.J., Gozo, Malta.
Dear Fr. Ed Carter,
Thank you very much for your kind letter and for the
enclosures. Congratulations for the wonderful work that is being done to animate
the Shepherds. I believe such material is very essential these days to nourish
and strengthen the Ministers of the Word and the Sacraments.
I would like to give a copy each to every Priest working in
the diocese and to the seminarians in their final stages of formation. I will be
happy to receive 100 copies of Shepherds of Christ for that purpose.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Robert Kerkerketla, SDB DD
Bishop of Tezpur, India
Dear Fr. Ed Carter,
Peace be with you!
My name is Joseph Grima and I am a seminarian studying
theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Victoria, Gozo-Malta. I was handed a
copy of your Newsletter not long ago and was very impressed with the spiritual
information you provide for priests.
I would like to ask you, if it is not too much trouble, if
you could send some copies for us here at the seminary. At the moment we are 15.
Also, in that issue there was a note for those interested in obtaining the first
12 issues in book form. I am very interested in your spirituality and would like
very much to have it.
Continue the good work. The modern world is in much need of
spiritually prepared priests.
God Bless and may the New Year be for you a year full of joy, blessings and
service in the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Sem. Joseph Grima
Dear Fr. Carter,
A priest friend of mine has introduced me to your excellent
publication, Shepherds of Christ.
I would be pleased if you could include me in your mailing
list.
With every blessing on your special work,
Yours Sincerely,
Rev. Daniel Barr
Lifford, Ireland
Dear Fr. Carter,
I got your newsletter, Shepherds of Christ from a Jesuit
friend in Kampala. It has been a service of inspiration, not only to me, but
also to those with whom I shared it. I would appreciate it if you could avail me
of some of the issues.
God Bless,
Yours,
Fr. Michael Canuroma Opoki
Awasa, Ethiopia
Dear Fr. Carter,
God Bless you for your kindness in sending me the 1998, Issue
Two, of your Newsletter.
How I love to receive those copies. The priests to whom I
distribute them want to thank you too as they find in your newsletter a useful
spiritual guide. Even the Seminarians are appreciating your kindness. We have
all to thank you prayerfully, especially at mass.
Please thank also your Shepherds of Christ Associates for
their prayers and good work. I am offering a Mass for all your intentions. God
bless you all.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Joseph, M. Galdes, S.J.
Victoria, Gozo-Malta
Dear Fr. Carter,
I have just finished reading issue Two, 1998 of Shepherds of Christ.
I really enjoyed it. It had real spiritual depth. I especially
enjoyed the piece on Spiritual Freedom and John of the Cross. Really all the
pieces were worthwhile. I liked the mix of traditional pieces (the two
consecration prayers and Anima Christi) and your quoting of contemporary writers
like Henri Nouwen and Robert Schwartz.
It was an act of the Holy Spirit--divine intervention--that I
even read the newsletter. Like all priests, I receive so much unsolicited mail
that I automatically toss out a lot of it without looking at it. Somehow, I
looked at your newsletter on May 21, my birthday. Your newsletter was my best
birthday gift. Keep up the good work.
In Christ,
Fr. Eamon Tobin, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Dear Fr. Carter,
Thank you for your newsletter of priestly spirituality, "Shepherds of
Christ". It is both informative and inspirational.
In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Austin Green, O.P. University of Dallas
Dear Fr. Carter,
I look forward to receiving my Shepheds of Christ newsletter. Each issue is
truly an uplifting experience.
Would it be possible to take articles from the newsletter for
publication in my parish bulletin? I would like to share such inspiring
information with my parishioners.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. W. Paysse
Slidell, Louisiana
Dear Ed,
Thank you for Shepherds of Christ which I treasure and read as
spiritual reading. It contains a volume of practical recommendations.
Let's pray for each other...
Rev. Msgr. James J. Rugel
Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Dear Fr. Edward,
The peace of the Lord be always with you. Recently I received your newsletter,
Shepherds of Christ from my Bishop. It is very interesting for me and the
priests who are working with me in this parish.
I would like to ask you for the cassettes (Newsletters on
cassettes).
Could you please supply me with these cassettes, which will be
of great help to priests and the thirty catechists working in the same parish.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Hilary Abela
Mpiketoni
Kenya
Dear Fr. Carter,
We priests get so many things in the mail for the parish and all its ministries
and ministers. I was dumfounded that there was something for the pastor, and
what a good thing it is, "Shepherds of Christ"! It is like geting a
mini-retreat in the mail. How good of you to do this for us! Bless you.
Sincerely in Christ and the Blessed Mother,
Fr. Guilbert Manaric
Skidmore, Texas
Dear Fr. Carter,
Thank you. I have just got your Shepherds of Christ Newsletter for l998, Issue
Five. I was eagerly waiting for it so that I could distribute it among our
clergy and seminarians. Every issue is a precious little mine of spiritual
insights which helps us priests, always on the go, to stop and cherish the
Spirit.
Sincerely in Christ, the Good Shepherd
Fr. Joseph M. Galdes, S.J.
Victoria, Gozo - Malta
Dear Ed,
Thank you for sending us copies of the Shepherds of Christ Newsletter. We
appreciate your good efforts to support the clergy in their vocations--an
excellent apostolate, especially in these "difficult" days for the
clergy.
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Tom Radloff, S.J.
North American College, Rome
Dear Father,
Pax Christi! Recently a colleague placed a copy of your newsletter on my desk in
order that I may partake of its richness. I was very pleased at the various
articles found within. On occasion I find myself looking for just the right
article that will spark my attention, but one short enough to not require much
time. I am pleased to say that your newsletter is a very good source that falls
under my guidelines. If you would please place me on your mailing list, I would
be most appreciative.
In Christ,
Rev. Mark A. Mc Anally
St. Mary's Seminary & University
Baltimore, Maryland
Dear Father Edward J. Carter, S.J.:
Greetings and prayerful good wishes!
I am edified etc., etc., by my reading
"Shepherds of Christ"...
Congratulations on publishing and editing such
an excellent "diamond of spirituality".
Oremus pro invicem.
Sincerely,
in Jesus our Good Shepherd and High Priest,
Father Bruce Riski, Capuchin
Appleton, Wisconsin
Dear Rev. Fr. Edward Carter,
I am Am Nguyen, a Salesian priest. I am a full-time student in the S.T.D.
program at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. My desire is that after
the completion of studies, I will be back in Vietnam.
I have usually received "Shepherds of
Christ." I highly appreciate what you have been doing. It promotes a new
awareness of the gift of the priesthood.
I wonder whether I can have a free copy of
Newsletters both in cassette form and in book form. Burned with a zeal to serve
the Body of Christ more effectively through an ongoing spiritual renewal, I
think that these Newsletters will be useful. At the same time, I wish I can
share them with my other companion priests in Vietnam.
Thanks for your consideration. May God bless
your ministry and make it fruitful for the sake of his Church.
With gratitude and prayers in Christ the Lord,
Am Nguyen, S.D.B
Dear Ed,
Just want to tell you I liked your 1999, Issue Three, with its two articles on
"Personal Uniqueness" and "Jesus". I’ll be looking for a
chance to use them in my retreats and liturgies. Thanks a lot.
In Christ,
Bob Thul, S.J.
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Father,
Please receive my cordial greetings.
It was really an opportune moment and a
gracious one to come in touch with a "Shepherds of Christ" issue. I
was nearly overjoyed by the spiritual nourishment it contained. As a parish
priest, I would find it highly useful if I could regularly receive it.
Also, please send me the newsletter in book
form and the newsletter audio cassettes. Yours in Christ,
Fr. Felix Rashid
Tanzania, East Africa
Dear Fr. Carter,
I have come to know that your newsletter, "Shepherds of Christ", so
rich in spiritual resources and so useful, are now available on audio-cassettes.
I would be very grateful if I could have them,
since I can no longer read.
Would you kindly place me on your mailing list
and send also 10 copies of "Shepherds of Christ", together with some
copies of the prayer manual for distribution?
May the good Shepherd bless your precious work
and keep you in His loving care.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Luigi Gerardi
Contemplative Evangelizers
Pongai, Kenya
Dear Father Carter,
For years I have received Shepherds of Christ Newsletter; I do not know
who put me on your mailing list, but I’m grateful to you both. Since I first
began to receive the newsletter I have been assigned as the Director of
Formation Advising for the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
I would like to know if it would be possible to make a bulk order so that our
seminarians could benefit from the newsletter as well. I will make sure they are
distributed to our seminarians. At present we have about 200 seminarians and
student priests on our campus, all eager for good spiritual reading!
Please let me know if we can make an arrangement for the delivery of the
newsletter here at the college.
Please keep our faculty and seminarians in your prayers.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. J. Mark Williams
Director of Formation Advising
Pontifical North American College
00120 Vatican City State
Dear Rev. Father,
Greetings to you from Dimapur. During the past year I have been receiving Shepherds
of Christ newsletters from the diocese. Having found it very fruitful and
enriching I thought that I would offer it to all my priests of this Province.
Will it be possible for you to send me 140 books of your newsletters? I would
like to offer it as a Millenium gift to all my priests. From the year 2000 I
would like to get regularly the newsletters for our priests. I am sure the
contents of the newsletters will inspire my priests to a life of renewal.
Congratulations for the wonderful work you are doing. Yours in Christ, The Good
Shepherd
Fr. Varghese Palathingal, sdb.
Provincial
Don Bosco Provincial House
Nagaland, India
Dear Father Carter,
I am praying for your work and I have asked all other priest beneficiaries to
pray for you and all who are working with you.
I am receiving Shepherds of Christ regularly and I distribute them
among some of our priests who are interested. I need not say how useful they are
for personal reflection and for homilies and other talks.
If possible kindly send us some audio cassettes.
Thank you. Yours sincerely,
Fr. V. Savarimuthu
Tamilnadu, India
Dear Father Carter,
I have thoroughly enjoyed your compiled newsletters in "Shepherds of
Christ". Please continue to send your letters to me as I use them for
morning meditations. Thank you for providing these wonderful letters! Please
accept the enclosed donation as a small token of my appreciation!
Sincerely in Him,
Rev. Salvatore Piazza
Ransomville, NY
Dear Revd. Edward,
May peace of God which transcends all understanding guard your heart and your
mind in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
Thank you for Shepherds of Christ
which I so much admire, love, value and treasure. In this connection, I humbly
request a free copy of cassettes so as to more fully acquaint myself with the
Spirituality it teaches to priests in its practicality.
Praying always that the good Lord should imbue
you with His Spirit. Amen.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Revd. Fr. Williams Adeforth
St. Gregory’s Catholic Church
Nigeria
Dear Fr. Edward J. Carter,
I have followed with keen interest your publication titled "Shepherds of
Christ" newsletter. I write from the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, here
in States to encourage you, Father.
Spirituality is an on-going process in the life of every man
and woman. Hence, do not relent in your publications. Everybody needs it, for
many lives have been enriched spiritually via your publications.
May Christ the Good Shepherd invigorate you.
Prayerfully yours,
Rev. Fr. Oliver Ochieze
St. Mary’s Church
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Dear Father,
Greetings from Kenya - Africa. I am grateful that you have continued to send me
your most edifying Newsletter which supports my spiritual journey.
May I also request you to send me the newsletter in book form
and the audio-cassettes.
With best wishes for your apostolate, I remain,
Yours sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Francis Gichia Mwaniki
Our Lady of Victory
Nakuru - Kenya
Dear Father Edward J. Carter, S. J.
Greetings and good wishes for Christmas and happy New Year 2000!
I am a diocesan priest. I am working in Mbinga
Diocese. I, by good chance, came across your Shepherds of Christ, A
Spirituality Newsletter for Priests.
After having read it, I decided to ask for a
free copy of the newsletter both in cassette form and in book form. I believe
that this book and the cassette will continue helping me to fervently renew my
spirituality. I hope that this will be useful too to my fellow priests who are
engaged in the pastoral activities.
Thanking you in advance, and May God bless
your work too,
Yours sincerely,
Father Andrew J. Ndimbo, CARITAS Director
MBINGA DIOCESE
TANZANIA
2000 - ISSUE THREE
Congratulations on a first-class publication.
Gerard Joubert, O.P.
Houston, Texas
Rev. and Dear Fr. Carter,
Compliments of the Easter Season to you! After reading your recent newsletter Shepherds
of Christ, I found it very profitable and thought of making a request for
subsequent copies as the one I read was given to me by one of our priests.
I shall, therefore, be very thankful if you do
me the favour of sending me copies of the newsletter in the future. May God
bless your apostolate most abundantly.
In union of prayers in the Lord’s Vineyard,
I remain,
Sincerely yours in the Lord
Rev. Fr. Charles Anemelu
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
2000 - ISSUE FOUR
Dear Ed,
The latest special issue of Shepherds of Christ is very good (Issue 3,
2000). I like the idea that you are expanding it so that although aimed for the
needs of priests it is an available resource for lay people as well. It will
keep it more viable in the long run. But the choice of articles and topics in
the issue are an excellent thematic list of the major spiritual topics of today.
My best,
Lawrence Boadt, CSP
Paulist Press
Mahwah, NJ
Dear Father Carter,
Please let me tell you how much I am grateful for your "Shepherds of
Christ" newsletter. I received the Issue 3, 2000, manual from a long-time
family friend and monk who handed it along to my family. The articles are
interesting and inspirational!
I am a 20-year old college student and I
attend a private, secular school. The prayers and articles in "Shepherds of
Christ" help me understand the Eucharist and live a life focused on Jesus.
I especially like the Act of Consecration prayer. It is so beautiful! I say it
daily.
Thank you again and may God bless all those
involved in the "Shepherds of Christ" ministry.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Deignan
Farmingdale, New Jersey
Dear Fr. Carter,
I just finished reading the Special Issue
"Overview of the Spiritual Life" Excellent! Please send me the book
form of the 1st 12 issues.
Thank you.
In Christ
Fr. Gerald Sherer
Hermosa, SD
Reverend and dear Fr. Ed,
Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines! Please allow me to congratulate you for
the expansion of your readership. It is indeed true that even the laity would
benefit from your spiritual publication. As for my case, I am not yet a priest
yet I found your notes to be helpful in my personal spiritual journey. Thus, I
am asking for a personal copy of Shepherds of Christ. The ones that I had been
reading were given by a fellow seminarian. May I also request the audiocasette
recording of your previous issues. Thank you very much for your dedication. May
Mary’s protection never leave you in your life.
In Christ
Sem. Nono Acompanado
Holy Rosary Major Seminary
Concepcion Heights, Naga City
Philippines
Dear Father Carter,
Greetings in the name of the Risen Lord! I hope you had a good Lent and a joyful
celebration of Easter. Here at St. Anne the Vigil and the Easter Sunday
celebrations were memorable.
Father, since the time I started receiving
these spiritual newsletters through my Vicar General Mons. Joseph Kimu of St.
John the Baptist Major Seminary in the diocese of Mangochi here in Malawi, I
feel my spiritual life has been enriched tremendously.
On the other side, I would like to welcome
most gratefully the idea of extending the readership to the laity.
I think there could be some food for them too. We as priests, and they as the
flock need each other’s assistance.
Sincerely in the Risen Christ
Rev. Fr. Lucious Kamwana
St. Anne Catholic Parish
Balaka - Malawi - AFRICA
Dear Father Ed,
I have been receiving your newsletters for over a year now and have enjoyed it
immensely. Every issue I read from front to back. I am now 48 years ordained and
each newsletter renews me spiritually.
Enclosed is a little donation. I enjoy each
issue very much.
Yours in Christ and Mary,
Father John Graham, C. SS. R
St. Cecilia’s Rectory
New York, NY
Ghana
July 24, 2001
Dear Rev. Ed. Carter,
APPRECIATION
I am most grateful for the additional materials. I have
been away
for some time now. The external assignment is virtually over, at
least for now.
I am glad to inform you that some of the groups to which I
first
introduced this spiritual exercise have become conversant with the
procedure. They are now at home with the prayers and have
willingly accepted the program. Here we are with the list of three
Chapters; 1. ______ chapter with (11) eleven members: _____
Chapter with (5) five, and _________ with (4) four. I
hope every indication here is satisfactory.
There are some other groups that I need to observe and
assist
for some time. In due course their would be sent accordingly;
and again I am still looking for more avenues for the expansion
of the program. It is my prayer that these will work hard and that
we will be able to win more Associates to pray these intentions.
Thanks and May the Lord bless you.
Fraternally Yours
Rev. S.A.
To: info@SofC.org
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2001 2:49 AM
Subject: Membership Form
Dear
John, Thank you for the Newsletter, July 18, 2001, which I
received a few days ago, and I want to submit with all my heart my
application for Membership to the "Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart of
Jesus". The particulars, as asked by the form, are as follows:
Fr.
M. C.
India
To: info@SofC.org
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2001 8:29 AM
Subject: Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus
Dear John,
Greetings of peace and Joy in the Lord
from New Delhi - INDIA.
Thank you for the membership form which I am also sending by post.
Congratulations for spreading the devotion and Love for the Eucharistic
Lord. His presence in our Life makes all the difference.
I certainly would count it a privilege
to be a member of the
Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
Kindly include my name too.
Please note my new address:
Wishing you a very happy feast of the
Assumption of our Blessed Mother,
In our Eucharistic Lord,
Fr. M.V. S.D.B.
To: info@SofC.org
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 7:41 AM
Subject: greetings from ______
I am regular reader of your book let. Yours is a wonderful site in the web
Fr. M. K.
Secretary to the bishop
To: info@SofC.org
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 1:39 PM
Subject: Change of Address
Medjugorje
Mon Aug 6, 2001
Dear Mr., Peace!
I am an American born Franciscan of Croatian descent. I served here for
confessions etc 13 years during which time I used to receive your mailings
under the name:
Rev. P., O.F.M.
While visiting here recently, your mailing of July 18, 2001 arrived.
However,
since last October I am back in the USA, so would like to inform you about
my
change of address. But if you would like to continue sending your mailings
to
Medjugorje, put in the name of this priest instead and make the
corresponding
corrections.
Rev S. K., O.F.M.
I was surprised and sorry to learn of Fr Carter's death last December.
May the Eternal Shepherd now fully reveal himself to Fr. Carter and bring
all
the rest of us home safely forever too. May He reward you and bless your
work
on behalf of his priests.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. P. OFM
Our Lady of ________
Roman Catholic Church.
South Africa
8th August 2001.
THE EDITOR OF
SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST
P.O. BOX 193,
MORROW, OHIO 45152-0193
U.S.A.
DEAR SIR/MADAM,
RE
: REQUEST FOR COPIES OF SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST NEWSLETTER
May the peace and love of
Christ always be with you.
I am a religious
missionary priest of the congregation of the
_______ working in the Diocese of _______ in a mission
called _______ mission in the republic of South Africa. I am
a Ugandan by nationality.
The congregation of the _____ was started in 1968 by
the two ______ missionaries in Uganda. At present, ________
are working in; Uganda, Jebya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, U.S.A.
and South Africa.
I was appointed to start this mission in South Africa by
my
superiors and hence, I came last year in may and I am working in
______ desert. This place being a desert, the people are very poor
and most of them depend on the government donations and church support
I was working in Uganda before I came here in _____
Diocese and
that is where I used to get the copies of your news letter through
my Bishop. Since I came here, I could not get the copies again. The
last copy I got was issue 1 2000. Your news letter was so enriching
and refreshing my mind in terms of faith and in deeper understanding
of Jesus Christ.
I would wish that may be if it is possible to send me the
news
letter in form of a book and the cassette. If you still have the
copies of the issues that I missed, you may send them to me too.
All my hope is in you that
you will be able to help me with
those copies so that I may continue enriching my self with the word
of Jesus Christ.
I am hoping to hear from you soon.
I remain yours faithfully,
Father A
Rev. Father Edward Carter, S.J.
Dear Rev. Father Edward,
This is to express my sincere thanks for responding to my
e-mail with the Spirituality News Letter and other material..
I will be approaching the Women's Sodality tomorrow urging
them to be Associates of Shepherds of Christ Ministries and pray for their
priests. The Archdiocese of _________ has organized a Lenten Recollection
where the Newsletter will be
given to the priests. Thank you once again for you kind and generous
co-operation.
Please whisper a THANK YOU to Kathleen-Handmaid of the
Good Shepherd for her kind help
God bless & love you
sincerely yours
Fr. _______ S.J.
Pakistan
Nigeria
Dear in Christ,
Many thanks to your effort. I have received
your envelope packages. I thank you very much to you
endeavors. I don't have much to write rather to express
my sincere love to you and your association for the good
work you are doing to make more and more Our Lord
Jesus Christ and His blessed Mother "Mary" to be known
to the world today. The fruits of your apostolate ministry
is tremendous. Please, keep it up.
I have watched the disc with members of Shepherds
of Christ Chapter in my parish. It was very exciting.
My parishioners are showing a great interest to be a
member including other parishes. Please, I will like to have
more luminous rubber rosaries, 15 video cassettes and
disc each. Please, make efforts to send them as many
people are showing interest.
Lastly, I have given out the one you sent to me
to members of Shepherds of Christ Chapter and they
were asking for more. Till you reply. I wish you the
best and God's blessing on all of you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Fr. _____
June 26, 2001
Dear Sirs,
Enclosed check in support of Newsletter.
Money transferred from an item not really needed.
Of separate concern, I want the
94-95 Newsletter book and interested in purchasing
the other Newsletter books. Also Rosary Book and
Meditations on Rosary mysteries. Please advise
cost of same.
I am retired but will try to
continue supporting Shepherds of Christ
Ministries. By the grace of God I have
been able to keep up the program to date.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. A. T.
Maryland
______ Mission
Zimbabwe
Dear
Fr.
A
request for the book form of Shepherds of Christ Newsletters
I
am a religious priest of the order of the _____ Congregation and doing my
missionary work in Zimbabwe. And having read the 4th issue of the Shepherds
of Christ newsletter, I was very much enriched and nourished that I found it
very useful to make a request for the book form of its previous edition.
Please,
I would be very happy if you can kindly send across to me the booklet so as
to enhance my missionary work and personal spiritual growth.
Wishing
you the very best in your efforts to make the good news of Christ reach the
doorsteps of all and sundry. Be rest assured of my incessant prayers.
Bye
and God bless.
Yours in Jesus and Mary
Fr.
E
Don Bosco
India
Dear Rev. Father,
I
am a Missionary working in _______
mission of _______, India, the Bishop _____
the Bishop Emeritus of Cuddapah Diocese had sent me
a copy of Shepherds of Christ. I will be happy to get a copy
regularly as I am in a poor mission, I am not in a position to
pay the subscription. However I am prepared to celebrate mass
for your intention by way of subscription as I do for P.M.U. for
Omnu Terra. Kindly pray for this mission, specially the new
Christians that they may be strengthened in their faith.
With thanks and best wishes,
Yours fraternally
In the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Fr. Thomas
19 April 2001
Ghana, West Africa
Dear Rita,
I have joyfully received the
Shepherds of Christ Ministries materials. I have
received the cassette and the disc, and I
am very grateful to you. I am certainly
going to make the materials available to
many priests and the faithful of Christ. I am
praying that the good Lord opens more
avenues to you to continue to assist us.
The Sacred Heart is
shining well here at
Our Lady ______ Cathedral. We
also have a Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
here in Our Diocese. It has been neglected
for long time but now I am trying
to develop the place, but with difficulty.
continue to pray for me.
Your priest.
Fr. Francis
A Parish
USA
March 21, 2001
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to start praying for priests in
a more formal way.
We have a Holy Hour at the end of each month. I would like
To dedicate part of that time praying for our priests.
Please send me 24-30 copies of the Associates Prayer Manual.
It would be wonderful if I can have them for Holy Thursday!!
Sincerely yours,
Fr. ______
A Retirement Home For Priests
USA
JMJ
3/22/01
Dear Father –
If free, please send me 100 copies
of the Prayer Manual I received in
the mail. If not, please bill me.
The pamphlet is just what I
need to spread this devotion.
Thank you
God Bless –
Fr. ______
ZIMBABWE
26 April 2001
Cathedral of the _________
Dear "Shepherds of Christ"
Publishers,
I received your Issue 4/2000 just yesterday.
You offer the first 12 issues in book form. I am
interested and ask for it.
Know I am here in Zimbabwe and have not
much foreign currency I send you by mail all what
I have:
May God bless you in your efforts and may
he bless us all in his loving care.
Yours sincerely,
Fr. H
St. _______ Parish
20 April 2001
Ghana
Dear Director,
It is a pleasure to introduce myself to you.
I am a priest working in the above parish.
I would like to appeal to you if you could
send me some rosaries for the parishioners.
I hope to hear from you. I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Fr. Anthony
Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Fátima
Puerto Rico
February 12, 2001
Dear
Father Carter:
I am
very grateful for the the Letter: Shepherds of Christ, which you so generously
send me. I have read them and am re-reading most of them.
I am
sending a small donation to help pay the expenses of sending some of them. I
wish I could send more. I am in a Rural Parish in the hills of Puerto Rico where
work is scarce.
If
possible and available, I would like to have the last four copies in Spanish. I
am stationed with a Puerto Rican Confrere and his English is limited. Having the
copies in Spanish, we both can enjoy reading them. In the future, please send me
the Spanish copy instead of the English copy.
Gratefully
yours,
Rev.
________, O.S.S.P.
P.S.
Keep up the fine work-The letters are spiritually uplifting.
Church of ___ 
New Jersey
2-9-01
Dear
Rev. Ed. Carter,
Thank you very much for the materials from the Shepherds of Christ which you
sent to me last year: Newsletters and Cassettes. They are well
appreciated. Enclosed you will find a little sum of $50 in support of what you
are doing for the Church and for us all.
May God bless and keep you.
Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Rev. ______________
February 12, 2001
Dear Fr. Edward,
Greetings of Peace from _______ community!
I wish to thank you for granting me my request by sending some of your
recent newsletters to me. I did appreciate that. More importantly, thanks
for including me as one of your readers and for sending to me the book that
contains the first 12 issues of your newsletter. I pray that the good Lord
will reward you for your generosity.
As for some of the newsletters, I shared them with my companions, who were
very appreciative of the contents.
Thanks for everything, praying that God will always bless
you in all your endeavors.
Peace!
Yours
_____________ S.J.
Arch-Diocese
of Jos
Sacred Heart Church,
________________
Nigeria
12th
December, 2000
Dear
Fr. Carter,
Warmest greetings from Shendam, I by chance received a copy of your Newsletter
and some beautiful prayer cards.
Reading them was a source of delight, they gave me all the inspiration, faith
and zeal, the type of things we need to nourish our priesthood these days, it
has brought me closer to God by focusing on your faith-filled and highly
spiritual articles and writings. How I wish I had received most of the issues, I
must be a long way behind.
I hereby wish to sincerely ask your favor, if it will be possible for me to
receive more of 'Shepherds of Christ' Newsletters, books and other articles of
faith. As a person involved in training Catechists, Seminarians and the general
Laity in my Parish, I find it very supportive and helpful.
Thank you very much for your work and generosity in spreading the Good News.
Good bye and God bless, I hope my request will be favored.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Fr._________
Philippines
November 3, 2001
Dear John Weickert
President Shepherds of Christ Ministries,
My brother, Fr. ___, S.J. died in May 2000. Only now
am I able to follow up on his membership in SCM.
(Shepherds of Christ Ministries) - i.e. to ask if I can
take his place.
I do not know membership requirements, having come
across only a few notices in his things (I went to Guam to
attend to him; when he died I stayed for wake and Mass).
But these 'looked good'. And in fact I am acquainted with
Fr. Carter, having met him along the way.
I hope to hear from you.
Yours in the Good Shepherd
___________, S.J.
INDIA
April 25, 2001
Dear Rev. Father,
Thank you very much for sending the
Newsletter, the Video cassette and the C.D. I
need not say how much we enjoyed reading and
listening and watching the videos. It is very kind
of you to continue the work of Fr. Carter.
It was a real shock to hear of the demise of
Fr. Carter. His last words, his great effort to renew
the spirit of priest and the religious, his conviction
that these changes will really bring people and the
world near to Jesus were all inspiring. Our prayer
group offered mass for the repose of his soul.
We are also in receipt of the appeal for
donation. You really need it. We cannot send money
from India. If there is any other way of helping your
cause, kindly let us know. We can offer mass for
your intention.
Please continue the work of Fr. Carter. We
do always keep you in prayers. The second Newsletter
book may be sent, when they are ready.
With kind regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Fr. V. S.
From: ____________
To: Info@SofC.org
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2001 12:44 AM
Subject: Thanks
Dear and Rev. Fr Edward S.J.
Hullo!
I am writing these few lines of appreciation
and confirmation that I have received a number
of your publication (Newsletter) Shepherds Of
Christ. With these, I have also received the
audio cassettes you sent me. All these facilities
will be a great appeal in spiritual formation
of our your priests (seminarians)
Please Fr. You are of abundant help to us keep
supporting and encouraging us in numerous ways.
Yours In the Risen Lord.
Fr. James of St. Mary's School.
Sri Lanka
11 April 2001
Dear Rev. Father,
Greeting from Sri Lanka,
These days a Missionary of Charity sister passed on to
me a copy of Shepherds of Christ. I was preaching a retreat to these
sisters. I went through the Spirituality newsletter for priests and I was
very much impressed by the insights given in it for priests.
My desire is to secure all the copies of these
newsletters. I will be glad to offer Mass intentions if necessary. Please
do me the favour of mailing the past, present and future copies of this
publication. I like preaching and I do preach much here in the Island so
it will stand me in a good stead in my priestly ministry.
My Address:
I take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Easter.
Wishing you all the best.
Fr. ___________
Provincial Delegate
Cameroon
From
____________
To: Shepherds of Christ
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 6:05 AM
Subject: Message to Rev EDWARD CARTER
Rev Father,
I am a student in the major Seminary here in
CAMEROON; I came across your Shepherds of Christ, this newsletter is very
interested with good theological
and pastoral themes that can help me to renew my
spiritual and pastoral life. For these reasons, I would
like you to send me free copy of your newsletter both
in book form and in cassette form. I request you to
send at least 20 Shepherds of Christ and at least 10
cassettes that will help others students in our
seminary to renew their spiritual life.
I thank you in advance, may God bless you, your
relatives and your work
Sincerely yours
This is my address:
Abbé J
Malawi,
Central Africa
From ____________
To: Shepherds of Christ
Sent: Monday, April 9, 2001 10:39 PM
Subject: Attention: Editor
Dear Editor,
I am a Catholic Priest belonging to _____ Missionaries born and working in
Malawi. I just come across the newsletter, "Shepherds of
Christ". I have liked it very much. Will you please include my name
on your mailing list? I also ask you to send me a book for the Shepherd of
Christ. My address is below:
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
God bless you always,
Fr. ______
Bengal,
India
From ____________
To: Shepherds of Christ
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 9:06 AM
Subject: Prayer for Fr. Carter S.J.
Dear Father,
I was
sad to learn of the demise of Father Carter S.J. May the Lord welcome his
good and faithful servant to share his eternal happiness. Great
indeed was his dedication and hard work to help his fellow-priests and
others towards the growth of spiritual life, through his mission of
writing Spirituality Newsletters and several books. Even his last days of
sickness and suffering were spent to provide us with such a richly
inspiring Newsletter! He was truly a holy and generous soul imbued with
genuine spirituality. I pray for him and ask him to intercede for me.
I request you
to send me the Second Newsletter book when published. Could you also
send me Father Carter's book Response in Christ. I would very grateful to
you for this favour.
Yours gratefully,
Fr. ______
India
From ____________
To: Shepherds of Christ
Sent: Friday, April 6, 2001 9:21 AM
Subject: Received 2001, Issue 1, SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST
Dear Father,
This is to thank you sincerely for
the many copies of SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST, 2001, Issue 1, which I had received
a few days ago and already distributed to all the staff members of this
major seminary; the few remaining I have placed on the table of the
Periodical Room where the students can sit and read at their leisure.
The material is so good and edifying that no one reading it can resist the
call to a holier life. I am deeply saddened to read of the death of Fr.
Edward J. Carter, S.J., a truly holy and learned man, who could not rest
till he communicated his depth and wisdom to others like me. Gone to his
eternal reward for doing so much for Jesus and fellow priests all over the
world, I pray for his repose as I pray for his intercession on my behalf.
Wishing you all the austere joy of Holy Week, and freshness and fullness of
joy at Easter.
Sincerely yours,
FR. M
China
From ____________
To: Shepherds of Christ
Sent: Monday, April 2, 2001 1:55 AM
Subject: Thank you very much for newsletter.
I just get your (Shepherd of Christ) I am very happy,
please continue sent newsletter for me.
I am new China priest, my name is Fr. P.
KARNATAKA
INDIA
1 May 2001
Dear Father,
I have received the copies of the "Shepherds of Christ" sent by
you and the books "Shepherds of Christ Associates". The articles
on The Christian Life of Grace, His relationship with the Holy
Trinity, church and the world are enlightening. The holy
priesthood is a special gift from God. According to Karl
Rahner true devotion to Mary strengthens the spiritual life.
It is my privilege to know that the Shepherds of Christ
Newsletter is translated to Spanish, French and Portuguese.
Many faithful and religious draw spiritual fruit from this literature.
The Christian theology and spirituality is a way of life that
leads to love, friendship, charity, compassion, justice and concern.
I am very happy that you printed my letter in the
magazine "Shepherds of Christ". I hope that you continue do so
in the future publications. There is need to renew the
world with the values of Christ.
Please send the existing free materials to me.
Craving your blessings
Yours sincerely,
REV.
FR ____________
India
August 4, 2001
Dear _____,
"Shepherds
of Christ" helps the spirituality of a
priest. We need to be in constant touch with Jesus.
We are invited to live a life of grace. The newsletter
provides spiritual and theological truths to the life
of a priest and christian so that our life becomes fruitful.
It gave me
immense joy to receive your letter.
Thank you for sending me "Shepherds of Christ" book
by Rev. Edward J. Carter S.J. I acknowledge your letter
dated May 28, 2001. Thank you for sending me the tapes
They are a source of spiritual inspiration and strength.
You are fondly remembered in my Eucharistic celebration
and prayers.
With best luck
Yours sincerely
Rev. Fr. V. M.
From: ______________
To: info@sofc.org
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 4:17 PM
Subject: Prayer Manuals by Father Carter
I would appreciate it very much if you could send me (25) copies of
Father Carter's Prayer Manual. Wish to get these in the amount in
English, and in Portuguese. Thanking you for your kindness in this
matter, I remain.
Fraternally,
Fr. Michael
_________
MA
Ghana,
West Africa
6-23-01
LETTER OF APPRECIATION
This is to express my sincere heart-
felt gratitude and appreciation to you
and your organization for the copies of
the spiritual Newsletter for priests sent
to me; cassettes, three booklets of newsletter.
I must say they are enriching.
Thank God for this gift of Wisdom and
Inspiration in your newsletters. I pray
He continue to bless and enrich you
more abundantly with wisdom and
strength to continue in your good
work.
I am more happy as you now
decides to extend the newsletter to
the Lay people, too. That's a wise
decision.
P.S. I hope I
will henceforth
be looking forward to receive the more
of (your) the Newsletter; present ones.
I want to remain as a member and
a reader.
They are happy whom I shared
the
Newsletter to.
God richly bless you in your
apostolate.
Yours in Christ, Fr. ______
Nigeria
February 26, 2001
Dear Fr. Carter,
Compliments of the season and peace of
the moment.
I am a seminarian in the above seminary. I was
delighted and in fact have gained more spiritually from
reading a copy of the Shepherds of Christ Newsletter.
I request to be a beneficiary of this
'Spiritual food'.
Would you be kind to send me a copy of the book
on Shepherds of Christ Newsletter: Selected writings
in spirituality for all people.
Thanks in advance while I look forward
to including
my name in your mailing list. Wish you God's
choicest blessing.
In Fido
_______ GSSP
Father ______
Commonwealth of Dominica
February 28, 2001
Dear Associates:
I am truly blessed by my association with you and your
ministry.
You have contributed a lot of spiritual upliftment to my parish
through the literature and pictures you sent me last
year for Lent and I wish to thank you for that.
As we embark on another Lenten journey I am requesting
from
you again any form of assistance in terms of books, booklets,
pamphlets, pictures, prayer cards or audio and video cassettes.
Be assured of our continued prayer for you and the
ministry.
We may not be able to contribute any finance of substance to
you because of our low economic income, but spiritual we will
assist through prayer.
May the Lord make his face shine upon you and all the
members.
Peace and love in Jesus' name.
Sincerely yours in Christ.
Rev. Fr. _______
Thailand
Dear Rev. Fr.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done
for us here in _____ _____ Diocese, Myanmar. You have sent regularly the
Shepherds of Christ which I distributed with much care and reverence. It is
a great privilege and pride to receive them for the articles in it are
spiritually motivating and pastorally stimulating. I used some articles and
ideas from them for my sharing and giving sermon.
I am sorry for being unable to give you financial support but I assure you
of our prayers. May the good Lord bless you and Our Mother protect you and
all your dear ones.
Yours Sincerely,
Fr. M. A
Assam – India
Dear Brother in Christ,
Greetings from
Assam-India.
I have received Your Magazine:
2000
Issue 4..
Congratulations for the beautiful matter
that You give us.
You have written that
NEWSLETTERS NOW AVAILABLE in BOOK FORM..
NEWSLETTERS NOW AVAILABLE IN CASSETTE FORM,
I am a missionary in India since last 62
years...now I am 84, still working...full
time...I would appreciate very much if I
could get a copy of each..in return I
promise to pray for You...that Jesus may
render Your Apostolate fruitful.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I wish You a Holy Season of Lent.
In union of prayers,
Fr. ______
3-3-2001
Nigeria
Dear in Christ,
Many thanks to your effort. I have received
your envelope packages. I thank you very much to you
endeavors. I don't have much to write rather to express
my sincere love to you and your association for the good
work you are doing to make more and more Our Lord
Jesus Christ and His blessed Mother "Mary" to be known
to the world today. The fruits of your apostolate ministry
is tremendous. Please, keep it up.
I have watched the disc with members of Shepherds
of Christ Chapter in my parish. It was very exciting.
My parishioners are showing a great interest to be a
member including other parishes. Please, I will like to have
more luminous rubber rosaries, 15 video cassettes and
disc each. Please, make efforts to send them as many
people are showing interest.
Lastly, I have given out the one you sent to me
to members of Shepherds of Christ Chapter and they
were asking for more. Till you reply. I wish you the
best and God's blessing on all of you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Fr. _____
June 26, 2001
Dear Sirs,
Enclosed check in support of Newsletter.
Money transferred from an item not really needed.
Of separate concern, I want the
94-95 Newsletter book and interested in purchasing
the other Newsletter books. Also Rosary Book and
Meditations on Rosary mysteries. Please advise
cost of same.
I am retired but will try to
continue supporting Shepherds of Christ
Ministries. By the grace of God I have
been able to keep up the program to date.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. A. T.
Maryland
|
This is from the president
Newsletter Book II update:
We received $45,000 for the Newsletter Book II.
We need at least another additional $30,000 for
postage.
The donor has already matched the first $40,000.
Please help us with the postage so the priests can
receive the Newsletter Book as soon as it is printed.
Thank you so much for all who have given. We really
want to please God the Father this Christmas.
|
|
Messenger: We
have a Donor that will match the funds for the Newsletter so for every
$1 you give, the donor will match the money for the Newsletter until
we get $150,000 for the Newsletter Book II.
Jesus wants it out
—
Please we need the
money urgently because God the Father wants the Newsletter Book II out
by Christmas.
Excerpt from July 14, 2001 message
Mary speaks:
...The
Father wishes the Priestly Newsletter Book II
to reach all the 75,000 Priests. Pray Hourly
for
funds for this. ..Please
if you can help, help
me.
Sending the Priestly
Newsletter Book II to the
75,000 Priests will help to change the face of the
earth.
end of excerpt from July 14, 2001 message
Excerpt from August 18, 2001 message
Messenger: ... We need to send the Priestly
Newsletter Book II
to the priests of this earth.
This is God's plan. God the Father said
"The Priestly Newsletter Book II would
help to change the face of the earth."
end of excerpt from August 18,
2001 message
Excerpt from October 19, 2001 message
Mary speaks: ... Please
I ask you to get my Son's priestly
Newsletter Book II, with the
prayer manual to my priest sons
by Christmas.
These writings were directed by my Son Jesus and given
to Father Carter to circulate for the renewal
of the Church and the world.
The Father has said this book will help to
change the face of the earth.
end of excerpt from October 19,
2001 |
December 23, 1994
THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
Agony in the Garden
1. Messenger: Be there with our
beloved Jesus in the garden. Hear the sounds of the night. See Him as He
kneels in such anguish, seeing all the things that are about to happen with
His coming Passion.
2. And He cries out to His Father. Luke 22:42 "
'Father,' he said, 'if you are willing, take this cup away from me.
Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.' "
3. Agonies of the heart...the greatest of all agonies. Jesus
saw before Him the souls that He loved so dearly. Many souls would neglect Him
and treat Him with such indifference.
4. The agonies He suffered to His Heart were so immense. The
wounds in His Heart so deep.
5. He saw before Him all of His most beloved souls that
would be condemned to eternal damnation despite all the sufferings that He was
about to undergo.
6. His agony was so great that His sweat became as great
drops of Blood upon the ground.
7. This is the reality: God runs the world. Jesus truly
suffered for love of us. He gave His life and He suffered in the garden for
all the sins that we are committing this day.
8. He saw before Him His entire Passion: the blows, the
spitting, His death on the cross. He saw this. With greatest love of us, He
endured the Passion to the end.
9. He was filled with such anguish and suffering that an
angel of the Lord appeared to Him to
comfort Him.
10. He waits endless hours in the tabernacle today. Jesus
Christ, the Son of God in His Divinity and His humanity, waits for us to come
and to be with Him. He said in the garden: Matthew 26:40-41 "He came back
to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, 'So you had
not the strength to stay awake with me for one hour? Stay awake, and pray not
to be put to the test. The spirit is willing enough, but human nature is
weak.' " Can we visit Him today in the tabernacle?
Scourging at the Pillar
1.
Messenger: See Jesus as they tie Him to the pillar. He is
God-made-man.
2. With anger in their hearts, they beat Jesus to the point
of their own exhaustion.
3. Hear the sounds as they beat Jesus. They hit His precious
back. Hear the blows over and over again as it tears at His flesh. Do you hear
Jesus as He makes whimpering sounds? The men are filled with anger and hatred,
and they beat Jesus with great force.
4. Do we have any idea what it is like to suffer as Jesus
suffered for love of us?
5. How deep are the wounds that covered His entire Body as
they stood by mercilessly and they beat Him?
6. Think of how Jesus suffered. Be there at the pillar and
hear the sounds. See what He went through: their anger and their voices
hollering at Jesus. He was mercilessly tied to the pillar while they struck
Him, God Who is all love.
7. SONG: A Song from Jesus
8. SONG: Teach Me to Love With Your Heart (verse 1)
9. SONG: Teach Me to Love With Your Heart (verse 2)
10. SONG: Teach Me to Love With Your Heart (verse 3)
The Crowning of Thorns
1. Messenger: They pounded a piercing crown
of thorns into Jesus' most precious head.
2. They put a dirty purple robe on Jesus and they sat Him on
a throne. They mocked Him and they spit on Him, and they hollered ugly
slanders against Him.
3. SONG: God's Love (verse 1)
4. SONG: God's Love (verse 4)
5. He is truly here with us, and His Heart is ablaze with
love that radiates for us. We are His beloved ones. He withstood all this
torture so that we might have eternal life, so that He might have the deepest
union with us. And some day, if we go to heaven, we will be forever united to
Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit in such close union that will last
forever and ever and ever. He shed and gave His last drop of Blood for love of
each one of us.
6. SONG: A Song from Jesus
7. He is present in the tabernacle with such love for each
one of us as He had the day they crowned Him with thorns and poked Him and
spat on Him. He is with us this day, no less present than the day He was
scourged and crowned with thorns. He loves us so much. He shed His Blood and
gave the last beat of His Heart.
8. Hail Mary.....
9. Hail Mary.....
10. Hail Mary.....
Jesus Carries His Cross
1. Messenger: He carried His cross on
His most precious shoulder. The weight was so heavy that it felt as if His
shoulder would break. He did not give up His cross. When the weight was too
heavy for Him to bear, He collapsed under the weight of it.
2. SONG: Under the Weight of the Wood
3. Jesus traveled with His cross on His back. His Heart was
in such anguish for all the souls that would reject the grace for eternal
salvation that He would merit for them.
4. Jesus is our focus. The more we are drawn to the immense
love of this most Sacred Heart, the more we realize how He is truly alive this
day. He loves each one of us. We will experience the peace, the joy, and the
love that He wants us to have. We will be His lights shining in this world.
5. He has DIVINE LIFE and DIVINE LOVE in His most Sacred
Heart. He outpours HIS LIFE TO US. He merited this grace for us by His death
on the cross.
6. As His Mother walked along side of Him on Calvary, she
walks along side of each of us. She never leaves our side. She withstood all
this suffering. She knew what it was like to suffer. She did not take anything
to relieve the suffering and she did not leave His side. She withstood such
suffering, standing by His side. She stands by our side as we walk our path,
which sometimes seems like a slow Calvary. But Mary is by our side with such
love. She gives us her maternal love. She mothers us as the most perfect
Mother. God the Father chose Mary as Mother of Jesus and us.
7. When our path is so hard we must realize Mary is always
with us. It is God's grace that will get us through.
8. Jesus' grace is sufficient for every trial that you are
experiencing this day. We must go to Him, go to His most Sacred Heart through
Mary's Immaculate Heart. Mary leads us to Him. He is Love.
9. SONG: Little Baby Hands and Feet (verse 1)
10. SONG: Little Baby Hands and Feet (verse 2)
Jesus is Crucified and Dies on the Cross
1.
Messenger: See Mary as she holds the tender feet and
the tender hands of the Child Jesus. And see her as she sees them nail His
precious hands and feet with big nails into the cross.
2. How deep are the wounds in Thy precious hands and Thy
feet, oh Jesus? How deep, oh Jesus, are the wounds to Your Heart? You suffered
so for souls. Oh precious Jesus, fill our hearts with Your divine love and
Your divine grace so that we may never wound Thy Sacred Heart with
indifference, with neglect. Fill us with Your divine life so that we will
always be drawn to the source of real life which is only found in You. I am
sorry for all who neglect you in the Holy Eucharist.
3. You gave Your very flesh, You gave all the Blood in Your
veins. You spread Your arms and You gave Your all for love of us, dear Jesus.
And this day, You give Yourself in Your Divinity and Your humanity, with
greatest love, in the Holy Eucharist. Help us, dear Jesus, to be deeply aware
that you are truly the Son of God and that when we receive You, we receive God
in our hearts.
4. SONG: A Song From Jesus
5. You ask us to love God and love one another. You were
beaten for love of our brothers. Why can't we love our brothers? You call us
to love as You loved us. You call us to give our lives for our brothers.
6. Oh Mary, as you stand under the cross, how deep is the
anguish to your Heart? You have no wounds, you have no scars. You're supported
by your beloved John. And this day you walk by our side and you support us as
we walk what seems to be a Calvary sometimes. You forever walk by our side and
hold us up with such motherly love. You gave Jesus such love as you stood
under His cross. Thank you, Mary, for the love that you outpour to us.
7. SONG: I Love You Jesus (verse 1)
8. Let us see, Oh Mary, through your eyes, the love that
your precious Son has for us. Let us be joined ever closer to the tender Heart
of Jesus through your most Immaculate Heart. Jesus gave the last drop of His
Blood and the last beat of His Heart for love of us.
9. SONG: I Love You, Jesus (verse 2)
10. SONG: I Love You, Jesus (verse 3)
end of December 23, 1994 Rosary meditations
DECEMBER 25, 1994
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
CHRISTMAS DAY CHILDREN'S ROSARY
The Annunciation
- Messenger: The Angel Gabriel
appeared to Mary and asked Mary to be the Mother of Jesus.
- Mary always complied with the Will of the Father. She
said "yes" to the angel.
- She was filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word was made
flesh.
- Song: Come Holy Ghost…
- There was such intimacy between Mary and Jesus from the
first moment of conception.
- She felt the life of the child Jesus grow within her
womb.
- It was in her womb that the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
was formed through the Holy Spirit.
- It is in realizing this connection between the Hearts of
Jesus and Mary that we will grow in greater union with God.
- The Holy Spirit forever transforms us more and more into
the image of Jesus.
- The womb of the Virgin Mary is the holy dwelling place of
our beloved Savior.
The Visitation
- Messenger: Mary, being pregnant
herself, but hearing through the angel that Elizabeth had conceived a
child in her old age, made haste to the hill country to be with her cousin
Elizabeth.
- When she arrived, the child in Elizabeth's womb leapt for
joy.
- Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a
loud voice the Magnificat.
- Mary said,
"My soul proclaims
the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit rejoices
in God my Savior." (Lk 1:46,47)
- "…because he has looked upon
the humiliation of his servant.
Yes, from now onwards
all generations will call me blessed." (Lk 1:48)
- "…for the Almighty
has done great things for me.
Holy is his name," (Lk 1:49)
- Jesus is no less present this day in the Eucharist than
He was in Mary's womb.
- How He waits and yearns for us to come and to be with Him
because He loves us so much!
- If we realized how much He loves us, we would never fear.
- Song: O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive
Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!
Birth of Jesus
- Messenger: Think of the glorious
night when Jesus was born in a stable. The angels
sang and shepherds watched.
- The cows and the sheep were there to keep them warm.
- This is truly Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who humbled
Himself to share in our humanity.
- Song: Angels we have heard on high, sweetly
singing o'er the plains. And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous
strains.
- Song: Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis
Deo.
- Song: Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the
little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet
head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus
asleep on the hay.
- Song: O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore
Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
- Song: What child is this who lay to rest, on
Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthem sweet, while
shepherds watch are keeping.
- See Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable and see the
tenderness in the eyes of Mary as she gazes on her newborn baby child, who
is truly God!
- The birth of Jesus is at the heart of salvation history.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
- Messenger: Mary and Joseph took the
child Jesus to the temple.
- While they were there, the prophet Simeon prophesied the
sufferings of Jesus and Mary to come.
- Simeon said to Mary, "…and a sword will pierce
your soul, too..." (Lk 2:35)
- As he prophesied the sufferings of Jesus and Mary, he
also prophesied how many souls would be saved through Jesus.
- Mary gazes so tenderly on her precious child and, from
this moment on, every time she looked at Jesus, she remembered the
prophecy of Simeon.
- She had a constant ache in her Heart since the prophecy
of Simeon.
- Song: See the eyes that look at Mary, her tender
infant Child…
- She looked at the baby Jesus. She held Him in her arms.
All through their life together, she knew His Heart. There was such love
from the moment of conception between her and her Son! There was such
intimacy between the Heart of Jesus and the Heart of Mary.
- Dear Mary, you knew the Heart of your beloved Son Jesus.
Please lead us to closer intimacy with Him. It is in loving Him through
your pure and tender Heart that I too will love Him more tenderly.
- Let us love, through your Heart, our beloved Father, Son
and Holy Spirit.
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
- Messenger: How the Heart of Mary
knew the Heart of Jesus! How the Heart of Mary suffered every sorrow. How
she suffered when they lost the child Jesus in the temple.
- She calls out to us today to pray for her little lost
children of the world.
- "It happened that, three days later, they found him
in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking
them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his
intelligence and his replies." (Lk 2:46,47)
- When His parents saw Him "…his mother said to him,
'My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I
have been, looking for you?' " (Lk 2:48)
- "He went down with them then and came to Nazareth
and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in
her heart." (Luke 2:51)
- She was His Mother. She took care of Him. She knew Him
with a deep, motherly love in her Heart.
- Mary: My beloved children, pray to the child
Jesus. He will answer your prayers.
- I see Mary before me alive many times when I pray this
mystery of the rosary. I see her and hear her call out. She begs us to
pray for her lost children so that they will not be condemned to hell for
their sinfulness and willfulness.
- Mary: I am Mary, your mother. I am urgently
calling you to spread the love of My Son Jesus to the world. Make this
your Christmas gift to this world: to help spread these rosaries from the
Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Please spread them to the children and the
adults.
- Song: O come, little children...
end of December 25, 1994 Rosary meditations
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Merry Christmas
During the Rosary and 6:20 Prayers
November 5, 2001 |
December 17, 2001
5 years since
Mary appeared
Prayers 6:20 PM & Procession
(Right next to each other #19 & #20
on the roll) |
| Mary
speaks: My dear children,
I have appeared now
for five years from
my image site in Clearwater,
Florida.
Special graces will be given for
all those
coming on this anniversary of my
five year
appearance and praying devoutly.
My Son Jesus has appeared here.
We call you
to come and to pray for the
priests, the Church
and the world.
A special prayer
vigil with procession
will begin at 6:20. Other
prayers are prayed
all through the day beneath
Mary's image.
The 6:20 prayers have been prayed
beneath
my image since July 5, 1998 and
throughout
the world. My Son Jesus wants you
to come
and to sing praise to your God.
He wishes
you to come and gather on this
day.
Oh my children, I love you so
much. There
is so much evil in the world. My
children my
Son Jesus wants you to come and
pray.
I am Mary your Mother |
Mary appeared in Clearwater
on December 17, 1996 |
| Jesus speaks: Oh My beloved
children,
Come to Me. Bring the
little ones. Prayers
are held daily at 6:20. I want the
little ones to
come and see the gifts God has given
you here.
My little ones must pray. You must
pray. There
will be prayers throughout the days as
usual. Have
rosary meditation books and rosaries
available.
Pictures for all who come.
Bring your
petitions to Me. I will grant you
special graces for your heartfelt
prayers.
Oh I love you
so much. Please come. Pray -
help make reparation to Our Hearts.
Have prayer
sheets and coloring books available.
Morning
Offering cards (Say daily). Have videos
of the
Mass and Nursing home videos available.
Encourage all
to pray the prayers, to pray the
rosary and to consecrate their hearts.
Have cards
"I give my heart to Jesus and Mary
available."
This is a special day to heaven. This is a special
place. Come and pray for the days before and after
also if you wish. The big celebration is December 17,
2001 at 6:20 call for details. I ask you to come to Me.
I love you so much. Please pray for your world.
I am Jesus your Savior.
|
November 5, 2001
Jesus' face |
|
 I love you, I love you, I love you,
Jesus
|
Nursing Home Mass Video
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connection, you should be able to watch the movie live.
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Home and Homebound Mass video (12.3 MB)
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© 2001 Shepherds of Christ.
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All scripture quotes are from the New Jerusalem Bible, July 1990, published by Doubleday.
Revised: December 23, 2001
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