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.

 I appear my children on this former bank building in Florida, Our Lady Clothed with the Sun.

April 4, 2001

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 5 urgent intentions!

Messenger: WE URGENTLY NEED FUNDS TO PUT OUT THE NEXT NEWSLETTER, PRAY FOR THIS AND FOR THE NEWSLETTER AND ALL INVOLVED. 

WE ALSO NEED FUNDS FOR PRAYER MANUALS FOR THE 75,000 PRIESTS.

Messenger: Our Lord has asked us to pray for a special priest and three other special priests and His designated priests.

                  Please pray for the priestly newsletter and for the intentions on the prayer list at the end of the message.

Messenger: Please pray for an urgent intention, spread the blood of Jesus on them, consecrate their hearts, cast the devil far from them, and ask for a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

                  A second urgent intention is to pray for the mailing of the newsletter and all involved.  Please pray hourly if possible.

Excerpt from March 12, 2001 Daily Message

Messenger:    The Printer of the Newsletter told
                us that if we paid the first
                $20,000 on the Newsletter bill he
                could print 200,000 Prayer
                Manuals ... If you
                know anyone who can help 
                us please help us.

(End of Excerpt from March 12, 2001 Daily Message)

Jesus speaks: "This Movement is My Movement to help renew
                                My Church and My world. I love you, Jesus."

Messenger:            A sound tree produces good fruit.

                        I give to you the witnesses of those involved
                                in the Movement.

                        I give you many letters of priests and others.

                        It is sad how one person who complains can
                                cause so much damage.

                        Many sisters went into religious orders. The
                                seminaries and convents were so full
                                in 1964.

                                Many sisters wore big stiff habits,
                                    years later sisters were wearing
                                    red dresses and some
                                    living in apartments instead of
                                    communities.

                                The number of sisters and priests have
                                    dwindled and yet they are a vital
                                    part of our Church.

                                We need our priests. We love our priests.

                        Can't you see from the numbers alone that
                                something is happening?

Revelation 21: 1-7

D: THE JERUSALEM OF THE FUTURE

The heavenly Jerusalem

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride dressed for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice call from the throne, ‘Look, here God lives among human beings. He will make his home among them; they will be his people, and he will be their God, God–with–them. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness or pain. The world of the past has gone.’ Then the One sitting on the throne spoke. ‘Look, I am making the whole of creation new. Write this, "What I am saying is trustworthy and will come true."

Then he said to me, ‘It has already happened. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water from the well of life free to anybody who is thirsty; anyone who proves victorious will inherit these things; and I will be his God and he will be my son.


Messenger:    Don't you believe that Jesus who loves His
                                bride the Church would give
                                special writings at the end of
                                the second millennium to help renew it?

                        We need our priests.

                Please help me do what 
                     Jesus asks for.

                Please listen to the message 
                     given to Fr. Carter.


Words of Jesus to Members of
Shepherds of Christ Associates:

"My beloved priest-companion, I intend to use the priestly newsletter, Shepherds of Christ, and the movement, Shepherds of Christ Associates, in a powerful way for the renewal of My Church and the world.

"I will use the newsletter and the chapters of Shepherds of Christ Associates as a powerful instrument for spreading devotion to My Heart and My Mother's Heart.

"I am calling many to become members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. To all of them I will give great blessings. I will use them as instruments to help bring about the triumph of the Immaculate Heart and the reign of My Sacred Heart. I will give great graces to the members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. I will call them to be deeply united to My Heart and to Mary's Heart as I lead them ever closer to My Father in the Holy Spirit."

- Message from Jesus to Father Edward J. Carter, S.J., as given on July 31, 1994,
 feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

 

Excerpt from Shepherds of Christ Newsletter - 2000 - Issue 3

"But we know that spring will soon come with all its new life and wonder.

"It is quite clear that I will not be alive in the spring. But I will soon experience new life in a different way…

"What I would like to leave behind is a simple prayer that each of you may find what I have found—God’s special gift to us all: the gift of peace. When we are at peace, we find the freedom to be most fully who we are, even in the worst of times. We let go of what is non-essential and embrace what is essential. We empty ourselves so that God may more fully work within us. And we become instruments in the hands of the Lord."15

15. Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, The Gift of Peace, Loyola University Press, pp. 151-153.


{End of Except of Newsletter 2000 - Issue 3}



Excerpt from Shepherds of Christ Newsletter 2000 - Issue 3

Life In and With Jesus

Christ has structured the Christian life by the way He lived, died, and rose from the dead. It is obvious, then, as Paul tells us above, that the pattern of death-resurrection must be at the heart of the Church’s life. Individually and collectively, we continually die with Christ so that we may continually rise with Him. Thus we pass over in a process of ongoing religious transition to a greater participation in Christ’s resurrection. It is true that our participation in Christ’s resurrection will reach its completion only in eternity. Nevertheless, we begin the life of resurrection here upon the earth, in the here and now of human life, in the midst of joy and pain; in the experience of success and failure, in the sweat of our brow, in the enjoyment of God’s gifts. As Christians, we should have a sense of dynamic growth concerning our here and now life of resurrection.

We cannot maintain the life of resurrection or grow in it without a willingness to suffer. This does not mean that we need to feel overwhelmed and heavily burdened in our lives. The greater portion of suffering for most Christians seems to be an accumulation of ordinary hardships, difficulties, and pains. At times, however, deep suffering, even suffering of agonizing proportions, can enter into one’s life. Whether the sufferings one encounters are of either the more ordinary variety or the more rare and extreme type, Christians must convince themselves that to relate properly to the cross is to grow in resurrection, and growth in resurrection means we will also have an increased capacity to help give resurrection to others.

We are meant to share in all of the mysteries of Christ here below—we are meant to relive them in our own lives. And all of these mysteries are directed to the crowning mystery of Jesus, His resurrection: "As the Church is ever re-enacting, during all the ages, the life story of her Divine Spouse—undergoing in the Mystical Body what He suffered in His Natural Body, so it must be too, in some measure, for every individual Christian that lives in real unity with Christ. It was thus that the saints understood the life of the Divine Master. They not merely contemplated it, they lived it. This was the source of the immense sympathy they were capable of experiencing for Him in His different states. They felt in a certain measure what He felt, and what is true of Our Lord’s life considered as a whole must be true in no imperfect or limited manner of that which was the supreme and crowning mystery in that life—namely, the Resurrection. This must be, not merely a fact in Christian history, but a phase of Christian experience …We do not readily perceive that, in God’s plan, not only the Cross, but the Risen Life that followed it, is meant to be part of our terrestrial existence. Christ did not pass from the Cross straight to heaven. The Christian is not meant to do so either. In the case of Jesus the Cross preceded, prepared and prefaced a risen life on earth. In the case of the Christian the Cross is meant to play a somewhat similar role—that is, to be the prelude to a risen life, even here below.

"The Cross cannot be completely understood except it is viewed in the full light of the Resurrection. It is the latter, not the former, that is the ultimate mystery for us…The Cross is a means, not an end; it finds its explanation only in the empty tomb; it is an entrance into life, not a mode of death. Any death that enters into God’s plan must necessarily issue forth in life. If He lays upon us the necessity of dying it is in order that we may live…In order that we may live as we ought, our rebellious nature must be crucified. Crucifixion always remains the only mode of salvation.

"God sends trials and crosses simply to deaden in us the activity of the forces that make for the decay of the spiritual life, in order that that spiritual life may develop and expand unimpeded. According as the life of perverse nature ebbs away from us on our cross united with Christ’s, the Divine Life that God has placed in all whom He has called begins to make itself more manifest and to display increased vigour and vitality…It is to that Resurrection, that life in death, that God directs all the circumstances of our life—it is the object He aims at in His dealing with us." 7

In his above words, Fr. Edward Leen, C.S.Sp., speaks about a special episode of our participation in the resurrection of Jesus. He speaks of our Christ-life, our life of grace, in the highly developed state. We should all strive for this state. We must realize, however, that all those who live in the state of grace are, in an essential way, living the life of resurrection. They are alive in Christ Jesus.

"I ask you to consider that our Lord Jesus Christ is your true head and that you are a member of his body. He belongs to you as the head belongs to the body. All that is his is yours: breath, heart, body, soul and all his faculties. All of these you must use as if they belonged to you, so that in serving him you may give him praise, love and glory. You belong to him as a member belongs to the head. This is why he earnestly desires you to serve and glorify the Father by using all your faculties as if they were his.

"He belongs to you, but more than that, he longs to be in you, living and ruling in you, as the head lives and rules in the body. He desires that whatever is in him may live and rule in you: his breath in your breath, his heart in your heart, all the faculties of his soul in the faculties of your soul...

"You belong to the Son of God, but more than that, you ought to be in him as the members are in the head. All that is in you must be incorporated into him. You must receive life from him and be ruled by him. There will be no true life for you except in him, for he is the one source of true life. Apart from him you will find only death and destruction. Let him be the only source of your movements, of the actions and the strength of your life.

"Finally, you are one with Jesus as the body is one with the head. You must, then, have one breath with him, one soul, one life, one will, one mind, one heart. And he must be your breath, heart, love, life, your all. These great gifts in the follower of Christ originate from baptism. They are increased and strengthened through confirmation and by making good use of other graces that are given by God. Through the holy eucharist they are brought to perfection." 8

Because of the uniqueness of each Christian's existence, he or she presents Christ with a unique opportunity. Each Christian has the vocation to offer Christ his or her humanity so that Jesus can live in that individual in a special way. This Jesus is Priest, Prophet and King. To the extent that an individual Christian offers his or her humanity to Jesus, that person has an unique opportunity to help to continue the work of the redemption--an opportunity that no one else can fulfill. Likewise, to the extent that an individual fails to offer his or her humanity to Christ, Jesus loses the opportunity to continue His redemptive work according to that person's uniqueness.

"One day, walking on a busy street downtown, he saw a television set in a store window. The program was about our Home for the Dying in Calcutta, and it showed our Sisters taking care of the sick and the dying.

"The man confessed that when he saw that, he felt the urge to kneel and pray, after many years of not ever kneeling or praying.

"From that day on, he recovered his faith in God and in humanity, and he was convinced that God still loves him."11

You share my burdens,
You take them upon yourself.
You listen to me fondly when I tell you my troubles.
You never fail to lighten them.
I find You at all times and in all places.
You never leave me.
I will always find You wherever I go.

Old age or misfortune will not cause You to abandon me.
You will never be closer to me than
When all seems to go against me.
No matter how miserable I may be,
You will never cease to be my friend.

You tolerate my faults with admirable patience.
You are always ready to come to me, if I so desire it.

Jesus, may I die praising you!
May I die loving you!
May I die for the love of you.12

_________

5. Jerusalem Catecheses, as in The Liturgy of the Hours, Catholic Book Publishing Co., Vol. II, p. 608.
6. Msgr. Robert Guste, The Gift of the Church, Queenship Publications, pp. 22-23.
7. Edward Leen, In the Likeness of Christ, Sheed and Ward, pp. 290-300.
8. St. John Eudes, from a treatise on the Admirable Heart of Jesus, as in The Liturgy of the Hours, Catholic Book Publishing Co., Vol. IV, pp. 1331-32.
9. St. Ignatius of Antioch, "Ignatius to the Romans," as in The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom, Ignatius Press., p. 14.
10. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Discourses Addressed to Mixed Congregations, Longmans, Green and Co., pp. 111-112.
11. Mother Teresa, In My Own Words, Liguori Publications, p. 44.
12. St. Claude de la Columbiere, as published by Apostleship of Prayer, Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus.

{End of Excerpt from Newsletter 2000 - Issue 3}

Messenger:    What follows are witness letters from handmaids and apostles and priests, etc.

Witness Letters

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 12th 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.

Dan & Melanie


What has the Shepherds of Christ done for us as a Married Couple?

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

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.

Morgan H.


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 13th. When I received a notice for November 13th 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.

 

Letters from Priests and others

From the Priestly Newsletter - Shepherds of Christ
 

January/February 1995

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

March/April 1995

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

May/June 1995

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.

July/August 1995

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

September/October 1995

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

May/June 1996

 

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

September/October 1996

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

Note: If you know of other priests who have not been receiving the Newsletter, please tell them we would be very glad to add them to our mailing list upon receiving their names and addresses.
-Editor

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

November/December 1996

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

March/April 1997

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

July/August 1997

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.

1998 - ISSUE ONE

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. Ed Carter,
    Thank you very much for your kind letter. Sorry for the long delay in answering. I was always on the move.
    I found the Newsletter very much spiritually enriching. Congratulations for this very meaningful apostolate. I have some 80 priests and 60 Major Seminarians. I would like to give to all, so kindly send 150 copies.
    Once again I congratulate you for this noble effort and the trouble you take for the Church.

Yours in Our Lord,
Bishop Gregory Karotemprel, CMI
Gujarat, India

1998 - ISSUE TWO

Dear Fr. Carter,
    I would like to thank you for the first issue of l998 of Shepherds of Christ which you have sent me.
    I have found your newsletter thought-provoking and spiritually enriching. I have handed four of the five copies you sent me to the two Rectors of our Minor and Philosophy seminaries, to the priest in contact with our young priests and with vocations, and to our cloister at Carmel. I am sure that they will appreciate it as much as I do.
    I shall be grateful if you could send me 75 copies. You can be sure they will be read avidly and greatly appreciated. Also, I shall be extremely grateful if you send me 3 copies of the first l2 letters that have appeared in book form.
    Congratulations on this excellent apostolate. Keep up the good work you are doing. May Mary, our blessed Mother, bless this spiritual apostolate of yours. I have appreciated very much the quotations you put from Fr. Angelo Amato, S.D.B. and from Cardinal Newman regarding our blessed Mother.

Thanking you once again,
In caritate Christi
Armando Trinidad
Archbishop of Lahore, Pakistan

Dear Father,
    I have been asked by His Excellency Bishop Frances Gerard Brooks, D.D., to thank you for your recent letter.
    At a recent diocesan conference our bishop informed the priests of the diocese of your recent letter and provided for their perusal the samples of your newsletter. The response was very positive, with many priests indicating a desire to receive your newsletter on a regular basis.
    His Excellency has asked me to confirm with you the possibility of ordering 60 copies of your newsletter. This will allow for a copy to be given to every priest, deacon and seminarian of the diocese. It will also facilitate "sample" copies to be distributed further afield.

Rev. Niall Sheehan
Cathedral Presbytery
Newry, Northern Ireland

1998 - ISSUE THREE

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

1998 - ISSUE FOUR

Dear Father,
This date two copies of your Catholic newsletter reached my desk. I put other mail aside and read your publication.

It sold itself. Therefore I would ask for 60 copies that can be spread among our priests, brothers, sisters, deacons and catechists.

I am sure they will appreciate what you send.

Blessings and best wishes.
Your servant in Christ,
Cardinal Pio Taofinu'u
Archbishop of Samoa-Apia

Dear Fr. Edward:
Thank you for the Shepherds of Christ Newsletter. You are putting in the hands of our priests timely materials for spiritual reading and for allocutions and homilies. I myself will find this helpful for my apostolate of giving recollections and retreats to seminarians and priests.

I will be glad to have 60 copies of each issue of the Newsletter starting with the forthcoming newsletter.

Permit me to extend to you and your companions in the apostolate my appreciation and gratitude for extending your help to your fellow priests in the ministry.

God bless you.
Sincerely yours,
Angel N. Lagdameo
Bishop of Dumaguete, Philippines

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

1998 - ISSUE FIVE

Dear Father,
Yesterday I received your letters and the book, Spirituality Newsletters.

I am delighted because there is so much material coming on to my desk it is well-nigh impossible to read much of it. However, your gift looks to me as if it will fill a great need for us here. We simply do not have the time to read a great deal and have often thought it would be a great thing if one of us could digest a great deal of the writings we receive, summarize them and send them to the rest of us. However, that too is quite impractical we find. And I rather think that what you have sent is the very thing we need, and because it is on spirituality it will be the greatest help and inspiration. I have to tell you that all the priests here are great workers, and all of them work long hours manually in travel by boat, in caring for light plants, boat engines, buildings, etc., just to support their stations, (most on pretty lonely islands) so that they have little money to buy good books, and little time to read them if they get them. What you have sent seems to really fill a bill for us. It seems at first sight to be the essence of the great need we have, for the development of the priest himself in spirituality.

Thank you very much indeed. I am really grateful.

Yours very sincerly and fraternally in Our Lord
Bishop D.C. Morre
Diocese of Alotau
Papua new Guinea

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

1999 - ISSUE ONE

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

1999 - ISSUE TWO

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

1999 - ISSUE THREE

Dear Fr. Carter,
I am writing to ask you to please send me ten copies of the Spiritual Newsletter for Priests, Shepherds of Christ, and a copy of the book which includes the first 12 issues of your newsletter.

I have received two issues of 1998, and I have found them very useful to enhance our priestly on-going formation, and I wish to give one to my nine diocesan priests and keep one for myself.

Sincerely yours in Christ

Bishop Ambrose Ravasi, IMC
Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya

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

1999 - ISSUE FOUR

30 June 1999

Reverend and dear Father Carter,
Warmest Greetings to you from Plentong, Malaysia.

I write to thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness in sending us several copies of your "Spirituality Newsletter for Priests". We have received Issues One & Two, 1999.

There is no doubt that our priests will benefit from the articles of your Newsletter and hopefully they will inspire and encourage them to seek holiness in their pastoral work.

With renewed gratitude and warm regards.

    Yours sincerely in the Lord,
    Bishop James Chan
    Melaka-Johor Diocese

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

1999 - ISSUE FIVE

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

2000 - ISSUE ONE

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 Fr. Carter,
I received the parcel you so kindly sent me. Thank you for the book "Shepherds of Christ" and the set of audio cassettes.

May I request of you this favour. There are more than 100 priests in the dioceses of Cuddapah and also Kurnool where I served as Apostolic Administrator for three years. They love me also and visit me when they come this side. I want to give them all the book, "Shepherds of Christ" and ask them to study and meditate on it.

I admire this great work that you are doing for the priestly holiness. The holiness of the Church depends on the holiness of its priests. It is a great pity that many fail to be "Christ". Only prayer and love can bring them around. My congratulations to you once again. With love and blessings,

Rev. S. A. Aruliah D.D.
Bishop Emeritus of Cuddapah
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

2000 - ISSUE TWO

Dear and Rev. Edward,
Loving and cordial greetings to you from Most Rev. G. Johannes, Bishop of Kurnool.

I am glad to learn that you are publishing a magazine by name Shepherds of Christ. Recently, I was given some magazines to be distributed to our priests by Most Rev. Bishop S. A. Aruliah of Cuddapah and the magazines are very good and worth reading.

As the magazines are useful to our priests, I would like to get them for our priests too. Presently there are 70 priests in our diocese and distribution of these magazines to our priests will surely help their spiritual life. As your magazine covers so may theological, pastoral themes, it helps our priests in their pastoral life.

Hence, I request you to send at least 70 Shepherds of Christ magazines to us so that we may distribute to our priests. I also request you to send some audio-video tapes which can help our priests pastorally.

With Blessings,

GORANTLA Johannes D. D.
Bishop of Kurnool, India

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

Dear Fr. Carter,
I have been reading the newsletter book Shepherds of Christ meditatively since it came. All the articles are deep theology and spirituality. If only priests read it properly and prayerfully, a change towards Christ cannot but come. All my Diocesan priests got the book and are reading it. I have sent a few copies to the seminary rector in South India whom I know, asking him to read it and also order the newsletter. I am sure they will profit by it.

Bishop S.A. Aruliah
Cuddapah
India

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

February 2, 2001

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Most Reverend Bishop ________, D.D.                         CUDDAPAH - 516004
            Bishop Emeritus of Cuddapah                        A.P.S India

                                                                                   DATE 23-1-2001

          Dear Fr. Carter,

                   Let me start this letter wishing you a Very Happy New Year with all its blessings of peace, joy and happiness and success. May God bless you.

     I received the Shepherds of Christ - Issue 4, 2000 only yesterday. I have not gone through it. I hope that you get enough and more funds to continue. My special prayers for you for this purpose. It is a surprise for me to know that you print in Spanish and are going to do it also in French. I cannot but admire your courage and hard work.

Congratulations. You will have enough funds. No good work will suffer by lack of funds. That's my experience.

     How are you? Please keep up your health and joy.

     I came back to Cuddapah and remain at my old address given above. Neck pain affects me to sit and work. Otherwise I keep well and happy.

     Once more I congratulate you and wish you every success.  Please pray for me. My love to all those there.

With much love, wishes, prayers and blessings.

 

                                Yours in Jesus, Mary, Joseph

                                                       _______________

 

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  Parroquia Nuestra Seńora de Fátima
                                         Orocovis, Puerto Rico 00720

                                                                                         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.

 

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       Church of ___     
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 07922

                                                                                                    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. ______________

 

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February 3, 2001

  

February 8, 2001

 

                                               Society of Christian Doctrine
                                                        KENYA - East Africa

                                                                  28th January, 2001

Dear Rev. Edward Carter,

We are members of a Lay Movement Called Society 
of Christian Doctrine founded in Malta by Father George Preca who is to be declared a Blessed by our Church very soon. Enclosed you find a short history of our Society.

We have been working in Kenya as Lay Missioners for this last 12 years. Our new Bishop passed to us a copy of issue 3 and 4 year 2000 of your Newsletter Shepherds of Christ which we have found very useful for our spiritual nourishment.

We kindly request you to be sending us a copy of this publication. Please send us also some information about Lay Apostles.

We thank you for providing a very much needed Newsletter. We also promise you our prayers. 

Yours in Christ,

Bro. _______ s.d.c.

MPEKETONI

  KENYA

 

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February 14, 2001

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I have asked by the co-ordinator of our local chapter of the SofC to contact you. I wish to update you on our membership listing as well as ask for more material.

I have sent this e-mail in case you did not receive the one I sent earlier.

Shepherds of Christ Associates

Chapter Title: Purified

Chapter Co-ordinator:____________
Address: ...Gweru, Zimbabwe

membership listing: names and addresses

1. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
2. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
3. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
4. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
5. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
6. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
7. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
8. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe
9. .... Gweru, Zimbabwe

We will keep you posted should there be changes to our membership.

Yours in Christ,

____________


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February 10, 2001

Dear Shepherds of Christ and Rita,

     With great sympathy and prayers go out to all of you regarding the loss of Father Carter. I will always remember him in my prayers. I am sure he is in Heaven and in Our Lady's Arms. He was such a saintly priest. I love to listen to his soft and gentle voice on the tapes that I have here at home. I was so saddened when I first learned of his passing... My prayers go to you all. Father Carter accomplished his mission on earth and will be surely remembered by us all.

At this time, I'd like to place two parishes for the priestly news letter...to be sent to:
1.    Father______ Pastor                 
       St.........Church
       _______________
       Exeter, PA 18643

2.    Father______ Pastor                 
       St.........Church
       _______________
       Merchantville, NJ 08109

I am sure Father ____, and Father_____, will enjoy reading the blessings of the Priestly News Letter, and perhaps promote the Rosaries in lower grade schools, and also in the high schools in the area.

May the Blessings of Our Lady and Jesus be with you all always....

In His Love and Peace,

________


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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.


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February 13, 2001

Subject: She wants to order Response to God's Love

To whom it may concern:

Can you please let me know how I can purchase a copy of the above-mentioned book.
If not available from the Shepherd's of Christ, please let me know where I may order it and how much it costs and the shipping charges.

Thank you and May God bless you all at Shepherds of Christ.

Regards,

___________
Singapore

 

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February 13, 2001

Dear Father,

     I was looking at your web site "Shepherds of Christ", and was very pleased to see the five coloring books that were offered to print. However, when I tried to download the PDF file it wouldn't download. I was able to download a copy of the newsletter, so I don't think there is a problem with my computer. Is there any problem at your end?
     I was hoping to get a copy of these coloring books as I am catechist and would find them a valuable resource.
     I hope you can help me with this problem.

                  May God bless you,

                 ________________


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Arch-Diocese of Jos 
Sacred Heart Church,
________________    
Shendam,            
PLATEAU STATE       
       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._________

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Please send me your teaching tape. I listened to a 1998 tape and was very Blessed.

I was raised Catholic but for many years jumping to different Churches. The Lord is showing me that the Catholic Church is the Real Church.

I pray true conversion and repentance for myself, my husband, 2 sons, a married daughter and my husband. I pray God's will for our son Fred concerning a vocation to priesthood. He works part time at a monastery. That he would be open to God's call. If the Lord is truly calling him, rather than going to college for engineering.

                   Thank you,

                    Sincerely, 
                    ______________
                    Michigan

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Messenger: Enclosed is a card from a school in
                           Louisiana. We send rosaries, scapulars,
                           meditations and consecration cards to the
                           schools.

Messenger: Enclosed are a few letters from the students at
                           another school.


end of Witness Letters

Remember the Rosary in Clearwater, Florida - April 5, 2001.

April 13 is Good Friday.

Rosary in Iowa - April 24, 2001.

Messenger: Jesus asks us to pray for special things.
                Spread the Blood of Jesus, Consecrate their hearts,
                Cast the Devil far away, ask for the coming of the Holy
                     Spirit.

                1)  Pray for urgent intention and all involved.
                2)  Pray for Father Mike and Father Laurentin.
                3)  Pray for special Bishops and Archbishops
                4)  Pray for a special man and son,
                     and family and all involved.
                5)  Pray for all priests, Bishops and Cardinals
                     receiving the Newsletter.
                     Pray for grace for them to respond especially
                     by beginning prayer chapters.
                6)  Pray for the telephone operators.
                7)  Pray for communication and business in
                     general.
                8)  Pray for people to respond to fund letters.
                9)  Pray for money to circulate pictures.

                            

              10)  Pray for funds and grace.
              11)  Pray for all Shepherds of Christ apostles,
                     handmaids, servants.
              12)  Pray for availability Prayer manuals.
              13)  Pray for second priestly Newsletter Book.
              14)  Pray for documentary and all involved.
              15) Pray for special intentions of our donors.

A PLEDGE FROM AN APOSTLE OF THE SACRED HEART

Messenger:

          I am but a little speck on this earth,
                 but with His might He can use me
                 to spread the devotion to His
                 Most Sacred Heart.

          Oh dear and precious Heart of Jesus
                 I give myself as completely as
                 possible to Thee so you will use
                 me to spread the devotion to the
                 ends of the earth for Your most
                 precious Heart.

          I am Rita your precious soul.

          Use me to help to spread this burning
                 devotion to the souls of this earth.

          I am yours, take me, use me as you
                 will.

          I surrender myself to you.

          It is your might behind me, your power
                 that sends me. I am an Apostle of
                 the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I give
                 myself as completely as possible to
                 Thee.             

          Sacred Heart of Jesus I place my
                 trust in Thee.

          Father hear us please. We beg through
                the  intercession of Father Carter
                and Our Lady of Clearwater that 
                prayer chapters are started all over
                the world and the Priestly Newsletter
                gets there immediately with the
                Prayer Manual.

Sorrowful MotherMary's Message from the Rosary of August 27, 1996

Mary speaks: I stood beneath the cross of my Son, and my Heart was in such pain for I saw Him before my eyes. I saw Him covered with blood. I saw Him die. My Heart, my children, my Heart to watch my Son, but my Heart, my Heart, how I suffered for my little children of the world that give in to this world and give up the love of my Son. O my little children of light, I give you this message. Carry this light into the darkness for your Mother Mary, for I stood beneath the cross and I cried. I cried for the little ones. I cried for the young ones, the ones that do not care and will lose their souls. How do I make you see for you will not listen to me? What can I do? I come. I appear. I beg. I plead. I give you these gifts from my Son, and you reject me. I do not deliver messages very often anymore for I have been ignored. The message is the same. You do not read the messages I have given to you. Please help me. Help the little children. I appear. I appear. I appear, and I am ignored. I stood beneath the cross, and I cried. I cried, and my Heart was in such anguish for my little children, for I am searching for them this day as I searched for the Child Jesus. Please, please help me. I cannot hold back the hand of my Son any longer. I am Mary, your Mother. I ask you to help my children. You are my children of light.

Song: O Lady of Light, shining so bright, be with us this day, guiding our way, O Lady, O Lady of Light.

Mary speaks: I appear to you as Our Mother of Sorrows.

(End of Mary's Message)

A Note from the President of Shepherds of Christ:

If you are devoted to Our Lady's rosary, we need your help! A member of our ministry is very devoted to Our Blessed Mother and he is helping to teach us how to grow our volunteer rosary makers. He estimates that we will need approximately $37,000 this year for beads alone! This translates into 22,339,500 rosary beads (yes, 22 million beads) assembled by volunteers into 378 thousand rosaries. The biggest users of our rosaries are the Catholic schools, who requested more than 100,000 rosaries last year.

Can you help us? I appeal to you for funds, whether large or small. We give because we love God, we love our Blessed Mother, and we love souls. We will accept gifts in many forms, besides cash or check donations, we can receive gifts directly in the form of stocks or property. These gifts can offer large tax advantages to the donor and increase the monetary value of the gift to us. Also if you can help assemble rosaries we need your help! If you can help us in anyway, please call or write us. God Bless!

I love you,
John Weickert

         

A rosary can be used to pray for healing. It is powerful to unite our prayers to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and pray through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater.

In times of trouble, for special prayer, we can use our rosary and pray as follows.

A Rosary for Healing or for Someone with Cancer.

On one Hail Mary bead or as many as you desire, say: 

May God heal                     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                     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.

Note: The above section can be printed out from a PDF file, and you can pray the rosary looking at the pictures.

December 17, 2000, Mary speaks:

Help me to circulate my red and blue
    Rosary Books and the
    prayers my Son gives to you.

This is a gift we give you.
All the revelations are gifts given to you.
My Son is the Light of the World.
He is Jesus born in a stable.
Will you help me?
He is the Light of the World. Help me, help me
    reach my children of the world.

To order your Rosary Book fill out this form and send your donation to Shepherds of Christ Ministries, PO Box 193, Morrow, Ohio 45152-0193, Telephone: (toll free) 1-888-211-3041 or (513) 932-4451.

Name: _________________      Street: _____________________________

City:   _________________      State:   _________________ Zip: ________

Donation price:  $7 A   $15 A   $25 A   $50 A   $100 A   Other $_____ A

Messenger: Mary wants the Red Rosary Book printed. It will cost $12,000 - $14,000 to get them reprinted. Mary has asked us to always circulate them. They go with the apparition in Florida.

ROSARIES from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Messenger: The new Blue Rosary Book Volume II of Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary has been printed. It cost $21,000. Please pray with us for funds.

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: Pray for Ron, Fernando and Perry.

Prayer List for apostles for interior use in the Movement. Pray hourly.

Spread the Blood of Jesus on everyone involved with Shepherds of Christ in any way, consecrate their hearts, cast the devil out, pray for coming of the Holy Spirit in a special way for all people involved on this list.

Please pray for one new very important intention.
Pray for the 5 urgent intentions.
Pray for the Pope and everyone we need to help us.
* Pray for the priestly newsletter, for funds for it and for all involved.
Pray for the taping of the priestly newsletter.
Pray for the reproduction of disks.
Pray for the Newsletter that went from China and Eden Prairie.
Pray for priests receiving the Newsletter for grace.
Pray for fund letters, all donors, and getting the right names. 
Pray for setting up telephone communications at the Morrow Center for priests receiving the newsletter and wanting the Prayer Manuals.
Pray for open communications within the Shepherds of Christ Ministries.
Consecrate Hearts of all Priests in the world saying Mass today.
Pray to see the vision of the Reign of the Sacred Heart and the Era of Peace.
Pray for the prison ministry.
Pray for Michael B.
Pray for the Documentary.
Pray for all mankind, Church and the world.
Pray to make amends to God for the sins of the men of this earth.
Pray to make reparation to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Pray for Don, Don, Mike, Bob, Bob, Dave, Reggie, Bush, all donors and those who Jesus wants to help us financially.
Pray for Father Carter and the Jesuits, the people at Colombiere.
* Pray for 2 special priests.
* Pray for funds and grace.
Pray for designated priests, Fr. Mike, Fr. Laurentin, Fr. Joe, Fr. Lou B., Fr. Jim, Fr. Willig, Fr. Smith, Fr. Ken, Fr. Sevilla and all priests involved in the Imprimaturs translations including all bishops and all bishops over us. Pray for Bishop Ed, Fr. Don, Father at Tuesday Masses, Fr. Tom, Fr. Bill, all priests involved with Walter, Fr. Hagee and special priests, priests who help us in China, and priests who help us in Florida.
Pray for Father's sister Merle, for all of us servants, handmaids, apostles and vocations to all 7 categories.
Pray for the Internet team and the daily messages.
Pray for people reading the Internet.
Pray for prayer book, Mass Book II, and Daily Message Books.
Pray for all covers, pray for Cathy.
Pray for the elected officials.
Pray for an audience with the Pope.
Pray for all Jesuits involved, all those over us.
Pray for Mike and Dan.
Pray for the rights to the books, pray for Jesuits in Father's house.
Pray for the process of getting Father's books on the Internet.
Pray for money to reprint the books.
Pray for the Imprimatur on the Priestly Newsletter Book II.
Pray we can send it to all bishops and Jesuits.
Pray for Fernando, Ron, Joseph, Peter, Ed, Jane, Sonia, Don, Sue & Ken.
Pray for Perry and family and discernment.
Pray for all sub-centers and all out-of-state rosaries; Denver, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Toledo, St. Louis, Memphis and California.
Pray for the sisters' mailing, nursing home mailing, bus mailing.
Pray for Genevieve's daughter and Sheila's mom and the repose of the soul of Jerry's dad.
Pray for Paul and Joan discernment.
Pray for B & M and Tina and Terry, all printing jobs, companies involved.
Pray for 5th, the 13th, the 17th.
Pray hourly for the Rosary on the 5th & all attending and those traveling to Florida.
Pray for building up of Morrow, Ohio, Dale, Indiana, Toledo, Ohio, Sidney, Ohio, Iowa, and other sub-centers.
Pray for the Holy Spirit Center and all involved.
Pray for all our families, children in school, college mailing.
Pray for lots and lots of people to help us get prayer manuals and pictures.
Pray for Rosary Factory and rosary beads.
Pray for lots of rosary makers and rosaries for the schools.
Pray for Paul C., Margaret Mary, Steve and Sheila, Monica, Angie, Marian, Cathy, Joe, Nick, Mary, Emily, Joe, Doris, Glaci, Dunkers, Joan R., Morgan, Mark, Walter, Janice, Mike A., Margaret, Ron, Harold, Scott, Nathan, Don,  Rosalie, and Dennis.
Pray for everyone who has asked us to pray for them.
Pray for Steve and Sheila and repairs.
Pray for Fred doing the paper and all involved in priestly "start-up".
Please pray for all Shepherds of Christ children.
Pray for Victor's son, Michael. (Victor and Frances)
Pray for Delores and organization of writings and other material.

Last revised March 7, 2001

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

MY VALENTINE FOR JESUS AND MARY
AND THE WORLD

I _________________ give my heart to
You Jesus and Mary on this day
_________________
I promise to help spread the devotion to
the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

          
Question for married couples and others in intimate relationships:

Q: How do I feel I am loving Jesus when I am loving you?

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SofC LogoCopyright © 2001 Shepherds of Christ.
Rights for non-commercial reproduction granted:
May be copied in its entirety, but neither re-typed nor edited.
Translations are welcome but they must be reviewed for moral and theological accuracy by a source approved by Shepherds of Christ Ministries before any distribution takes place. Please contact us for more information.
All scripture quotes are from the New Jerusalem Bible, July 1990, published by Doubleday.
Revised: April 4, 2001
URL: http://www.SofC.org
Contact Information for Shepherds of Christ
Email: info@SofC.org

Shepherds of Christ Ministries
PO Box 193
Morrow, Ohio 45152-0193

Telephone: (toll free) 1-888-211-3041 or (513) 932-4451
FAX: (513) 932-6791