Also, my son’s wedding is next Saturday, October 16.  Please pray for him and his fiancé.  They are determined to build a faith-filled household. They have already brought their two families together in an atmosphere of friendship and love.  Her mom & dad and Bob & I, and all the couples’ siblings, have had fun working together on the wedding preparations.

      I claim this occasion as genuine evidence that God works miracles, that He DOES answer the prayer of His people,  that St. Monica’s perseverance in prayer is still a good plan, and that unconditional love and trust in God will see us through painful times.  I claim it as personal testimony to the power of the rosary, to the depth of the Mercy of God, as a reminder that God’s way is so much better than the way we think things should go.

     Now, I need to remember all of this, as I continue to pray for other prodigals in my family who I love just as much.  Somehow though, today it’s a little easier for me to trust that God holds all of our prodigals in the palm of His Hand.  It’s a little easier to believe that those who ask  the Mother of God to place a loved one under her mantle and protect and guide them to the feet of her Son Jesus will have their prayers answered.  I feel a little more strength to persevere in my prayers and a little more courage to love unconditionally those who hurt me, disappoint me, and discourage me.

     If you are in need of a little more trust today, a little more courage today, a little more perseverance today, please say to yourself

                              “Here is one of my own group who was discouraged, ready to give up

                               after years of storming heaven to no avail.  Miracles happened--a prodigal did return

                               to the Faith.  Prayers

                              were finally answered.  If God will do this for her, this insignificant one,

                              He will certainly do it for me!  I don’t know how long it will take. 

                              I don’t know if I will even still be living on this earth.  I just know that I

                              will trust God to do what He promised.”

     May God bless all of us and grant us His Peace.

Peace,

++(A couple of poems shared with us by Karen)

The CROSS

     A young man was at the end of his rope, Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. “Lord, I can’t go on,” he said.“I have too heavy a cross to bear.” The Lord replied, “My son,If you can’t bear its weight,Just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other doorAnd pick out any cross you wish.” The man was filled with relief and said,“Thank you Lord,” and he did as he was told.

      Upon entering the Other room, he saw many crosses; Some so large the tops were not visible.Then, he spotted a tiny cross Leaning against a far wall. “I’d like that that one, Lord,” he whispered. The Lord replied, “My son, that is the cross you just brought in.”

     When life’s problems seem overwhelming, It helps to look around and see What other people are coping with. You may consider yourself Far more fortunate than you imagined.

YOUR CROSS

Whatever your cross Whatever your pain There will always be sunshine After the rain.

Perhaps you may stumble Perhaps even fall But God’s always thereTo help you through it all

++(Note:  These are comments from a recent visitor to the web site.  I thought you would find them thought provoking.  Our children are influenced to step away from the Faith in so many subtle ways—quiet deception is so effective in capturing souls.)

I am amazed how true it is that we need to keep praying for our children.  A daughter, 29, who I thought was solid just revealed she had a serious wavering of her faith about two years ago.  She doesn't realize the effects seem to still be with her behavior.  It's as though she could throw off what didn't fit her style, and be fine.  I think it is sometimes a long slow path out of the Church, and I never saw that before. I pray for all of our children.

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

John 10:27-30  My sheep listen to my voice;  I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;  no one can snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all;  no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.

The more we conquer ourselves the more He gives us of His grace; and if today we have had power to overcome one difficulty, tomorrow and the day after we shall be able to surmount others that are much greater and more distressing. -- St. Vincent de Paul

ON THE WEB SITE

               "SILENT STRENGTH" PRESENTATION INFORMATION:

  The next presentation of SILENT STRENGTH: HAS SOMEONE YOU LOVE LEFT THE CHURCH is October 11th at the Women’s Group meeting at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Olathe, Kansas in the St. Mark’s room downstairs. The rosary begins at 7pm., short business meeting follows.  Talk will begin approximately 7:45.  You may come for just the talk, if you wish.  For directions, call 913-526-8977.

               If you would like more information about getting this talk scheduled in your parish, please email maryann@marianmantle.com.  There is no fee asked other than travel expenses.

NEWSLETTER

               PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY**

--If you are seeing prayers answered, we want to hear about it.**

--Do you have a question you would like to ask the group to answer?**

**Please email maryann@marianmantle.com or phone 913-526-8977.  If no one

answers, please leave your name and phone number and a good time to return

your call and MaryAnn will call you back as soon as possible.