I am actually typing with two hands today!  I’m greatly improved from the last update.  The doctor tells me I will be at least six months in recovery and I continue to have to medicate on a regular schedule.  I’m definitely limited in what I can do/length of time spent doing anything, but things are looking up!  Please continue to keep me in your prayers.

     Some of you who are newly arrived in this group have asked the purpose of my visit with Archbishop Nauuman.  The visit with the Archbishop was one I requested because he is newly appointed here.  I wanted to share the information about Marian Mantle, ask for his blessing and answer any questions he may have had.  We compiled a 70 page document which we sent to him ahead of time with all our who, how, why, where information, all financial information, letters from about 2 dozen of the MM members from all over the world, and bound it including all our literature and recordings from the time this all started. He was very supportive of our efforts and prayed with us that the group continues and that it grows.

     If you live near Hutchinson, Kansas, Bob and I will be presenting our workshop there on Sunday, September 25 from 2-4.  If you are planning to attend please email Barbara Sanborn at  b.sanborn@lycos.com   to let her know and help her to know how many to expect.  She will give you all the information as to location, driving directions, etc.  Barbara has been working toward this seminar since last April  when she listened to a pastoral council representative speak at a Sunday Mass about bringing people back to the church.  She says she dismissed it with the thought, “Well, Lord, what on earth could I ever do about this?”  That evening she saw the little letter in the St. Anthony Messenger about our group.  Heaven touched her heart and she  has been working hard ever since to bring our message to Hutchinson.  I pray God will reward her with a large attendance at the seminar and with many blessings for her and her family.  She certainly deserves it.  If you come to Hutchinson be sure to stop and introduce yourself.  I am always so happy to meet the face behind the names in this group.

Again, please keep Bob and me in your prayers. Meanwhile, may God give you the Grace to pray with the perseverance of St. Monica and the unconditional love of the father of the Prodigal Son.

Peace,

MaryAnn

Dear Mary Ann,

     It's so good to have you back!!! I hope all the pain and suffering is gone. I guess God must have made a great use of it somehow, like He always does. Especially from someone who knows what suffering can do. Remember your mail of last year, dear?
”Hi, Everyone,
      On this holiday weekend, I am reminded of something my husband said to me while we were in the middle of the years of praying for our son to return to the church.  Holidays were always a little uncomfortable because of all that was involved in his situation.  One time, I don't remember the holiday, but we were going to the family gathering the next day.  Before I went to bed I told Bob I sure wished it were a better situation because it was so difficult to not be able to really enjoy the holiday.  He suggested, "Let's be willing to sacrifice a few holidays right now, and offer up the sorrow and pain we feel in order to enjoy wonderful times in the future." We did.  God blessed and eventually honored our offering with family gatherings that today are better than ever! 
      So, if this is a difficult time for you, please offer your hurt and pain to the Lord and ask for it to be joined to His Passion and death as a prayer for peace to return to your heart, and for your prodigal to return to the sacraments.  Turn your sorrow and pain into a positive action, a heartfelt prayer.”
     That's it! Mary Ann, you've said it all! Things are better my way, so I would have you to thank among all my other praying friends.

Love, Joan

He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 

And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets."  And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking,  They beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."   For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken;  and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men."  And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.  ~Luke 5

The devil will try to upset you by accusing you of being unworthy of the blessings that you have received. Simply remain cheerful and do your best to ignore the devil’s nagging. If need be even laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Satan, the epitome of sin itself, accuses you of unworthiness! When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!  ~ St. Theresa of Avila