Issue link: http://archden.uberflip.com/i/1443894
Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual 35 Marian Ministry M any deacons have a special place in their heart for Mary. Many have used Fr. Mi- chael Gaitley's 33 Days to Morning Glory (or St. Louis de Monfort's alternative) to consecrate themselves to our Blessed Mother. Many have visited the famous Marian pilgrimage spots of Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, or even the only approved Marian apparition in the USA: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, WI. Sometimes pilgrimages to these spots are organized by a deacon. Some are involved in the regional Marian Conferences held and others with the International Marian Movement of Priests including their Prayer Cenacles. Deacons are also willing to give talks on Mary. St. Monica's Healing Ministry D uring a person's life, they can experience one or more serious traumas which can leave equally serious injuries to the heart. These injuries manifest in a series of well- known consequences which can cause terri- ble life disruptions. Coping mechanisms are adopted which can stabilize the disruption, but at some point, the coping mechanisms no longer work and the person is in hopeless de- spair. In addition, some of the coping mech- anisms have their own disruptive effects. The usual treatment for these includes psychology, medications or faith healing. St. Monica's draws elements f rom both psy- chology and faith, motivating the individual to work together with God to bring a resolu- tion to the injury in their heart. Psychology is used to help the individual to understand the effects of the trauma in their heart. Faith is first used to help them understand why God permits these traumas within the context of the purpose for their lives on earth. Over the course of the five meetings of the ministry, the minister trains the individual to recognize the signs of actual graces. God responds in power- ful and tangible ways such that the individual knows God is present with them and their life has undeniable meaning. The individual dis- covers graces that finally bring power to give their right for justice to God in the action of forgiveness. It's not a "letting go" forgiveness, but a forgiveness where the individual gives the injury of injustice to God, so that God can work on the conversion of the perpetrator. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the preeminent culmination of this ministry. i Deacon Steve Stemper deaconsteve@thecatholicfoundation.com Deacon Dave Arling djarling2011@hotmail.com i Deacon David Peverley deacon.peverley@archden.org Deacon Greg Trudel dcntrudel@gmail.com " " Blessed are you among women. Luke 1:42