Issue link: http://archden.uberflip.com/i/1490925
Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual 35 Marian Ministry M any deacons have a special place in their heart for Mary. Many have used Fr. Michael 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, Fa- tima, Medjugorje, or even the only approved Marian apparition in the USA: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Cham- pion, 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 hope- less despair. In addition, some of the coping mechanisms have their own disruptive ef- fects. The usual treatment for these includes psychology, medications or faith healing. St. Monica's draws elements from both psychology and faith, motivating the indi- vidual to work together with God to bring a resolution to the injury in their heart. Psy- chology is used to help the individual to understand the effects of the trauma in their heart. Faith is first used to help them under- stand 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 individ- ual to recognize the signs of actual graces. God responds in powerful and tangible ways such that the individual knows God is pres- ent with them and their life has undeniable meaning. The individual discovers 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 for- giveness 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 303.249.9753 Deacon Dave Arling djarling2011@hotmail.com 719.250.2775 i Deacon David Peverley deacon.peverley@archden.org 970.302.7500 Deacon Greg Trudel dcntrudel@gmail.com 720.431.3400