Lamb Catholic Worker Winter Newsletter 2016-17
There is a unique relationship Mary has always had with the Holy Spirit and this seems manifested in the fact that when the 50th anniversary of Fatima rolled around, the Holy Spirit chose to swoop down in a mighty, mighty way in the Catholic Church (and others).
While the Catholic Church has always been a font of the Holy Spirit, no doubt, this began a movement to be FILLED with the Holy Spirit as at the first Pentecost, and to create small prayer groups, intentional communities, to help sustain us in our brief sojourn here on Earth. At their best, they are small communities of great love, support, encouragement, inspiration, accountability, and challenge, with profound praise, humility and joy.
This newsletter is a commercial for finding a good charismatic prayer group, being part of a loving community of fellow Christians desiring to live out the early Church in the book of Acts. Throughout my adult years when I would invite someone to my charismatic prayer group, and they would go for a short while, they would then go to their regular mass and say, "Whoooaaa! I went to mass and I was in the rafters! I hung on every word of mass, and felt Jesus speaking right to me in my ear, ..."
The charismatic experience in the genuine sense, always always does this. It opens us up to a much closer relationship with Jesus; it gives us clearer understanding and heartfelt appreciation of the traditions passed down by Christ and the Apostles at the hands of consecrated priests in persona christi (Christ administering sacraments physically through their bodies).
It unleashes the power of the Holy Spirit in healings, prophetic words, miracles, etc, and especially through being "baptised in the Spirit," or "slain in the Spirit," as it was nearly solely labeled for many years. Someone with this specialized gift of calling down the Holy Spirit lays hands over or on a person, and when the Holy Spirit "hits," it is quite an intense sensation -- more often than not like a bolt of lightning that knocks you off your feet!
Many times it is such a brimming of God's love and Spirit it outpours in tears; to some it is even laughter, which happened with Fr. Cantalamessa. It expresses itself at that initial one especially in as many physically versions as there are people. If it genuinely happens, there is always a sensation of some kind. There is always a flooding of peace within as well. Praying with others can also have moments of intense grace and power, but this is to a different level, typically involving standing and being prayer over by someone.
Recently a newer friend said to me that she tried the charismatic stuff and did not like it. When I explained my experience with it for approximately 43 years - my best experiences having come from the West and Central sides of Columbus, Ohio in the first 25 years - she said, "I WOULD LOVE THAT."
Prayer Meetings of
2017: 100th Anniversary of Fatima Intertwined with the 50th Anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
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Dear Holy Father Pope Francis,
If you go on a trip to Russia again, please consider consecrating in a special, exclusive way, the country of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary [as personal consecrations are done to become a religious, etc]. This was asked at Fatima by Mary, as you know. Saint John Paul II went beyond this and consecrated the whole world to her twice; and it was acknowledged as done right by Lucia who witnessed what Mary had asked at Fatima. Many here though are using this against you, and my desire is to steal their bullets. On the 100th anniversary of Fatima perhaps, this can be a gift to and for Russia. Please do this, dear Papa.
In Christ,
Monica
If you go on a trip to Russia again, please consider consecrating in a special, exclusive way, the country of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary [as personal consecrations are done to become a religious, etc]. This was asked at Fatima by Mary, as you know. Saint John Paul II went beyond this and consecrated the whole world to her twice; and it was acknowledged as done right by Lucia who witnessed what Mary had asked at Fatima. Many here though are using this against you, and my desire is to steal their bullets. On the 100th anniversary of Fatima perhaps, this can be a gift to and for Russia. Please do this, dear Papa.
In Christ,
Monica
A friend and I were meditating on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary after mass on Wednesday and in introducing the "Coronation of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth" she said something like: “Our Mother has been three times coronated in Heaven: Queen daughter of the Father, Queen Mother of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Queen Spouse of the Holy Spirit.” Beautiful.
We Catholics do not worship Mary, we honor her. The paramount questions are these:
Do you believe that Jesus had a mother?
Think and meditate on the implications of that.
Do you believe Jesus wants you to honor His mother?
A Muslim friend once told me that 3 million additional people converge on Mecca for Haj (the retreat all must make once in a lifetime) once a year. I told her that over 30 million people converge on Marian sites every year - sites where Mother Mary has "visited" us (Lourdes, Kibeho, Guadalupe ...). Her intercessory prayers for us are powerful!
In Christian Prayer Liturgy of the Hours, pg. 1386, the petition describes her well: "you are our redeemer, who made the immaculate Virgin Mary your purest home and the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, -- make us temples of your Spirit for ever."
We Catholics do not worship Mary, we honor her. The paramount questions are these:
Do you believe that Jesus had a mother?
Think and meditate on the implications of that.
Do you believe Jesus wants you to honor His mother?
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| "We saw ... a woman dressed in white ... more brilliant than the sun ... Her face indescribably beautiful, was neither sad nor happy but serious, with an air of mild reproach." -Sister Lucia |
In Christian Prayer Liturgy of the Hours, pg. 1386, the petition describes her well: "you are our redeemer, who made the immaculate Virgin Mary your purest home and the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, -- make us temples of your Spirit for ever."
Here are more poetic descriptors in the song, "Mary the Dawn," number 165, p. 1687:
Verses 3, 5 and 6: "Mary the wheat, Christ the Living Bread; Mary the stem, Christ the Rose, bloodred.... Mary the Temple, Christ the Temple's Lord; Mary the cup, Christ the saving blood... Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven's rest; Mary the mirror, Christ the Vision blest."
Verses 3, 5 and 6: "Mary the wheat, Christ the Living Bread; Mary the stem, Christ the Rose, bloodred.... Mary the Temple, Christ the Temple's Lord; Mary the cup, Christ the saving blood... Mary the Beacon, Christ the Haven's rest; Mary the mirror, Christ the Vision blest."
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| Luke 2:35 "... a sword will pierce your heart so that the thoughts of many will be revealed..." |
While the Catholic Church has always been a font of the Holy Spirit, no doubt, this began a movement to be FILLED with the Holy Spirit as at the first Pentecost, and to create small prayer groups, intentional communities, to help sustain us in our brief sojourn here on Earth. At their best, they are small communities of great love, support, encouragement, inspiration, accountability, and challenge, with profound praise, humility and joy.
This newsletter is a commercial for finding a good charismatic prayer group, being part of a loving community of fellow Christians desiring to live out the early Church in the book of Acts. Throughout my adult years when I would invite someone to my charismatic prayer group, and they would go for a short while, they would then go to their regular mass and say, "Whoooaaa! I went to mass and I was in the rafters! I hung on every word of mass, and felt Jesus speaking right to me in my ear, ..."
The charismatic experience in the genuine sense, always always does this. It opens us up to a much closer relationship with Jesus; it gives us clearer understanding and heartfelt appreciation of the traditions passed down by Christ and the Apostles at the hands of consecrated priests in persona christi (Christ administering sacraments physically through their bodies).
It unleashes the power of the Holy Spirit in healings, prophetic words, miracles, etc, and especially through being "baptised in the Spirit," or "slain in the Spirit," as it was nearly solely labeled for many years. Someone with this specialized gift of calling down the Holy Spirit lays hands over or on a person, and when the Holy Spirit "hits," it is quite an intense sensation -- more often than not like a bolt of lightning that knocks you off your feet!
Many times it is such a brimming of God's love and Spirit it outpours in tears; to some it is even laughter, which happened with Fr. Cantalamessa. It expresses itself at that initial one especially in as many physically versions as there are people. If it genuinely happens, there is always a sensation of some kind. There is always a flooding of peace within as well. Praying with others can also have moments of intense grace and power, but this is to a different level, typically involving standing and being prayer over by someone.
Recently a newer friend said to me that she tried the charismatic stuff and did not like it. When I explained my experience with it for approximately 43 years - my best experiences having come from the West and Central sides of Columbus, Ohio in the first 25 years - she said, "I WOULD LOVE THAT."
Our Roots
(Roots of the Charismatic Renewal for
parish prayer groups)
Approx. Times
Approx. Times
(Some
nights the Holy Spirit
wants more in one area)
wants more in one area)
1. Praise and Singing 20 min.
2. Silence 7-8
min.
A teaching can be inserted for 2 and 3
3. Group
Sharing 13-15 min.
4. Praise
Mode 10-15 min.
5. Prayer
for Self/Others 10-15 min.
Final Song
and A Few Shared
Miracles/prayers Announc. 5-10 min.
Miracles/prayers Announc. 5-10 min.
Fellowship after 15-20 min.
What each looks like:
1.
Leadership:
This could be
one or two people, and in a spirit of the genuine humility that Christ speaks
of about a true leader (“servant of all”). The idea is to call down the Holy Spirit
nearly constantly upon others – for praise, sharing, revelation, inspiration, love,
peace – in addition to listening to God. The leader rarely speaks, nor any other one
person repeatedly.
To maintain
this spirit of humility, there is a round-robin style of leadership where there
are about 4 leaders (or sets of leaders) who take turns leading, a different
one each week for about four weeks. How
humbling for them and beautiful for the group to be served in this manner!
2.
Praise, Singing, and Music Ministry:
There may be one
or two pre-planned songs, but then the Holy Spirit inspires all of the others,
through any person, as to what He wants sung at this and that time for the
singing, or murmuring of tongues, etc. Each person present can be utilized by the Holy Spirit to name a song He wants sung during those designated times at the beginning and in the sustained praise time (mainly). After the sharing time, the songs continue to be sprung from the witnesses, testimonies, and
types of miracles or lessons that took place and were expressed from that week. If the music ministry cannot play it, we just
sing it. Very beautiful, and led by the
Holy Spirit in great trust.
All the singing
has space between songs for the Holy Spirit to speak to us, mainly absolute
silence. The silent times are powerful times!! It requires much patience and
restraint of the leadership and on music ministry people.
New songs are welcome, if they copy music for people to see. The music is always fresh and alive, sprung from the Holy Spirit and from lessons and inspirations of the Holy Spirit for that particular week's theme that is revealed at the prayer group through the sharing.
New songs are welcome, if they copy music for people to see. The music is always fresh and alive, sprung from the Holy Spirit and from lessons and inspirations of the Holy Spirit for that particular week's theme that is revealed at the prayer group through the sharing.
3.
Sharing Time is Brief: During #3. Sharing,
each person keeps their sharing to two or three minutes and only a few share
each week (5 or 6). If someone quotes a
Scripture during another part, and someone has a confirmation of that (exact
same scripture or theme that week), they can confirm that on the spot (pretty
exciting when this happens like popcorn!).
This lends to much greater praise and worship!
4.
What it looks like:
The leader of that
night will open with a short prayer of the Holy Spirit, something like “We
come before you God with our hearts open to praise you, learn from you and
bring each other to greater holiness of life.
We lay our burdens at the foot of Your Cross” - wait a little – “and
give them completely over to you.”
It is easier to begin to
praise when we are unburdened when our
thoughts are unburdened.
The leader then does not speak much only
gently steers toward the
next component of a balanced
prayer meeting/group if necessary. “How
has the Lord been moving in your
lives this week?” “Now let’s have some
silent time to listen to the Holy
Spirit.” Most of these do not even need
to
be said eventually. People get used to the flow of all components
of a
balanced prayer group center. There’s a feel and a flow that is natural and
balanced. Too many songs, verbally expressed prayers or comments, or too
much talking can kill community. The
discernment as to when to step in or hold back.
much talking can kill community. The
discernment as to when to step in or hold back.
Totally quiet
and silent times are welcome and not a sign of failure or
dead air! Those are the most powerful times of the Holy
Spirit speaking
back to us stirring us
to the soul!
In the ALPHA training
they emphasized this point true in old-time
charismatic prayer meetings: that when praying with someone, [and
leading a charismatic group] you
don’t keep repeatedly talking and talking,
no matter how strongly you want to: “If you find your mind saying, ‘and I
just feel that the Lord wants,…
and just… and I just… and just… [because
you think you’re feeling it so
strongly] there’s something wrong.” You
are
doing too much and the Holy Spirit
is not allowed to do it Himself within people's souls. Let go and let God.
Rarely there is a short
prayer over everyone, inspired by the Holy
Spirit, for anyone to pray out loud over the people. All are welcome
provided it is not coming too often from one
person, even the leader.
A Scripture
is welcome at any point even during the singing time.
The gift of tongues is welcome at any point
(aside from a microphone). Scripture
speaks of “different kinds of tongues” so some may be the joyful shout as done
sporadically in the history of the Israelites but more often it is at the
speaking level sometimes the soft level, words and phrases that are not
English, repeated ones like melodious soft singing and murmuring in tongues,
(Fr. Cantalamessa, four popes’ priest, his favorite too!) lauds etc. this
sung at varying levels – whatever the Holy Spirit decides to stir in His
sweeps. It is more a receptical experience
of the Holy Spirit within coming out through us and not us doing it
consciously (speaking or singing). It is
a beautiful experience to be caught up and enveloped in the Spirit, with soft,
lovely murmurings and singing to Him.
We never had
a microphone, even with 60-70 people. We
sat in extremely close proximity and could hear the faintest murmuring of
tongues, etc.
4. Praying Over, Praying With,
and Praying For:
I.
Praying Over: This is the laying on of hands (usually over
a head), with full and partial healings, conversions, life-changes, and other
major happenings in a person's life (in other words, not often). A person may fall backwards because the rush
of the Holy Spirit is so intense. The
person or prayer team for this prayer has a special and rarer gift (of calling
down the Holy Spirit in mighty stirrings down upon people, sort of like the
first Pentecost).
II.
Praying With:
This is a more often/common form of praying at prayer meetings and is done in
threesome – everyone has this gift – and you get to talk a little longer for
explanation (2 min.) about the problem or person needing prayers. The other two lay a hand(s) on you somewhere
and pray with you. Sometimes a vision or
word of insight, etc. comes to any three.
Then they rotate if prayer is needed, to another in the group. The whole thing is fairly short and takes
place as another option during the praying over people time. Mighty things happen here too!
III.
Praying For:
This is done at the very end, in a large circle, for a couple of bigger things
such as the nation, etc. It can also be a mini-thanksgiving for this or that
resolved problem, miracle, etc., that was not conveyed during the sharing time.
5. Final Song and Fellowship
After: We come together in a circle
and do a few wider prayers (and a couple of thanksgivings), sometimes
hand-in-hand and sometimes arm-in-arm.
We then sing a final song. The
fellowship after is crucial, as mentioned in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Office pamphlet. All hands on deck for
this critical fellowship for each and every member. This is the opportunity to
bond a community in love, which is God.
A special outpouring is toward newcomers, with time spent talking with
them. Members also know that this is available when they had been wanting to
talk too long perhaps during the prayer meeting – knowing that all members will
gladly take part.
Below is an official Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office pamphlet, very wise and consistent to what I have experienced, mailed to me about four years ago by Jackie Temple, former director. I cannot scan it in, and so, I will retype it line by line.
WHAT IS A PRAYER MEETING?
A "PRAYER MEETING" is a weekly gathering of Christians to give honor, praise, thanks and love to Jesus Christ as Our Lord and Savior. It is a time we gather in community to praise God on a one-to-one basis. A "Prayer Meeting" is not a discussion club, a therapy session or a time for counseling, but a time to give our full attention to Jesus through the help of the Holy Spirit (who will teach us all truth).
A Prayer Meeting has 2 purposes
1. To praise, worship and honor God
2. To build up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters)
What is the Content of a "Prayer Meeting"?
Opening prayer, praise and worship; prophecy (God speaks to us through one of His children); tongues, interpretation of tongues; scripture reading; teachings; testimony and sharing.
How long do the "Prayer Meetings" last?
Usually about 1 1/2 hours (counting fellowship after). Matt 26:40, "How is it that you were not able to watch with me for one hour?"
Do I have to raise my hands and pray like others do?
NO! You should pray in the way in which you feel comfortable, as if you were alone communicating with Jesus. Pray as you feel comfortable, but respect others' way of prayer and praise.
Is a prayer group a parish organization?
Yes, a prayer group is made up of individuals who come together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise He deserves. The first and primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor God, who created us and gives us all the gifts and blessings we enjoy each day. The prayer group is under the authority of the parish pastor and should keep him informed periodically.
What are the spiritual gifts we pray for?
See 1 Cor. 12-14. Word of Wisdom; Word of Knowledge; Faith; Gifts of Healing; Miracles and Interpretation of tongues; Prophecy (2 Peter 1:20-21); Discernment of Spirits and tongues (Acts 5:12-16).
Is the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" a new sacrament?
No. It is not a Sacrament, it is merely a RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already received in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation helping us to know Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, our faith, etc. in a deeper way.
Do we have to speak at a prayer meeting?
NO -- the ones that speak, prophecy or read are usually moved to do so by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you."
What is a testimony?
Telling how the Lord is working in your life. One's testimony should be short and to the point. [This gives great glory to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit]
How can I grow spiritually?
Attend the "Prayer Meeting" each week. Have a regular prayer time each day (taking time to listen) 10 minutes to an hour and talk to the Lord throughout the day. Read the Bible at least 15 minutes per day. Short courses will be offered; "Life in the Spirit Seminars and Growth Seminars, etc."
Who can give a teaching at a meeting?
A teaching is reserved to one who has cleared it through the leadership or core group. This is to insure proper teaching.
Is a prayer meeting based on scripture?
Ephesians 5:18-19. "...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with you heart to the Lord." Yes, Jesus said, "Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst." (Matt. 18:19-20); 1 Cor 14:26; Acts 2:42; Revelations 3:20-21; Revelations 22:17. Covenant Community (one step further) Acts 2:46.
Why do we sing?
(Colossians 3:16) Singing is a way of praying, praising, and worshipping God. St. Augustine said, "he who sings prays twice." It should not turn into a songfest. We should PAUSE between songs, readings, prophecy, etc., and LISTEN. This is the time the Holy Spirit can speak to us. We need silence to reflect and allow the Spirit to work.
Why do some greet others with a hug?
This is just a sign of brotherhood. See 1 Cor. 16:20; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thes. 5:6 and 1 Peter 5:14.
Where can I read about the Holy Spirit in Scripture?
John 14:16; John 15:26; John 16: 7-14, Acts: 1,2,4, 8, Acts 2:3, 17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:5-6; Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8: 1-17; 26-27; 1 Cor. 2:6-16, 3:16, Gal. 5:16-26 and many more.
Is Satan real?
See Ephesians 6:10=18, 1 Peter 5:8 Matt. 4: 1-11, Matt.10:1-8, Matt. 13:36; Mark 1-4.
What is the importance of prayer and fasting?
See Matt. 17:20-21; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-26; Mark 14:37-38; Luke 6:12; Luke 11:1-11; John 8 42-47; Luke 4: 1-2, Luke 6: 12-16; John 11: 41-42; Matt. 26:36-46; Acts 2:42.
What should I keep in mind as I attend a prayer meeting?
Msgr. Marv Mottet was basically a lifetime soliticitous charismatic (and most certainly now in heaven!), a mountain rooted in social justice for the poor (helped begin Legal Aid, the Campaign for Human Development, Cafe on the Vine, and many other endeavors for the poorest), and a true "son" of Mary in his devotion to her, from French farming roots in Iowa.
He passed along to the next life on September 16 at 86 years old, a very huge loss to myself, as he was my mentor, number one cheerleader, and dear friend. While it may seem unusual to put him at this spot of the article rather than at the beginning, this is the way he would have it.
This is his level of humility and "decreasing" as Christ (and the Holy Spirit) increases. This would be his way of putting the Will of the Father before all else, even himself. He, as well as the Holy Spirit, would want more charismatic prayer groups; and so, with these tips at the hands of those who the Spirit moves to start one, there's no telling what 2017 will be like in Columbus!
On the brink of the Catholic "new year" - Advent - when we do focus on Mary's part in the salvation of the world, Msgr. Mottet taught me often to stop and "ponder things" in my heart, as Mary did in Scripture, as well as to talk with her in prayer.
HAPPENINGS OF THE LAMB
Well, there is no news in regards to beginning this Catholic Worker. I (Monica) still work at "the roughest school in the district," in a neighborhood of drugs, prostitution, and gangs. This is a great joy! I do other things but desire strongly to live as one with the poor in the manner God has for me. I am waiting for "workers in the field."
Also, I have become a Benedictine Oblate on Oct. 27 with the following Promises and Duties:
Promises
Stability of Heart
Fidelity to the Spirit of Monastic Life
Obedience to the Will of God
Duties
Liturgy of the Hours
Rule of St. Benedict
Lectio Divina (of Sacred Scripture, reading 3X slowly)
Sacraments (Church)
Presence of God [this is their motto for 100% of the day]
The day after the feast of St. Francis of Assissi I gave up my cell phone (I still have a land line), having gone four years without my own computer, and six months without a car. I hesitated strongly to say these because I am not bragging. I only tried in small ways to respond to Pope Francis' call this year to "become more poor like Christ the poor teacher." These are huge challenges for me, and are not for everyone!
I also felt called, around the feast of St. Clare (August) to take on a minor head-covering when the blessed sacrament is exposed (mass, Eucharistic Adoration). My Benedictine Oblate names are Dorothy Clare. It is just a scarf or band around my hair at one narrow point - more symbolic than anything of my love and reverence for our Sweet Lord and when He is physically present in the Church, His own flesh and blood, in the consecrated Eucharist. I chose Clare for my middle name because of the strong draw to the contemplative life - a inner wrestling match that St. Francis of Assissi and Dorothy Day struggled with their whole lives.
Finally I have felt drawn to wear only medium or long skirts in public, to fully embrace and express the joy of my femininity in a modest manner, I guess, although I certainly do not think other women are less feminine who wear pants, etc. It just feels very right and natural for me alone.
St. Francis of Assissi said, "Sanctify yourself and you sanctify society." What he did not say is that when you mention the words sanctity or reform you may bring upon yourself all the fires of hell, as he and many others suffered through - St. John of the Cross (beaten for 9 months in a "dungeon" by his own monks), St. Padre Pio (denounced many times even with the stigmata), St. Francis of Assissi (they tried to kick him out of his own order, with the stigmata), and my beloved St. Benedict (his monks tried to poison him, etc). The Catholic Worker and Charismatic Renewal movements - my two passions - have had their woes and need of reform here and there, and this takes a strong backbone that I needed to gain.
Jackie Temple knew on leaving as the head post of the charismatic office that there needs to be more reaching out toward the poor as well, not focused inward to the groups themselves but to the most vulnerable in our society (as she expressed a year ago at the citywide gathering at Christ the King).
Songs for the poor are important then too, such as what Brendan O'Rourke sang at St. Catharine's last Eucharistic Adoration praise and worship: "Here I am Lord." ("I will tend the poor and lame; I will set a feast for them..."). It was such music to my ears! I was balling! Actions toward the poor though, attempts to lift them out of their poverty, are my future small hope among charismatics, in addition to an explosion of all kinds of corporal and spiritual works of mercy toward others.
That same night with Brendan I wanted to mention the stirring blending of the old and the new with one particular spirit-filled song. When doing "Down in Adoration Falling, this great sacrament we hail,..." the song was blended with "a rousing, "JESUS LAMB OF GODDDD, SAVIOR OF THE WORRRRLD, LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARRRRTH...I BOWWWW TO YOUUUUU..." Stirring.
Even just reaching out to strangers at prayer gatherings immediately after would be a great high priority of a loving charismatic community ("See how they love one another."). Brace yourself for being "under attack" some, by the evil spirits in and out of others accusing you; and so, frequently pray the shorter part of the "Breastplate of St. Patrick: Christ before me, behind me, above me, below me, to the left, to the right, ..."
But Christ said: "Blessed are you when they insult you, reject you, persecute you and denounce your name as evil all because of me. Leap for joy on that day for your reward will be great in heaven; for their fathers persecuted the prophets in just the same way."
St. Peter said: "Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God's spirit in its glory has come to rest on you." (1 Peter 4:13-14).
This has been a good test run for when Dorothy and Peter are really canonized! Msgr. Mottet spent much of his last twenty years trying to get Peter Maurin canonized alongside Dorothy Day. My own prayer is that they and Oscar Romero - three modern day champions of the poor - are canonized together! Come, Holy Spirit, come.
They are already denounced by some, even Romero. I guess I needed this firey test beforehand to give me a backbone for when their level of sanctity, reform, and holiness of life is honored in sainthood! Come Holy Spirit!
The parish of Christ the King did a pilgrimage to the Holy Door, walking about 7 miles (?). Inside St. Joseph's Cathedral, Fr. Schalk prayed the following ancient prayer over us and with us. This is my gift to you this Thanksgiving and coming Christmas season in thankfulness for your prayers. It was such a favorite of St. Ignatius that many credited it to him, even though it was written before:
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me to come to You
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.
Another gift to you: read an entire Gospel this Advent! A priest gave this to me as a penance in confession recently, which I loved! I have been trying to get this as a regular Catholic practice for years!! Read one full Gospel during Advent and a different one during Lent to understand more the mind, personality, and Spirit of Christ - what He valued, what subjects are brought up the most (the poor, change, ... ) what and who He angered over, who and how He forgave,...
We Catholics especially get very confused with what Jesus really said, did, preached, and modeled. It lends to not pegging Him in our own hole, or our country's human traditions or customs, in our own lenses that can be skewed by those around us -- but to only have eyes and ears for HIS VOICE ALONE, the voice of our Beloved, by being immersed in it once or twice a year, and ponder Him closely, as Mary did. "... till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature" (Eph. 4:12-13). Like brothers St. Andrew and St. Peter, "both brothers' lives changed because they spent time with Jesus." (Word Among Us)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Msgr. Mottett's favorite song was "The Cry of the Poor" based on Psalm 34 -- a good read and sing in the spirit of our Savior's birth!
To research more on the three secrets of Fatima from nearly 100 years ago, as revealed to Sr. Lucia (as a child) and the two other children, please get the truth at the Vatican curia website below:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000626_message-fatima_en.html
Another good article is on ewtn's website:
https://www.ewtn.com/fatima/
The first one above has prints of the original handwritten texts themselves, written in Portugese by Sr. Lucia, in addition to translations of them, to be examined closely. Yes, the third secret has been fully revealed despite those attempting to denounce either the Roman Catholic Church, St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict Emeritus, and especially, our beloved holy father, Pope Francis, a man of peace.
*note: This article was recently further edited to add details about charismatic items.
Monsignor Marv Mottet, please pray for us! Pray for peace this holy season in our church and in our world!
WHAT IS A PRAYER MEETING?
A "PRAYER MEETING" is a weekly gathering of Christians to give honor, praise, thanks and love to Jesus Christ as Our Lord and Savior. It is a time we gather in community to praise God on a one-to-one basis. A "Prayer Meeting" is not a discussion club, a therapy session or a time for counseling, but a time to give our full attention to Jesus through the help of the Holy Spirit (who will teach us all truth).
A Prayer Meeting has 2 purposes
1. To praise, worship and honor God
2. To build up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters)
What is the Content of a "Prayer Meeting"?
Opening prayer, praise and worship; prophecy (God speaks to us through one of His children); tongues, interpretation of tongues; scripture reading; teachings; testimony and sharing.
How long do the "Prayer Meetings" last?
Usually about 1 1/2 hours (counting fellowship after). Matt 26:40, "How is it that you were not able to watch with me for one hour?"
Do I have to raise my hands and pray like others do?
NO! You should pray in the way in which you feel comfortable, as if you were alone communicating with Jesus. Pray as you feel comfortable, but respect others' way of prayer and praise.
Is a prayer group a parish organization?
Yes, a prayer group is made up of individuals who come together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise He deserves. The first and primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor God, who created us and gives us all the gifts and blessings we enjoy each day. The prayer group is under the authority of the parish pastor and should keep him informed periodically.
What are the spiritual gifts we pray for?
See 1 Cor. 12-14. Word of Wisdom; Word of Knowledge; Faith; Gifts of Healing; Miracles and Interpretation of tongues; Prophecy (2 Peter 1:20-21); Discernment of Spirits and tongues (Acts 5:12-16).
Is the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" a new sacrament?
No. It is not a Sacrament, it is merely a RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already received in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation helping us to know Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, our faith, etc. in a deeper way.
Do we have to speak at a prayer meeting?
NO -- the ones that speak, prophecy or read are usually moved to do so by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you."
What is a testimony?
Telling how the Lord is working in your life. One's testimony should be short and to the point. [This gives great glory to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit]
How can I grow spiritually?
Attend the "Prayer Meeting" each week. Have a regular prayer time each day (taking time to listen) 10 minutes to an hour and talk to the Lord throughout the day. Read the Bible at least 15 minutes per day. Short courses will be offered; "Life in the Spirit Seminars and Growth Seminars, etc."
Who can give a teaching at a meeting?
A teaching is reserved to one who has cleared it through the leadership or core group. This is to insure proper teaching.
Is a prayer meeting based on scripture?
Ephesians 5:18-19. "...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with you heart to the Lord." Yes, Jesus said, "Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst." (Matt. 18:19-20); 1 Cor 14:26; Acts 2:42; Revelations 3:20-21; Revelations 22:17. Covenant Community (one step further) Acts 2:46.
Why do we sing?
(Colossians 3:16) Singing is a way of praying, praising, and worshipping God. St. Augustine said, "he who sings prays twice." It should not turn into a songfest. We should PAUSE between songs, readings, prophecy, etc., and LISTEN. This is the time the Holy Spirit can speak to us. We need silence to reflect and allow the Spirit to work.
Why do some greet others with a hug?
This is just a sign of brotherhood. See 1 Cor. 16:20; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thes. 5:6 and 1 Peter 5:14.
Where can I read about the Holy Spirit in Scripture?
John 14:16; John 15:26; John 16: 7-14, Acts: 1,2,4, 8, Acts 2:3, 17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:5-6; Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8: 1-17; 26-27; 1 Cor. 2:6-16, 3:16, Gal. 5:16-26 and many more.
Is Satan real?
See Ephesians 6:10=18, 1 Peter 5:8 Matt. 4: 1-11, Matt.10:1-8, Matt. 13:36; Mark 1-4.
What is the importance of prayer and fasting?
See Matt. 17:20-21; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-26; Mark 14:37-38; Luke 6:12; Luke 11:1-11; John 8 42-47; Luke 4: 1-2, Luke 6: 12-16; John 11: 41-42; Matt. 26:36-46; Acts 2:42.
What should I keep in mind as I attend a prayer meeting?
- Come at least 4 or 5 times before making a decision. It takes that long to understand how the Holy Spirit is working.
- Pray as you feel comfortable and let others do the same.
- Praying alone we are easily distracted. We support each other at a Prayer Meeting.
- Pause between songs, reading and teaching to allow the Spirit to work.
- Don't concentrate on others, concentrate on Jesus and YOU.
- All ages are welcome, we are all children of God.
- Prepare for the meetings through prayer and sacrifice.
- Don't be afraid; you are with friends. Don't let the devil, the evil one, discourage you.
- You will experience the "fruits of the Spirit" as you progress. (Gal. 5:22 and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 12).
- If you do not have an opportunity to speak or share at meetings, you may do so after the meeting with others during the time of fellowship. (There may be one before in some groups).
- If you have questions, please don't leave until you get an answer. We love you and together we love God and HELP EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Inc., 4207 East Broad St., Ste. C, Columbus, Ohio 43213-1200 Jackie Temple [note: the new director is Linda Pelino at a different address, this is four years old).
He passed along to the next life on September 16 at 86 years old, a very huge loss to myself, as he was my mentor, number one cheerleader, and dear friend. While it may seem unusual to put him at this spot of the article rather than at the beginning, this is the way he would have it.
This is his level of humility and "decreasing" as Christ (and the Holy Spirit) increases. This would be his way of putting the Will of the Father before all else, even himself. He, as well as the Holy Spirit, would want more charismatic prayer groups; and so, with these tips at the hands of those who the Spirit moves to start one, there's no telling what 2017 will be like in Columbus!
On the brink of the Catholic "new year" - Advent - when we do focus on Mary's part in the salvation of the world, Msgr. Mottet taught me often to stop and "ponder things" in my heart, as Mary did in Scripture, as well as to talk with her in prayer.
In his early thirties as a priest, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer that had metastacized to many places. He had been prayed over for a healing by charismatics and was healed on the spot. He even had to undergo an extensive exploratory surgery to prove the healing because the doctors could not believe it. Yes, miraculous unquestionable healings do still occur, as it did in the time of Christ.
Outside of Columbus, Ohio in Sunbury there was a first ever "Encounter" in June with Fr. Matthias Thelen who also has the gift of healing. Fourteen hundred people came (including myself) to St. John Newman Catholic Church and over 100 were healed that night - and interviewed on camera - not counting the cancer people who would find out later. There will be another "Encounter" within a conference of many wonderful speakers and musicians (Mary Healy) in Sunbury, Ohio on Dec. 9th and 10th (go to "Encountercolumbus.org."). Beautiful how the Holy Spirit is moving to create something all new through these young organizers! Come Holy Spirit, come.
Outside of Columbus, Ohio in Sunbury there was a first ever "Encounter" in June with Fr. Matthias Thelen who also has the gift of healing. Fourteen hundred people came (including myself) to St. John Newman Catholic Church and over 100 were healed that night - and interviewed on camera - not counting the cancer people who would find out later. There will be another "Encounter" within a conference of many wonderful speakers and musicians (Mary Healy) in Sunbury, Ohio on Dec. 9th and 10th (go to "Encountercolumbus.org."). Beautiful how the Holy Spirit is moving to create something all new through these young organizers! Come Holy Spirit, come.
There is an entire article on Msgr. Marv Mottet's life legacy in this website (just google The Lamb Catholic Worker Msgr. Mottet), but if he could tell you anything right now, I believe he would say to deepen your relationship with Jesus in whatever manner possible. He would suggest going to daily mass, meditating on the Scripture mysteries of the Rosary, praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, studying scriptures (Christ, the Word made flesh), talking to God in prayer and about Him with others, etc, and especially through finding and committing to a loving, humble, holy charismatic group.
Further teaching on the Holy Spirit from a Catholic perspective by the Franciscans of the Renewal in Steubenville, can be found at http://thewildgooseisloose.com/series-segments/.
Also, a multi-denominational resource that's section on the Holy Spirit is powerful is the ALPHA series with outstanding quotes and teachings from many different Christian religions, including many interviews with Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, the Pope's priest, having preached to four popes and their households. Very holy, holy, gentle, humble man who is also a charismatic! Woo Hoo! His favorite aspect is soft, melodious, spontaneous singing in tongues stirred to the core by the Holy Spirit (which I gather would be best heard if there were no microphone systems and all sat in close proximity, like those prayer groups of old).
Pope Francis has had the experience of millions breaking into tongues at the consecration of a mass of many many charismatics - powerful!! Come Holy Spirit.
Further teaching on the Holy Spirit from a Catholic perspective by the Franciscans of the Renewal in Steubenville, can be found at http://thewildgooseisloose.com/series-segments/.
Also, a multi-denominational resource that's section on the Holy Spirit is powerful is the ALPHA series with outstanding quotes and teachings from many different Christian religions, including many interviews with Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, the Pope's priest, having preached to four popes and their households. Very holy, holy, gentle, humble man who is also a charismatic! Woo Hoo! His favorite aspect is soft, melodious, spontaneous singing in tongues stirred to the core by the Holy Spirit (which I gather would be best heard if there were no microphone systems and all sat in close proximity, like those prayer groups of old).
Pope Francis has had the experience of millions breaking into tongues at the consecration of a mass of many many charismatics - powerful!! Come Holy Spirit.
I would add that another preparation before attending charismatic prayer groups ("prayer meetings") is to collect and create a little prayer team of your own - in heaven - to intercede for you and to call down the Holy Spirit for you to go through you, as you are about to undergo sustained prayer. At the top of my list are God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Mary, St. Joseph, Mom, Tina, grandparents, and many former charismatics (and other relatives, saints and marytrs) who have gone on before me.
HAPPENINGS OF THE LAMB
Well, there is no news in regards to beginning this Catholic Worker. I (Monica) still work at "the roughest school in the district," in a neighborhood of drugs, prostitution, and gangs. This is a great joy! I do other things but desire strongly to live as one with the poor in the manner God has for me. I am waiting for "workers in the field."
Also, I have become a Benedictine Oblate on Oct. 27 with the following Promises and Duties:
Promises
Stability of Heart
Fidelity to the Spirit of Monastic Life
Obedience to the Will of God
Duties
Liturgy of the Hours
Rule of St. Benedict
Lectio Divina (of Sacred Scripture, reading 3X slowly)
Sacraments (Church)
Presence of God [this is their motto for 100% of the day]
The day after the feast of St. Francis of Assissi I gave up my cell phone (I still have a land line), having gone four years without my own computer, and six months without a car. I hesitated strongly to say these because I am not bragging. I only tried in small ways to respond to Pope Francis' call this year to "become more poor like Christ the poor teacher." These are huge challenges for me, and are not for everyone!
I also felt called, around the feast of St. Clare (August) to take on a minor head-covering when the blessed sacrament is exposed (mass, Eucharistic Adoration). My Benedictine Oblate names are Dorothy Clare. It is just a scarf or band around my hair at one narrow point - more symbolic than anything of my love and reverence for our Sweet Lord and when He is physically present in the Church, His own flesh and blood, in the consecrated Eucharist. I chose Clare for my middle name because of the strong draw to the contemplative life - a inner wrestling match that St. Francis of Assissi and Dorothy Day struggled with their whole lives.
Finally I have felt drawn to wear only medium or long skirts in public, to fully embrace and express the joy of my femininity in a modest manner, I guess, although I certainly do not think other women are less feminine who wear pants, etc. It just feels very right and natural for me alone.
St. Francis of Assissi said, "Sanctify yourself and you sanctify society." What he did not say is that when you mention the words sanctity or reform you may bring upon yourself all the fires of hell, as he and many others suffered through - St. John of the Cross (beaten for 9 months in a "dungeon" by his own monks), St. Padre Pio (denounced many times even with the stigmata), St. Francis of Assissi (they tried to kick him out of his own order, with the stigmata), and my beloved St. Benedict (his monks tried to poison him, etc). The Catholic Worker and Charismatic Renewal movements - my two passions - have had their woes and need of reform here and there, and this takes a strong backbone that I needed to gain.
Jackie Temple knew on leaving as the head post of the charismatic office that there needs to be more reaching out toward the poor as well, not focused inward to the groups themselves but to the most vulnerable in our society (as she expressed a year ago at the citywide gathering at Christ the King).
Songs for the poor are important then too, such as what Brendan O'Rourke sang at St. Catharine's last Eucharistic Adoration praise and worship: "Here I am Lord." ("I will tend the poor and lame; I will set a feast for them..."). It was such music to my ears! I was balling! Actions toward the poor though, attempts to lift them out of their poverty, are my future small hope among charismatics, in addition to an explosion of all kinds of corporal and spiritual works of mercy toward others.
That same night with Brendan I wanted to mention the stirring blending of the old and the new with one particular spirit-filled song. When doing "Down in Adoration Falling, this great sacrament we hail,..." the song was blended with "a rousing, "JESUS LAMB OF GODDDD, SAVIOR OF THE WORRRRLD, LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARRRRTH...I BOWWWW TO YOUUUUU..." Stirring.
Even just reaching out to strangers at prayer gatherings immediately after would be a great high priority of a loving charismatic community ("See how they love one another."). Brace yourself for being "under attack" some, by the evil spirits in and out of others accusing you; and so, frequently pray the shorter part of the "Breastplate of St. Patrick: Christ before me, behind me, above me, below me, to the left, to the right, ..."
But Christ said: "Blessed are you when they insult you, reject you, persecute you and denounce your name as evil all because of me. Leap for joy on that day for your reward will be great in heaven; for their fathers persecuted the prophets in just the same way."
St. Peter said: "Happy are you when you are insulted for the sake of Christ, for then God's spirit in its glory has come to rest on you." (1 Peter 4:13-14).
This has been a good test run for when Dorothy and Peter are really canonized! Msgr. Mottet spent much of his last twenty years trying to get Peter Maurin canonized alongside Dorothy Day. My own prayer is that they and Oscar Romero - three modern day champions of the poor - are canonized together! Come, Holy Spirit, come.
They are already denounced by some, even Romero. I guess I needed this firey test beforehand to give me a backbone for when their level of sanctity, reform, and holiness of life is honored in sainthood! Come Holy Spirit!
The parish of Christ the King did a pilgrimage to the Holy Door, walking about 7 miles (?). Inside St. Joseph's Cathedral, Fr. Schalk prayed the following ancient prayer over us and with us. This is my gift to you this Thanksgiving and coming Christmas season in thankfulness for your prayers. It was such a favorite of St. Ignatius that many credited it to him, even though it was written before:
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me to come to You
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.
Another gift to you: read an entire Gospel this Advent! A priest gave this to me as a penance in confession recently, which I loved! I have been trying to get this as a regular Catholic practice for years!! Read one full Gospel during Advent and a different one during Lent to understand more the mind, personality, and Spirit of Christ - what He valued, what subjects are brought up the most (the poor, change, ... ) what and who He angered over, who and how He forgave,...
We Catholics especially get very confused with what Jesus really said, did, preached, and modeled. It lends to not pegging Him in our own hole, or our country's human traditions or customs, in our own lenses that can be skewed by those around us -- but to only have eyes and ears for HIS VOICE ALONE, the voice of our Beloved, by being immersed in it once or twice a year, and ponder Him closely, as Mary did. "... till we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, and form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature" (Eph. 4:12-13). Like brothers St. Andrew and St. Peter, "both brothers' lives changed because they spent time with Jesus." (Word Among Us)
Litany of Humility
from Immaculee Ilabageeza's Retreat
O Jesus, meek and
humble of heart, Hear me.
From
the desire of being loved
-- Deliver me Jesus
From
the desire of being extolled ...
From
the desire of being honored ...
From
the desire of being praised ...
From
the desire of being preferred to others ...
From
the desire of being consulted ...
From
the desire of being approved ...
From
the fear of being humiliated ...
From
the fear of being despised ...
From
the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From
the fear of being calumniated ...
From
the fear of being forgotten ...
From
the fear of being ridiculed ...
From
the fear of being wronged ...
From
the fear of being suspected ...
That
others may be loved more than I
-- Jesus,
grant me the grace to desire it.
That
others may be esteemed more than I ...
That
in the opinion of the world, others may
increase
and I may decrease ...
That
others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That
others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That
others may be preferred to me in everything ...
That
others may become holier than I provided ...
that
I may become as holy as I should...
--Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it
all. Amen
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Msgr. Mottett's favorite song was "The Cry of the Poor" based on Psalm 34 -- a good read and sing in the spirit of our Savior's birth!
To research more on the three secrets of Fatima from nearly 100 years ago, as revealed to Sr. Lucia (as a child) and the two other children, please get the truth at the Vatican curia website below:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000626_message-fatima_en.html
Another good article is on ewtn's website:
https://www.ewtn.com/fatima/
The first one above has prints of the original handwritten texts themselves, written in Portugese by Sr. Lucia, in addition to translations of them, to be examined closely. Yes, the third secret has been fully revealed despite those attempting to denounce either the Roman Catholic Church, St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict Emeritus, and especially, our beloved holy father, Pope Francis, a man of peace.
*note: This article was recently further edited to add details about charismatic items.
Monsignor Marv Mottet, please pray for us! Pray for peace this holy season in our church and in our world!
