Oblate Grotto Victorious Missionaries of San Antonio Newsletter

JULY 2009

Volume 1, Number 4

LOVE & CHARITY IN ACTION

One of God’s Greatest Commandments is Love thy neighbor. This applies to people we know and complete strangers. We fulfilled this commandment at our last meeting through our 1^st Food Drive. We appreciate the tremendous support and generosity of all members in attendance. Our food collection helped 3 families in need. Families assisted were: Dave & Nancy Sheldon with two small children, Sally Piotrowski, and Sarah & Ernie Aldana with five small children. Please keep these families in prayer that their health and financial issues improve. We are grateful to Susie Arredondo, Hope Infante, and Sr. Jo-Michele Sierra, SSCJ in being Delivery Angels for this caring and sharing event. May God grant us the graces to have another successful Food Drive in November.

CHANGING IMAGES PRESENTED

Historically, people with disabilities have been regarded as individuals to be pitied, feared or ignored. They have been portrayed as helpless victim, repulsive adversaries, heroic individuals overcoming tragedy, and charity cases who must depend on others for their well being and care. Media coverage frequently focused on heartwarming features and inspirational stories that reinforced stereotypes, patronized and underestimated individuals' capabilities. Much has changed lately. New laws, disability activism and expanded coverage of disability issues have altered public awareness and knowledge, eliminating the worst stereotypes and misrepresentations. Still, old attitudes, experiences and stereotypes die hard. People with disabilities continue to seek accurate portrayals that present a respectful, positive view of individuals as active participants of society, in regular social, work and home environments. Additionally, people with disabilities are focusing attention on tough issues that affect quality of life, such as accessible transportation, housing, affordable health care, employment opportunities and discrimination.   Excerpts from Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 6201 East Oltorf, Suite 600, Austin, Texas 78741-7509.  Submitted by: Florida T. Banawa

Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of Priests June 19, 2009-2010

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009.

Most gracious Heavenly Father,

We thank you for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people. May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works. Assist all spiritual fathers, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.  Source: http://www.wf-f.org/Priests-prayer.html

Ministry Announcements:

Congratulations Sr. Jo-Michele Sierra, SSCJ for 45 Years of Consecrated Life in the Service of God.  At the age 7, she began thinking about being a Sister. In 1959, she began searching to see which Congregation of Sisters to join. She went to Mexico City & Guadalajara to study & discern. She returned to San Antonio and in January 1962, she entered Mount Sacred Heart Convent, as a Postulant. In July 1962, she became a Novice, at the Chapel of Mount Sacred Heart School. By July 26, 1964, she made her First Religious Profession, as a Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at Mount Sacred Heart Convent Chapel. On July 25, 1969, she professed Final Vows.  On July 8, 1989, Archbishop Patrick Flores was the Celebrant at the Mass for her Silver Jubilee (25 years) Ceremony. She graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with  B.A. in Sociology and Elementary School Certification in 1973; and in 1981 received an M.A. in Pastoral & Religious Studies from the University of Incarnate Word. We will ask for Special Intention prayers during our Mass July 18 and join us at Fiesta Restaurant (6440 San Pedro Ave.) on July 25 11:30am – 2pm.

Thank you Yolanda Mendez for the invitation to Fr. Weber’s FAREWELL Celebration on June 7. Thank you Marie McClure for calling our members to advise of party. Susan Krantz is now home recovering from knee replacement surgery. She is feeling better each day. Bro. Tom Ruhmann OMI (VM National Director) is back to work after undergoing cardiac cauterization last month. Bro. Andy Lawlor OMI from VM Belleville, IL Chapter completed missionary seminar at our Oblate and returned home June 20. He regrets not having time to meet entire group. Perhaps on his next visit he will have more time. We wish Fr. Stephen White, M.S.C. a very safe and pleasant trip to Ireland. He plans to kiss a blarney stone. We appreciate Ramona Gonzales for donating the beautiful Altar flowers. Marie McClure has offered to donate July Altar flowers.

BE AN ANGEL, BRING AN ANGEL(S)

We are starting to collect all type of ANGELS for Angel Booth sales at Holy Molé Festival on October 18. We need your help for this fundraiser. Please donate as many Angels as you can from now till Festival.