Spring Issue 2013 How I Discovered ACT an Interview with Cheryl Marsh

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Association of Christian Therapists: Where God and Healthcare Meet Spring Issue 2013 How I Discovered ACT An Interview with Cheryl Marsh

InterACT sat down with outgoing President Cheryl Cheryl: In my family, nursing was the fam- Marsh, PMNCNS-BC, APRN at the ACT In- ily profession of my stepmother and back ternational Conference on Saturday, October 6, 2012. several generations. I had three choices— * * * * teacher, secretary, or nurse. As a senior in InterACT: Many thanks, Cheryl, for making high school, I had no interest in any of the time from your busy schedule to chat, so let’s alternatives, so nursing was it. get right to the point. How long ago did you join ACT? InterACT: Did that please your family?

Cheryl: Hmmm, let me think. I believe it Cheryl: Not really. My interest was in psy- was about 23 years ago—1989. chiatric nursing, and my stepmother thought ACT Immediate Past-President Cheryl Marsh that wasn’t real nursing. And she made no InterACT: Why was that? InterACT: And how did that happen? secret of her disappointment. Cheryl: My religious training began when I Cheryl: Goodness, we have to go back a long InterACT: So far, we’ve covered up until was nine. My stepmother turned me over to way for that. 1981 of your youth. We’ve still got eight the nuns and within three months I had re- years to cover before we get to 1989 and how ceived baptism, first confession, communion, InterACT: Are you willing? you came to join ACT. and confirmation, including the ritual face-slap. The nuns wanted to make sure I got caught Cheryl: Yes, joining ACT has been a major : Right. So, when I was just out of Cheryl up with the other children my age, and that’s milestone in my life, but first you need to high school and attending nursing school, I why they rushed me through. But despite the understand a little of my childhood. met a divorced man—13 years older—who unorthodox beginnings, my faith is what has already had four children. We decided to get gotten me through the “rocky roads” of being I come from a broken home. I was raised married outside the church, and that made a divorcee, a single working mom, and a stu- in the New London, Connecticut, area. My me even less popular with my parents and dent still pursing a career in psychiatric nursing. parents divorced when I was five; I now found relatives. It wasn’t long before we had a child But something was missing, and when I heard myself in a foster home for two years. My fa- of our own—a son—but the marriage lasted about a healing prayer Mass in New Haven, I ther was in the Navy and after the divorce both only four years. So for 10 years after my decided to check it out. parents remarried. I lived with my father and divorce, I was a single parent while also work- stepmother. I went to Catholic high school ing on my undergraduate degree and Masters. InterACT: When was this? in New London and then to the Saint Francis During those single parent years, it became Hospital School for Nursing and graduated in increasing clear that I was in need of some Cheryl: 1981. I had just met at work this nice 1968. Later I received an undergraduate de- serious emotional healing. So in about 1979, protestant man named Ben, and we decided gree in Nursing from the University of Hart- a friend of mine from school told me about to attend together. Well, to say the least, we ford in 1979, followed by a Masters Degree in a book by Francis MacNutt about healing. It were both surprised at what we heard and Nursing from Yale in 1981. took me a while, but I finally finished it and saw. I had never seen anything like it, and was completely blown away. Ben wondered out loud, “What is this?” All InterACT: How was it that you chose to be a nurse? Continued on page 3

President’s Letter...... 2 Little Miracles...... 12 The Holy Spirit in Clinical Practice...... 4 Healing Mission to Madagascar...... 15 Inside: Report from the ACT IC...... 6 Revelation Gifts...... 16 A Call to Dialogue...... 8 InterACT l 1 Editor’s Note...... 17 InterACT From the President Published Quarterly by the Association of Christian Therapists (ACT) by Robert T. Sears, S.J., Ph.D. As I gain experience in St. Francis’ prayer true: “It An Interdisciplinary Fellowship of Christian Healthcare Professionals and Associates the presidency, it is ex- is in giving that we receive.” citing to see the many This is simply a rephras- The Association of Christian Therapists (ACT) gifts that God has ing of Jesus’ word, “the 6728 Old McLean Village Dr., McLean, VA 22101 given to ACT mem- measure you give will be the PH: 703-556-9225 ext. 118 Fax: 703-556-8729 bers to build up and measure you get, and still ACT Email: [email protected] empower one another more will be given you.” to bring Jesus’ healing (Mark: 4:24, RSV) PUBLISHER and hope to a hurting Douglas Schoeninger, Ph.D. world. As Jesus said I mention my experience EDITOR to the disciples – “the to encourage others. The Mike MacCarthy harvest is great but feedback our leadership is the laborers are few. getting is that it is difficult CONTRIBUTORS Pray the Lord of the to get “volunteers” for Mary Chakkalackal, Denise Dolff, Toni Doyle, Father Paul Fielder, Kathy MacCarthy, harvest to send out positions that are opening Mike MacCarthy, Cheryl Marsh, Carolyn Plant, laborers into his field.” (Matthew 9:37-38) up, like coordinators in some regions, or Douglas Schoeninger, Father Robert Sears, and This is our call, to witness to Jesus’ minis- chairs of some committees. Another word the office staff of Degnon Associates, Inc. try of healing in healthcare as sign of the for “volunteer” is “one who says ‘yes’ to The vision of ACT is to be an international, Spirit- in-breaking of God’s kingdom among us. a call” (from the Latin: volo, I will). Like led Christian community of healthcare profession- the disciples who heard Jesus’ call to carry als, clergy, and associates equipped to extend the To do that we need to let God’s healing out the work he was sent to do, a volunteer healing presence, heart, and mind of Jesus Christ to work in us first. We cannot give what feels a push to offer his or her gift of time their colleagues, patients, clients, and institutions. we have not received. ACT for me has and talent to further Jesus’ work of healing The mission of ACT is to support ACT members with resources to achieve this vision, including been a place where I have grown. I’ve and to support others who are doing the healing prayer, mentoring, education, and training, been in ACT since 1981, over 30 years. same. God is the one who initiates, and fostering their spiritual and professional growth. Through discussion groups I’ve grown in the volunteer responds. It is a call to give InterACT is the primary periodical (quarterly) news- understanding and experiencing genera- in response to a gift, and in the course of letter of the Association of Christian Therapists. It contains a variety of educational and spiritual tional healing and alternative medicine ap- giving, more is given the giver. “To each is articles and editorials that are pertinent to the proaches and have sought to clarify them given some manifestation of the Spirit for implementation of the vision and mission of the in light of Jesus’ healing. I have partici- the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, Association. pated in a growth group conducted by our RSV) With every gift, whether it is Mary’s ACT member Serafina Anfuso and have motherhood or Jesus’ redemptive work, We invite your comments/suggestions, written thoughts, or submissions. We reserve the right to been introduced to Theophostic prayer God intends it for the common good, for edit submitted articles without notice. Your name and other forms by ACT members. everyone who is willing to receive it. can be withheld by request in InterACT, but must be included with a contact phone or email when As I grew spiritually, I was able to bring As I experienced, one has to grow into your article is submitted. We also request that a current digital “headshot” photo of you accompany that healing to those I counsel and direct that sense of call. The mission of ACT your submission. spiritually. I could give something back and is to help members do that in order that perhaps help others. I could be persuaded they, in turn, can help others and especial- Send submissions to: to become coordinator of our region 12 ly bring Jesus’ healing to healthcare. Ulti- InterACT Email: [email protected] for several years, and when I retired from mately Jesus, as Son of God, is the source teaching, I could join the ACT Board and and goal of all healing so we are simply Copyright © 2013 by InterAct and the Association of Christian Therapists. All rights reserved. Any take part in several committees like the letting Jesus use us to ground healthcare reproduction without written permission is strictly Healing Manual Team and the Ecumeni- in the spring of all healing. The more we prohibited. All past and current members of ACT cal Relations Committee, and I could write do that, the more we ourselves will experi- are considered members-at-large of InterACT staff. some articles for the Journal of Christian ence that healing. May Jesus empower All photos provided by staff. Healing. I found that as I could give more, ACT anew for that witness. I also grew more and was finally able to accept the invitation to run for president. Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. What seemed at first out of the question became possible in gradual steps. I found

InterACT l 2 Cheryl Marsh, continued from page 1 tion from, but I said the best prayer I could think of: “Lord, please protect all of us in those hands raised in the air and so many this room—the patient, my co-workers, the people talking in a language I’d never heard hospital—everyone.” of. Ben and I both left that Mass with a lot of questions. Turned out the woman had been on a retreat and seemingly highly functional when sud- InterACT: And then what happened? denly she started acting in such strange ways that her friends decided to bring her to our Cheryl: Ben Ticknor and I married. The agency where Ben worked closed, and he hospital. And what we witnessed was some- found a job in Norwich, Connecticut and thing that reminded me of what I once saw that resulted in the decision to move from in the movie “Rosemary’s Baby.” It was so New Haven to Norwich. I found work first frightening - like nothing I’d ever experienced in Hartford and then in Norwich. during my 20 years of psychiatric nursing. I thought I had seen a lot, but this was way off So, by 1985, our lives had settled down a the charts. bit, and a friend from work recommended a book to me by Barbara Shlemon entitled And after a few hours, she went back to being Healing the Hidden Self. I prayed that book her lucid self and told us she was okay, and for many weeks. Prior to this I had the desire we could remove the restraints. However, she was emotionally exhausted. The experi- to forgive the people who abused me while Cheryl Marsh as a brand new nurse I lived in foster care. I took my stepmother ence, hearing the voice telling me to pray, and aunt to a Catholic healing service with was so unusual for me that I didn’t mention pened to you personally? How do you think Father Ralph DiOrio. The intention was it to anyone for days - I didn’t know what to your spiritual and emotional life has grown for my aunt to receive healing prayer for her make of it. I finally starting talking with the since your association with ACT? hearing loss. And it was there that I had my other nurse who’d helped me put the woman first real healing experience from the abuse in restraints. I knew I could talk to her, and Cheryl: My spiritual and emotional life has I encountered at that foster home of my she told me she too had heard a voice telling grown exponentially. At the first IC I at- childhood. I knew I needed grace to get her to pray a prayer of protection. She had tended, I received a partial healing of a deep on the right track. What an incredible and also been as upset as I and hadn’t dare talk to wound from childhood. I have been blessed empowering surprise that was. I had been anyone about the voice. with many healings over the years at the ICs. ACT is a source of nourishment, spiritually praying for the grace to be able to forgive And then I remembered my friend who had and emotionally. I have been able to find my abuser prior to the healing service. I had been talking to me about ACT. From what some nugget of wisdom and morsel of en- an overwhelming experience with the Holy my friend said, ACT seemed to have a lot of couragement in every ACT encounter. ACT Spirit. I had no clue what it was at the time, resources and expertise in my field. Maybe has repeatedly called me back to my better but suddenly I had no animosity toward my they could help me understand this experi- self. The members and their fellowship are abuser—I was free from all that anger and ence. So in about 1989, I joined ACT. confusion and … sources of inspiration as well as wisdom and InterACT: After you joined ACT, what hap- love. Participation, for me, has always been a InterACT: And how did you get from that pened? call to grow spiritually and emotionally. Of experience to actually joining ACT? course, I recognize that there was a yearning Cheryl: Not much of anything at first. I and hunger within myself for such growth, Cheryl: A friend of my sister, a nurse col- was active on the local level and eventually I but ACT was there to validate the yearning league and ACT member, had been talking served as Regional Coordinator in Connecti- and feed the hunger. In ACT, I have found off and on with me about how I needed to cut for six years. (When you are a regional a very real, palpable presence of God. For join ACT, but I never paid much attention. coordinator you are active on a national level, me that presence is felt, and I know that I am Then in 1988 at the hospital where I worked just not on the board. We have also attended loved. It is experiential knowledge, not head as manager of the inpatient psychiatric unit, most International Conferences [IC] since knowledge. From the knowing I am loved, a woman was admitted. It soon became joining.) In 2008, Sister Betty Igo approached I have been able to move forward, however clear that we needed to put this woman in me about running for President. I initially feebly and inadequately, in loving others. four-point restraints—it was a most chaotic refused, but she persisted, and I turned the incident. And, as we were doing what needed whole idea over to God. The next thing I (Editor’s Note: To read the rest of Cheryl’s answer, click doing, a small voice in my head said to say knew I was on the national board as Presi- here. Mike MacCarthy conducted this interview.) Click a prayer of protection. The voice was not dent-Elect and the rest is history. here to enter the discussion blog for this article. from me, but it was very clear and audible in my head. I had no idea what was going InterACT: You’ve told us what happened to on, or what I needed to be asking protec- you in ACT politically, what about what hap- InterACT l 3 The Holy Spirit in Clinical Practice Douglas Schoeninger, PhD

In each issue of InterACT, I bring an illustration of the work of the Holy Spirit in clinical practice. Recently in ACT’s Healing Manual Team meetings, Len Sperry has been encouraging the team to draw wisdom from ACT members who have many years of experience responding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their clinical disciplines. Len’s nudge sparked me to begin searching past issues of the Journal of Christian Healing (JCH) for illustrations of “faith lived clinically” by ACT members who have been mentors to many of us over the years. In this process, I came across a wonderful article by Mabel Camp, a psychotherapist, one of my mentors in ACT, and in her spiritually integrated clinical practice. Mabel passed on years ago, yet her wisdom still lives among us, and her intercession empowers us. The following are excerpts from an article published in the very first issue of JCH. The Power of Prayer in Psychotherapy Mabel Kamp, A.C.S.W. For some time now in my practice, with people deal of anxiety, and was in such a dark was ugly, awkward, and inferior. While who believe in the power of prayer, we begin our place she could not see her way out. Her her self-concept was extremely depreci- sessions with a prayer. I ask the Lord to help us self esteem was extremely low, with her ated, this view was completely contrary and that the Holy Spirit will direct our thoughts identity primarily centered on striving to to the facts in that she had finished her and words to accomplish His purpose. For the be attractive, to live up to the Hollywood education, worked in the teaching field patients to solve problems, resolve conflicts, and ideal of form and life style. for a number of years, and was unusually to become whole, all obstacles to these goals have talented as an artist. She was a dancer, to be cleared away. The Holy Spirit shows the Christian is a superb tennis player, and has given patient the truth behind the trouble, helps me to evidence that she is indeed a remark- see more clearly, gives comfort and hope when the therapists able woman. In spite of all this, she was going gets rough, and leads the patient on paths have a special desperately unhappy and was completely he or she had never anticipated. I see my role as immobilized in using her gifts. helping the Holy Spirit in this work, using all my responsibility professional skills and my knowledge of depth F. has conscientiously used the therapeutic psychology to aid and abet Him. to be aware that sessions and has applied the insights she the people they has gained in her life. She had an early Therapy with the use of prayer moves much faster history in the Presbyterian Church and as than without. I was trained to use analytic ther- are treating have a teenager had been quite involved with apy and was accustomed to its taking considerable young people’s activities in a [church]. time to uncover the unconscious conflicts underly- been brought into She had fallen away from all of this, but ing the patient’s presenting problems. About five therapy by the during her therapy she began again to be- years ago during the treatment of a young “born come aware of her relationship to God, to again” nurse, we started praying in our sessions. Holy Spirit. trust and to follow Him. She has written I was completely surprised to find that in only a short statement for me to include with nine months we had “worked through” problems Even though F. had been in therapy this article. This is what she says: that had been with her during her entire life. for some time, she had never “worked Formerly, I would not have predicted this result in through” the results of her early child- It is difficult to imagine just how less than two or three years. hood deprivation. I don’t believe it is wise miserable I was when I first walked to be specific about her past. It should into Mabel Kamp’s office. I had been [The following is an illustration from one of be sufficient to say that she had been referred to her by one of my previous Mabel’s patients.] F. had been with me the traumatized in her relationships with both psychiatrists. There was still fear and longest. She was an extremely attractive her mother and father. Her mother was pain and sadness deep within me. and talented woman in her forties who extremely controlling, overprotective, and had been seen by a psychiatrist for indi- possessive, and she was deeply hurt by her Mabel and I talked and I felt better; vidual therapy over a period of about two father’s neglect and seeming complete dis- I came to trust her. It was not until years and, also, had been in a psychoana- regard of his beautiful, developing daugh- one day, as I was weeping about my lytic group for some time. When F. came ter. F. was a very unhappy teenager and to me, she was depressed, had a great grew into adulthood believing that she Continued on page 5 InterACT l 4 continued from page 4 on my own now and I shall succeed. would take this direction. I was trained as There will be extremely difficult a clinical social worker at the University relationship with God, that I realized times, for life is difficult indeed, and of Chicago, worked in a family agency, a that she was a Christian—something it may be that I will need to return for psychiatric clinic, a child guidance clinic, about the way she knew exactly how I a “booster” on occasion. But never, and the California Department of Men- felt and exactly where I was. never will it be the way it was, for now tal Hygiene before I went into private I have the equipment to cope and I practice …. I have had years of experi- In the weeks that followed, she didn’t am not alone. God is with me. ence in handling every category of human say much about her faith—just a problems. But I never learned during word now and then that seemed to fit. Now I see that those years that prayer could have helped They seemed to enable me to see real- all those people. ity more clearly. Therapy was gradu- there is a vast ally taking on a different character. unexplored resource Now I see that there is a vast unexplored Something strange was happening resource open to all of us and I would that couldn’t be explained logically. I open to us all. . . entreat all people in the healing profes- had started to pray again after many sions to use it. I have seen proof that years away from God. Misconcep- I believe that Christian therapists have prayer is effective and that the Holy Spirit tions about myself and others seemed a special responsibility to be aware that can indeed bring people to this point of to be clearing up. I realized that I the people they are treating have been joy and peace. was not ugly and dumb and undesir- brought into therapy by the Holy Spirit. able. Those were wrong assumptions Therapists, then, need to see themselves Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. I had made about myself as a child. as helpers to the Holy Spirit rather than The feeling of utter hopelessness the other way around—that the Holy was disappearing and I was actually Spirit is helping them. The Holy Spirit experiencing happiness. Best of all, I will indeed help them do therapy as they was becoming able to love and to feel use all their professional skills in diagnosis loved. and treatment. But we must call upon Him with prayer for God’s power as we God had answered my prayers. continue to use our skills, freeing people to function as whole persons and finally His Holy Spirit was working through to find their place in the Body of Christ. my therapist. Sometime[s] …… Mabel and I would join hands and By recognizing our role with relation to she would ask for His help during the the Spirit of God and by recognizing His ensuing hour. He had heard those leadings as He points the way, He is not Doug Schoeninger is Editor of the Journal of prayers and was guiding us in the cramped and can move as He wills in our Christian Healing and also serves as Chair of the difficult task of healing the heart and practice. ACT Communication and Publication Committee. emotions. It has taken much time and has been dif- Last month I terminated my therapy ficult for me to face the reality I have been after a two-month trial period. I am describing. I did not plan that my practice

Pray! Pray! Pray! Have courage and pray. You are My foot soldiers. I send you out with all that you need, just get started. Know I will refuse you nothing when you ask in the name of My wounded little one - the broken, battered, sick, and disenfranchised. My beloved, I hold you in the palm of My hand. All that I have I have given to you. You will not know the awe- some power of these gifts until you begin to use them in My service. I am a faithful God. Do I need to remind you My promise to you at ACT’s conception? I have given you My heart. If only you would trust Me. Will you trust Me? Will you allow Me to use you to make My kingdom known? Put your plans for My kingdom aside and listen, listen to Me and I will lead. (Anne Behneman)

InterACT l 5 A Report From the 2012 ACT International Conference by Mary Chakkalackal

Greetings in the Name of our Lord, Jesus His prayer services developed within this Christ. small community, and the music composed there came to the United States in the Throughout the 2012 ACT International mid-1980s and became known as Taize Conference—Reconciling Ethical Challenges Prayers. Through the use of symbols, sung in Healthcare and Healing: Listening with the mantras, scripture readings, intercessions, Heart of Jesus in the Work Place, the Lord was and silence, this meditative common prayer certainly in our midst in a very real and palpable offers an opportunity for us all to nurture way. His presence indeed made all the difference our inner self and come to a deep commu- in every aspect of our gathering. nion with the Living God.

“Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedi- It was a beautiful, meditative, musical, and ence—but do all with patience and with the reflective prayer experience for me. intention of teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2) Friday, October 5th Thursday, October 4th Doctor Mark Sheehan (Cardiologist) gave The Board meeting: a presentation entitled: “Healing Prayer Board Member, Mary Chakkalackal We were a united family that worked hard on Holy Ground.” He talked about en- He says, it is a special kind of broken- and accomplished all we needed to within counters with God’s healing presence and ness, in the face of death, in that there the framework of limited time. It was power in critical moments of his patients’ is no more self sufficiency. God is able fun, but we were sad at the news of Doug struggles with life and death issues. “A to “break down” these people and bring Schoeninger leaving the Board after six prayer-filled life with dependent humility them into a right relationship with Him years of diligent, joyful, and enthusiastic and communion of a trusting relationship more easily, especially if those attending service. During that time, he served as with God and patient are essential to be to the patient can help them in the pro- President-elect, President, and Past Presi- the tool in God’s Hands, helping to heal cess. He believes that the “dying room” is dent. We will miss him. patients,” he said. a Holy Ground—the Lord is always present. His recent book Healing Prayer on Thursday evening: Doctor Sheehan believes that the ulti- Holy Ground is available through Ama- Doctor Russ Parker and Reverend Gail mate purpose of prayer is to have a good zon.com or email [email protected] Paul led us in an Ecumenical Healing relationship with the Lord. In that sense, Service and Taize Prayers—my very first when we pray for healing, even death Cheryl Marsh gave a comprehensive Taize Prayer experience. Russ called us to becomes the ultimate healing experience presentation—“Called to Compassion: come forward to receive anointing for the because, in death, we are face-to-face in Contending with the Powers in Health- renewal of our ongoing service to Christ. our relationship with God. care.” She detailed the importance of rec- We also had an opportunity to receive ognizing the inherent tensions in values, healing for the broken areas of our lives. I found this insight extremely helpful. It naming the tension as “Moral Distress freed me from getting hung up on healing in providers of care” when the values Taize Prayers came into being in August as “no more illness” to healing as “having a conflict between the professionals and 1940. At the age of 24, Brother Roger felt good relationship with God,” which, in turn, the corporate or commercial systems with the call to create a community that would brings us all to a good relationship with built-in power advantage. make real everyday reconciliation between ourselves and others—even the illness itself. Christians, where “kindness of heart, The other important message I took from Identifying “the powers” that impact would be lived out very concretely, and love this talk was that we are all God’s methods; the delivery of health care and contend- would be at the heart of everything.” not just the technologies we rely upon. ing with them by entering into spiritual warfare, prayer, spiritual practices, sacra- He settled in the little village of Taize, Doctor Sheehan detailed so many experi- France in the middle of World War II. ences of “patients in the dying room.” Continued on page 7

InterACT l 6 continued from page 6 • Listening is loving; it is entering the lessness in the outcome of your work. space in the Community of Trinity, ments, sacramentals, and spiritual growth who welcomes us; God takes pleasure Several workshops I did attend were: and maturity, one can develop the cour- in our listening; in listening, we can age to be moral. By committing to moral give something good back to God. • “Exploring the Problem of Hatred: principles and a willingness to be at risk, Psychological and Spiritual Consider- if necessary, we can maintain our integrity. • Listening is healing; in listening, the ations, and How Christian Empathy Cheryl described this as the “battle for one who speaks to us, hears Jesus; Ignites Healing Agape” presented the heart and soul” of health care because • Intelligent listening is listening to the by Charles Zeiders and Douglas “the powers” are trying to take the “care” heart of the other, where God dwells; Schoeninger; out of healthcare. • “Be still and know that I am God.” • “Clinical Applications of the HEART (Isaiah) One of the prayers I appreciated from (Healing Emotional / Affective Re- Cheryl’s talk was: God, help me to refuse to ac- • “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” sponse to Trauma), a model for those cept evil. Let Your Spirit empower me to work for (Samuel) traumatized by sexual abuse presented change, Precisely where and how you call me; And by Benjamin Keyes. free me from thinking I have to do everything. Thank you, Russ, for bringing your understanding, humor, and passion to this Both these workshops proved extremely Thank you, Cheryl, for modeling “moral important virtue: Listening. helpful for me in my personal and profes- courage” in your work place infiltrated sional understanding of these timely top- by moral distress while pouring out your ...when we pray ics. I am so very grateful for the quality heart and soul to your patients and to all for healing, even and wisdom presented at the ACT Con- of us who had the good fortune to hear ference by so many bright and humble your inspiring presentation. death becomes minds all of whom were on the cutting edge of their areas of expertise. The panel discussions, Q&A sessions, the ultimate and the Specialty Group Meetings were healing experience Throughout the conference, Worship and very lively. I will be sending a Physicians, Praise Music was provided by the “Hearts Dentists, Chiropractors, and all healthcare because, in death, on Fire” group and set the inspiration tone Practitioners report later in the New Year. for the entire weekend. Their music at we are face-to-face Healing Services, Masses, and Ecumenical Saturday, October 6th in our relationship Services added on to the unity we celebrate and cherish in ACT among all our brothers Russ Parker’s presentation on “Listen- with God. and sisters in Christ’s earthly body. ing: the Sacrament of Encounter” was powerful and captivating. Some of the Once again, the panel discussions were The Saturday night party with “The Chi- highlights for me were: educational and interactive. I recommend cago Fire” band was so much fun with de- getting the CDs of these thought-provok- lightful doses of laughter, music, and dance • Prayer is listening; God is in all listening; ing sessions. generously served to all in attendance. But • To listen intelligently means to pay as the night got later, I began to feel the During one panel discussion, I got a clear attention in order to understand, not early pangs of “separation sadness.” glimpse into the heart and soul of Doctor necessarily to agree or rescue; Paul Wright, the Cardiologist who sought I strongly recommend getting some of • Holy Trinity is Holy Community in out the Blessed Mother Teresa, in her the CDs and DVDs of this conference. unity; unity is the DNA of the Trinity; Vocation of the “Missionaries of Charity” And may our Lord continue to feed, nour- in listening to God, our community in Calcutta. Some of his panel discussion ish, unite, equip, and lead us in His ways flourishes and becomes richer; insights were: to accomplish the vision and mission He • How can we love God, if we do not has entrusted us with and through ACT. listen to Him; • Prayer is work; pray the work; • Listening is the resource bridge to Rec- • Our technology has exceeded our hu- Blessings in His magnificent name to all. onciliation; manity; Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. • Listening requires dialogue. Listen to your • Holiness is nothing but doing God’s enemies; it is a sacramental touching; work; • Listening is the space in which compas- • Work with the goal of serving Christ; sion is connected with action; this way, you give no room for hope-

InterACT l 7 A Call to Dialogue with ACT Members

ACT’s Ecumenical Relations Sub-Committee of the Spiritual Life Committee (SLC-ERC) wants to draw members into an active interchange regarding views we may have been holding back for fear of of- fending those of other faith traditions. We think Jesus wants us to talk about what is important to us to help us love more widely and become open to dialogue. Ask yourself: What does Christ want me to share with ACT? What do I want ACT to be? What is my particular gift for ACT?

We wanted to work those views into a series of columns for InterACT, and invite responses dealing with such things as: What is the gift for ACT that I hear in this presentation? Where does it pinch me (i.e., cause resistance in me)? How might Jesus want me to respond to my resistance? We introduce the sharing with the three rules for ethical engagement we use in Board meetings:

1) Respond to the ideas of others by Austin J: When I heard “In the Garden,” A couple was getting married and he had first crediting the person and some aspect [a song Doug mentioned in a previous them come up. Then he put represen- of his/her idea, expressing what you value presentation] I realized to walk in the gar- tatives of each of their parents behind in their expression before you introduce den with God is to be immaculate. That them, representatives for the Holy Family what you would do or say differently. By is true intimacy and identity. It means re- behind them, and finally representatives first crediting the other, we show we are moving the impediments to intimacy with for the Blessed Trinity behind them. It open to integrating their “value” in our God. John 3:16―God so loved me, that was very moving when each representative own proposal. This furthers creativity. he wants to call me back to his garden. shared what they felt, and especially when the representatives for the Father, Son, 2) Turn complaints or criticisms into Father Bob: It seems “Immaculate and Holy Spirit shared their joy in seeing proposals. Make input to others in the Conception” needs to be reworked so it this couple on the verge of committing form of what you would like to say or see means openness to intimacy rather than their love to one another―a continuation accomplished and why. “too holy to approach.” and sign of God’s own love.

3) When someone expresses a criticism We felt this sample dialogue is a good We could talk about the implications for or complaint, ask her/him to turn it into a example of what we would like to begin that couple, but I feel that is not as rel- suggestion or proposal. “What would you as a column for InterACT. The follow- evant for ACT as another aspect of that like to see done or accomplished?” ing is Father Bob’s homily, and we invite sculpturing, the Holy Family, and particu- any feed-back our members would like to larly Mary’s role and ours. God intended To start this off, Father Bob has written contribute. in the beginning that man and woman up his homily from our Chicago Confer- (Doug Schoeninger, PhD) would express the love of our triune ence that had to do with the importance ______God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When of Mary and the holy family for our From the 2012 ACT International humans sinned, they no longer embodied healing (see below). It was presented to Conference God’s love. They “profaned God’s holy the ERC sub-committee, which triggered name” as Ezekiel 36:16-24 says of Israel. resistance around the concept of the God’s Dream Their suspicion and blame of each other, “Immaculate Conception” and led to the A Homily for Sunday, October 7, 2012 their doubt about each other’s love, got following dialogue: by Robert Sears handed down, and it distorted not only relations with one another but also between Doug S: This term can make Mary seem Introduction: humans and God. As Adam and Eve, to me sterile. Even if it is rephrased as When I saw the readings for this date¹, I we now think of God judging us, and we “without sin”, without blemish, I feel dis- thought of our Philadelphia ACT Pre- hide from God and from ourselves. We tanced from her when I hear this expres- Conference and Conference when Bob no longer come from a family that fully sion. Being a Baptist kid I came to know Schuchts led us in sculpturing God’s view embodies God’s love, so we no longer Mary through healing prayer. To me she of male-female relationships. is earthy. Continued on page 9

InterACT l 8 continued from page 8 believers are “offspring” of Jesus’ mother and the church (see Revelations 12:17: learn from our conception and birth how “Then the dragon became angry with the God loves us unconditionally. woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep Yet our readings take us back to what God’s commandments and bear witness to God intended in the beginning. Jesus tells Jesus.”) us that God never forgot his dream. That is what I feel God wants me to share in It was disciples of John, Justin Martyr and this homily for I have recently been taught Saint Irenaeus, who first developed the that truth afresh. understanding of Mary as “New Eve,” such as God had intended in the begin- I. We are to be “born again.” ning. She obeyed where Eve disobeyed. I was taught that truth in small steps. I So seeing Mary as mother of believers oc- woke one day in May and realized I didn’t curred very early in the church. However, choose my parents, and they didn’t choose it took longer to clearly affirm that Mary me. I was a surprise to them, and they was conceived without original sin and were new to me. God chose them and so, in her, God radically undid Adam and me, so God is my real Father, who created Eve’s sin. Jesus is called the new Adam me with full knowledge and joy. Then, by Paul (1 Corinthians 15:45), but it was a during our regional ACT retreat, I awoke long development before the church ac- thinking, “Jesus, you came into your own, cepted Mary’s freedom from original sin. and they did not receive you, but you had Even Thomas Aquinas could not see how Through Baptism we are born anew into Mary. I came into my own and was not Mary could be free of original sin before this family without sin. We also, as Ephe- well received (since I said in the womb ‘I Jesus was born since he held that Jesus sians says, are “chosen in Christ before won’t be a burden’). Who did I have?” became incarnate because of our sin. the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” (Ephe- The answer came to me almost immedi- It was Duns Scotus, a Franciscan theolo- sians 1:4) Still, we also are influenced by ately, “You had Mary too!” Then I real- gian, who later argued that Jesus would the sin of the world, for if we say we are ized that I had not really taken seriously have had to become incarnate, whether or without sin, as 1 John 1:8 says, “we de- that when I was baptized and “born again not we had sinned, if we were to become ceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” or from above”―the Greek word means “children of God.” Since that was God’s If, on the other hand, we acknowledge both—(John 3:3), I was born into a new intent for humans from the beginning our sins, “he is faithful and just and will family―into Jesus’ family. I had Jesus’ Fa- as Ephesians 1:3-6 indicates, Jesus was forgive our sins and cleanse us from every ther (for he said in Matthew 23:9, “Don’t predestined to become incarnate, and his wrongdoing.” (1 John 1:9) We grow into call anyone Father. You have one Father, mother would also have to be prepared the full love of the Holy Family as we in heaven.”), and I had his Mother (when and foreseen with him. So Scotus argued acknowledge our sins and receive God’s Jesus gave his mother to the beloved dis- that she was freed from original sin in purifying forgiveness. We are healed by ciple (unnamed as though to stand for all a special way because of her son. That growing up in that “new family.” And it “beloved disciples”) and gave him to her insight freed the Catholic Church to pro- is from that new family that we are sent as son (see John 19:26-27). claim Mary’s Immaculate Conception, not to our earthly family, both to give and to make her “unapproachable and ster- receive, just as Jesus was “sent” into his That this was a significant change is clear ile” but just the opposite, to restore the culture and time and his family to bring from John 20:17 where the risen Jesus tells intimacy with God that Adam and Eve God’s transformation and healing. We Mary Magdalene to “go to my brothers and enjoyed before their sin in the Garden. It can no longer claim that we are wounded tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and was confirmed by Mary herself when four to the core “because of our dysfunctional your Father, to my God and your God.’” years after the definition, Mary answered family” unless we have forgotten that our That is the first time in John’s Gospel that Bernadette, an unschooled peasant girl true, foundational family is the Holy Fam- Jesus calls the disciples “brothers.” After from Lourdes, France, who asked what ily. We are certainly wounded, as Jesus his death and resurrection, Jesus’ disciples her name was. She said, “I am the Im- was in his culture, but that wounding calls have become family “brothers and sisters” maculate Conception.” God’s dream was us to reclaim who we are in Christ and of Jesus with his Father and his Mother. finally fulfilled by God’s own initiative, to allow God’s healing love to transform Mary also is one with the church, for as Je- for Mary did nothing to bring that about us, and through us our families and our sus said: “My mother and my brothers are except to commit herself always to do world. those who hear the word of God and act God’s will. on it.” (Luke 8:21; Matthew 12:48-50). All Continued on page 10 InterACT l 9 continued from page 9 heart of Jesus to healthcare is to invite II. What are the implications of this them to God’s family, the Holy Family “new family” for us? that has been and is being freed from It means that God has brought into sin to manifest God’s self-giving love. our world his “healed family,” and through baptism we are empowered to ACT was consecrated to the Sacred grow into that sinless state. As 1 John Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate 3:9 says, “No one who is begotten by Heart of Mary in 1981, in the Con- God commits sin, because God’s seed ference in Burlington, Ontario, when remains in him; he cannot sin because the candle dripped wax in the perfect he is begotten by God.” Insofar as shape of a heart, which is here on we are living out of our new birth, we the altar in this conference. If we cannot sin. Since we do have sin, it see Mary as not a rival to Jesus but a necessary companion to him if God is must be because we are still living out Father Bob of our “old birth.” We then haven’t to resurrect his “family planning” for yet fully accepted our new status. That Corinthians 5:21). God ultimately wants humans “in the beginning,” then with new family is the human embodiment of us healed and whole, but the way to this is her we share the joy of being born anew God’s own Trinitarian love. The Father not to avoid suffering, but to be trans- from “whole” parents into the very inner loves the Son and gives His whole being formed by it in the likeness of Jesus, to be life of God. That is God’s restored dream to the Son. The Son loves the Father and born anew into the family of God. That and the foundation of all our healing. gives his whole self to the Father, which is the ultimate casting out of the devil, in human embodiment is his total surren- when we lose the fear of death for the “You are the Body of Christ. In you and der of his life on the cross. The expres- sake of reunion with God. “Death where through you the work of the Incarnation sion of their joint love is the Holy Spirit, is your sting? The sting of death is sin… must go forward. You are meant to incar- who springs from the Father and the Son (T)hanks be to God who gives us the vic- nate in your lives the theme of your adora- “as from one principle,” as the Council of tory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 tion―you are to be taken, blessed, broken, Florence stated. (DS 1331)2. The martyr Corinthians 15:55-57) and distributed, [“Be Eucharist”] that you Maximilian Kolbe thus called the Holy may be the means of grace and vehicles of Spirit’s procession from the Father and Conclusion: Eternal Charity.”―Saint Augustine Son, the eternal “Immaculate Concep- We live up to our identity. If we identify tion,” which was made incarnate in Mary. ourselves with our earthly family that we 1. The Sunday Readings for the 27th Sun- did not choose, we will struggle in vain day of Ordinary Time: III. Our second reading from Hebrews 2:9- to get free of their patterns. Through Gn 2:18-24: God made woman from Adam’s 11 notes Jesus’ death/resurrection as key. baptism we are given a new family, the side – “bone of my bone.” The two shall This text tells that it is right that our Holy Family, and our first apostolate is to become one flesh. leader of salvation should be made per- let Jesus use us to bring God’s healing love into our earthly family. Then our ground Ps 128: May the Lord bless us all the days of fect through suffering. We all have the our lives. same origin, so he is not ashamed to call also becomes our intended future, not us “brothers” (and “sisters”). And later, something we have to cause, but some- Heb 2:9-11: It is fitting that the leader to we read that since children share the same thing already a reality only waiting to be human salvation should be made perfect blood and flesh, he shares in their need to fully embodied and realized. Then we will through suffering. He is not ashamed to call us “brothers.” die “that through death he might destroy really be living what God intended “in the the one who has the power of death, that beginning,” and will be manifesting the Mk 10:2-16: In the beginning God made is, the devil, and free those who through Glory of God in our lives. them male and female. What God has joined, fear of death had been subject to slavery let no one separate. “Whoever does not ac- all their life.” (Hebrews 2:14-15). The This also is the vision and mission of cept the kingdom of God like a child will not way to purification and opening to God’s ACT, for we are to live and witness to enter it.” family is through suffering and death the love of God in ourselves and bring it to healthcare, and the love of God has 2. DS 1331 (Denzinger Schoenmetzer edition to the old family and culture with Jesus. of Enchiridion Symbolorum: Definitionum et declara- made us into a new family, composed of Because both sin and grace have a history tionum de rebus fidei et morum, Ed 32 [Herder, and suffering is the result of sin, suffering many different nationalities and cultures. 1963] par 1331). in Jesus and accepting it with Jesus is now The resurrection of Jesus has brought the way to transformation and grace. For humanity into the inner life of God. We Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. Jesus took on himself the sin and suffer- have one source and we have to die to our ing of us all so that with him we could sinful fragmentation and rise to our unity be restored to communion with God (2 in Christ with all humanity. To bring the InterACT l 10 The Ungame® has been changing lives for nearly 40 years. I am the creator of this simple, yet phenomenal tool, the first of its kind. My files are full of letters containing stories of breakthroughs and new realizations from people from ages 6 to 96 who took the time to sit with a few others and talk about ordinary subjects and listen without judgment or criticism. For some, it was the first time they felt heard. For others it provided the first time they felt safe to share something Rhea Zakich, never before revealed. The rules of the game create an Member of ACT since 1982 environment of respect and regard, fostering openness and honesty. 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InterACT l 11 Little Miracles By Toni Doyle

“Evangelize!” the Church keeps telling us. welcome that was because yellow roses I find that word daunting, conjuring up were my favorite flower. feelings of expectations I don’t feel capable of fulfilling. Unfortunately, I then lapse “Well, it must be for you,” he replied, “be- into feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and being cause that leafless rose plant only blooms overwhelmed. But this past summer, the once every year or two.” Lord showed me another perspective. It was my first assurance that God would While going through a time of crisis, He be with me during the difficult days ahead. sent me a number of “little” miracles to bolster me up, and those experiences led I stayed with Peggy, an RN who rented me to realize that sharing them is how we the other half of Steve’s house. She Toni Doyle, Region 43 Coordinator lay people can and do evangelize. worked in ICU at the Walmea Hospital where Kaui had been admitted a few days Trying to hold off tears, I looked up and My summer began in July with a mes- before I arrived. Peggy said that Kaui was there came Luana, Kaui’s most supportive sage from Kaui, my daughter-in-law dying, but could not accept that she would and helpful friend, rounding the aisle. She from Hawaii, saying she wanted to “dis- not have yet another reprieve from death, was just the one I needed to see; she en- cuss some things and get my advice.” as she had had so many times in the last couraged me to stay. Don’t think I didn’t Those words alerted me to the possibil- 13 years. Kaui was still trying to eat and consider that a little miracle. ity, or even probability, that her 13-year get out of bed despite the heavy bandag- struggle against ovarian cancer was ing encircling her midriff. The dressings One evening in mid-August, I took a late coming to an end. Shortly thereafter, I covered up the many open and bleeding afternoon walk and happened to turn flew to the “Big Island” (aka the island tumors and required frequent dressing around and look back at Steve and Kaui’s of Hawaii). change. But Kaui, uncomplaining and house. There to my amazement was a huge supervising her own care, perked up and beautiful rainbow arched right over their I prayed constantly that the Lord would came home August 10, my 80th birthday. home. The house sat exactly in its center, be present to both Kaui and my son Steve and stayed there for at least ten minutes. A (her husband of 29 years). I asked God to God does not miracle that said, “All will be well.” really make Himself known and present to them, and not just be the “God in the sky.” necessarily follow On August 9, the evening before Kaui came home from the hospital, I was wor- The Lord heard my prayers, but I found directions. Instead, rying about how we would ever manage that God does not necessarily follow direc- He started sending her care at home. Checking my email tions! Instead, He started sending me al- before I went to bed, there was a message most daily signs of His presence that I felt me almost daily from my friend Carol assuring me of her were truly little miracles. I think He knew I signs of His prayers. In a stressed frame of mind, I would get excited and tell everyone. replied in solid caps, “Well, tell God we presence that I felt need help here!” Father Ronald Rohlheiser, O.M.I. writes in his recent book Shattered Lantern: were truly little Early the next morning, I picked up the miracles. local daily newspaper sitting on the wood “Blessed are those who learn to see deck, and there its big headline read, the finger of God in the conspiracy “HERE COMES HELP!” I was flab- of accidents that make up their lives, For every trouble, there seemed to be a bergasted and told everyone. Later that for they shall be rewarded with daily little miracle. There was the day I had to morning Kaui, still managing her own miracles!” see a doctor for a bladder infection and care, located a nurse-aide on Craig’s List was not only feeling ill, but also feeling who did indeed come to help the very When I first arrived at Steve and Kaui’s helpless and somewhat useless in how to next day. house on August 3, I noticed a single help Kaui and Steve. As I was waiting at yellow rose in their otherwise dried-up the pharmacy for my medication, I told garden and remarked to Steve what a nice God that maybe I should just go home. Continued on page 13

InterACT l 12 continued from page 12 just about to leave for work, was fortu- bedside, should the end come. So I was nately (miraculously) there to help. Steve most distressed that I might not be there, There were quite a number of little sent me outside to direct the emergency but Steve wanted me to stay with Judy at the miracles that I marveled at, but the one vehicles to their hard-to-find house. hotel, knowing I would have her support that astonished me most was this one: (and, I think, not to have to worry about his Mother). So Judy and I spent the next My friend and Co-Coordinator of the San There were quite morning watching the whales do tricks and Diego region of ACT, Judy Lemm, called a number of little then swimming in the lagoon. By evening, me at Steve’s in the middle of August, Kaui was slipping into deep sleep, and Steve saying she planned to fly to Hawaii for a miracles that I called to say that the end was near. Peggy short vacation at the Hilton on the “Big was monitoring the morphine, and Luana Island” and would I be able to visit her marveled at... was there also. For the final three hours, there? Her traveling companion had had Steve held her hand and talked to her of to cancel because of a family crisis. The Watching helplessly in the rain, we saw their life together until the Lord told her (I Hilton was only half an hour from Steve’s, the paramedics lift Kaui—frightened and am sure), “You’re coming with Me.” and he encouraged me to go and enjoy a gasping for breath—into the ambulance day or two on the ocean. So Judy landed and then speed off. Steve told me to go And with a smile on her face, she did. and drove to Waimea where we met at the on to the Hilton with Judy, and he would Catholic Church for 5:00 p.m. Mass. stay in touch by cell phone. During this time, Judy and I said the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the hotel room, As I slipped into the pew next to her, I A few hours later, Steve called to say that having told the Lord, “Please pretend we whispered, “We can never seem to get Kaui was more comfortable and awake, are there at her bedside.” together in San Diego, so how did we ever but that the doctor told him that time was manage to meet here?” short. Kaui, of course, was not con- God of Miracles, I am sure You did. vinced, and Steve said, “He doesn’t know It was beginning to rain as we left the Kaui.” He would keep me posted. Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. church. We stopped back at Steve’s house so Judy could meet everyone. We found Before I left San Diego, I had put a copy them in crisis. Kaui was hemorrhaging of the Divine Mercy Chaplet in my purse badly and 911 was on the way. Peggy, with the intention of saying it at Kaui’s

Open your ears, open your heart. I have so much to tell you beloved children of Mine. Wash yourself clean. Bathe in My Precious Blood that is being poured out for you, wash- ing you clean of all iniquities, sins and addictions. Is there any part of you that feels unclean, unwashed, in need of My Healing Power? Surrender it to Me. I wait with open hand to accept the unwanted, unused, unnecessary parts of your life that drag you down and keep you from living the abundant life. Come. I wait for your surrender. I wait for you. Totally abandon yourself to the lover of your soul, the Holy One, God Eternal, Prince of Peace. (Antoinette McDermott)

The solutions you seek to your hurts, your dilemmas, your fears lie in Me. Come to Me often. Come before Me in the tabernacle often. Rest in My light, My forgiveness. The light is My love for you. In this light you will be healed. I will relieve your fears and anxieties will be removed. You will be restored. Rest in the light of My enduring love. Feel the light. Feel the warmth of Me deep in your bones and tissues. Crawl up on My lap and cradle yourself in My Sacred Heart. You will receive the healing your heart desires. (Kris Sendelbach)

InterACT l 13 Day 1: May 26 Depart Toronto French border and enjoy the scenic drive through the Pyrenees Mountains. Depart Toronto International for an overnight flight to Lisbon. Dinner and We will take part in “The Candlelight Procession” with pilgrims from around the breakfast are served on board. world. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

Day 2: May 27 Lisbon- Fatima Day 7: June 01 Lourdes Arrive Lisbon, you will be met by our representative and start your pilgrimage Following breakfast, we will celebrate Mass at the Grotto of Massabielle where of Lisbon. Visit the Church of St Anthony of Padua and the Belem Tower. Con- Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette. Visit the Bureau of Miracles and Bathe tinue to the Statue of Crist-rei and the Parao Dos Descobrimentos Monument in the Healing Waters, where Mary asked Bernadette, “Go drink of the spring of Discoveries. Drive to Santarem; visit the Church of St. Stephen and view and wash yourself there”. Visit the Basilica of the Immaculte Conception and the Venerated relic of the ‘Bleeding Host’. Continue to Fatima, the location of recall the story of Mary in the Stain Glass windows. Walk along the pilgrims the Blessed Mother who appeared in 1917 to three simple shepherd children Way of the Cross. Participate in nightly “Candlelight Processions” and recita- Lucy, Francesco and Jacinta and exhorted mankind to pray for world peace. tion of the Rosary. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Lourdes. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Fatima. Day 8: June 02 Lourdes Day 3: May 28 Fatima Following breakfast, we will visit all of the places associated with the St. Ber- Following breakfast, we will celebrate Mass at the Little Chapel of the Ap- nadette. The Bolly Mill in Rue Bernadette Soubirous where she was born on paritions. Visit the Great Basilica of the Rosary, the site of Francesco's and the January 7th, 1844 and the place where she spent the first years of her life. Jacinta's graves, the Hamlet of Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valin- Visit “Cachot” or jail where Bernadette lived with her family in great poverty hos, the site of Our Lady's appearance after the children's return from prison. at the time of the apparitions, the baptismal font where she was baptized Follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) culminat- and the chapel in Hospice where Saint Bernadette received first Communion ing in the Chapel of Calvary, which overlooks all of Fatima. Join pilgrims from and where she was educated for about 8 years by Sisters of Nevers before around the world in an evening “Candlelight Procession” to pray the rosary. becoming a nun of the same order. Free afternoon to enjoy your private devo- Don't forget your white handkerchief for the Adeus farewell, when thousands tions. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. of pilgrims wave a loving farewell to the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. Din- ner and overnight in Fatima. Enjoy dinner and overnight. Day 9: June 03 Lourdes- Paris Following breakfast, we will transfer to Pug Airport and board our flight to Day 4: May 29 Fatima- Santiago De Compostela Paris. Celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. We will see the Following breakfast, Celebrate Mass in the Basilica of the Rosary we will drive incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure whose guardian angel led her to the to Porto and stop for a lunch and wine testing at a local winery to taste the chapel where the Blessed Virgin displayed a vision of the miraculous medal famous port wine. After lunch depart for Pontevedra, where we will see the and later the green scapular wherein the Blessed Virgin promised bountiful magnificent Cathedral. Continue on to Santiago De Compostela for dinner and graces for all the wearers of this. Check in at our hotel and enjoy dinner in overnight. Paris.

Day 5: May 30 Santiago De Compostela- Santander Day 10: June 04 Paris Following breakfast, Celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Compostela, where Following breakfast we’ll see the relics of the Passion presented at Notre- all the major pilgrims roads lead. Our visit will include the tomb of St. James Dame de Paris which include a piece of the Cross, which had been kept in and those of his disciples, St. Theodore and St. Anthanasius. After a visit to Rome and delivered by Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, a the Cathedral and the Churches of San Francisco and of Santa Clara, we will nail of the Passion and the Holy Crown of Thorns. Of these relics, the Crown continue to Santander, one of Spain’s most elegant cities set within a proof Thorns is the most precious and the most revered. Here we will Celebrate tected natural bay overlooking the sea. The rest of the day at leisure to stroll Mass. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the Champs Elysees, L’Arc de Tri- along the promenade that runs parallel to the sea. Enjoy dinner and overnight omphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Church of the Sacre Coeur. Evening Farewell at our hotel. Dinner Cruise on the Seine River.

Day 6: May 31 Santander- Lourdes Day 11: June 05 Paris- Toronto Following breakfast we will depart for Lourdes the birthplace of St. Bernadette Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for return flight toToronto. to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle, cross the For further information, please call: Joanne Cothran at 1-416-849-6629 or 1-866-296-3345; Jennie Dodson at 1-905-335-6902

InterACT l 14 Region A Healing Mission to Reports Madagascar Region 43 by Reverend Paul Feider God is doing a great work in southern San Diego, CA Madagascar. For the last five years, Coordinators: Judy Lemm Bishop Todd McGregor from the Toni Doyle United States has been evangelizing Board: Bob Garland (Treasurer) and training many people to proclaim Mary Evans the message of salvation in Jesus Suzanne Graas Christ. He began with about 250 Members: 52 Paid in 2012 people and now has about 2,000. He Sew Groups: Carol Inacio and those he trains go into towns and Nancy Morgan villages and begin preaching about Both groups meet monthly. God’s love and forgiveness. As they Took Place: 2013 Southern California gather the people, they eventually ACT Conference held March 8-10, “The plant a community and then construct Many Faces of Forgiveness” conference a church building. He has built many had 120 in attendance at The Dana on churches and still envisions building Mission Bay. 20 more. He is on the verge of form- Planned: So Ca Annual Retreat will be ing the Diocese of Toliara. Father Paul Feider held July 19, 20,21 at Villa de Lestonnac in Temecula, CA, and hosted by Region Recently I traveled with one of his pa- As a final part of the training, the 21, Los Angeles. Father Michael Barry will rishioners, Ken Kurtenacker, to Mada- participants were sent in groups of four be retreat master. See Los Angeles website gascar to train Bishop Todd’s clergy into the nearby villages to pray with for details. August: Elections for new and evangelists in the healing ministry. people. They went to various houses Coordinator/Coordinators Picnic at the About 50 people came from the whole and asked the people in the house if Bay” late August TBA diocese to receive healing themselves they would like prayer for any sickness Term of Office: Current Co-coordina- and then to be equipped to pray healing or pain. They returned two hours later tors’ three-year term was up in August and deliverance prayer for others. Many excited that they could see the positive 2012. However, both Judy Lemm and traveled for days to participate in this effects of bringing God’s healing love Toni Doyle agreed to one more year to important event. The people were very to others. The people they prayed with see the conference through and to find a eager to learn about how to bring God’s reported relief from pain and a desire to candidate or candidates to train for leader- healing power to those they encoun- know more about Jesus Christ. ship by August 2013. tered. This was a four day School for Heal- We taught on the scriptural basis of ing Prayer which we also offer at the healing, the history of Christian healing, Center For Inner Peace in New Lon- Region 10 inner healing, and how to pray with a don, Wisconsin. It is a long journey to Hamilton Chapter person for healing. Then the partici- Madagascar, but the fruits of seeing a pants were invited to a deeper personal whole diocese equipped and empowered This Chapter celebrated its seventh commitment to Jesus which forms the for the healing ministry is a satisfy- White Mass at the Cathedral of Christ in spiritual basis for healing. We taught ing reward. The people there may be Hamilton. Bishop Douglas Crosbie was about being healed of negative effects materially poor, but they are rich in faith the Celebrant with three priests and one from our ancestry, healing of concep- and the desire to transform the lives of deacon on the altar and over 35 Knights tion to birth, deliverance from evil those around them. of Columbus in attendance. The Mass spirits, and healing of the father wound. took place on December 12, 2012 on the All of these topics were interwoven Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe; she is with times of prayer, sharing, and the patroness of Region 10 in Canada. practicum sessions, all of which formed a powerful time of formation and transformation for those in attendance.

InterACT l 15 The Revelation Gifts of the Holy Spirit Word of Knowledge by Denise Dolff

If we revisit 1 Corinthians 12:8- be for the conversion of others 10, we are reminded of the nine (Acts 10:11-16, Peter’s vision which gifts of the Holy Spirit, three of prepared him for the conversion which can be categorized as the of Gentiles). It may also be to lead revelation or instructional (know- another to repentance and restora- ing) gifts: “To one is given through tion of relationship with God (2 the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, Samuel 12:1-14, Nathan exposing and to another the utterance of David’s sin; John 4:5-15, Jesus with knowledge according to the same the woman at the well). Or it may Spirit, … to another the ability be to prepare oneself or others for to distinguish between spirits,…” present or future events, as indi- (RSV)* More generally, these cated by Joseph’s interpretation of three charisms are referenced as Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:17- the word of knowledge, the word 39). Finally, words of knowledge of wisdom, and the discernment Denise Dolff is a member of the Board of Directors of ACT can be given to aid one in coun- of spirits. They differ from the and its President-elect. selling or prayer ministry, or as a utterance gifts insofar as the infor- guide in intercession. But in all mation received through the Holy Spirit, and not otherwise known to one these cases, whether the revelation Spirit in the revelation gifts is often spe- or resulting from personal discernment. is for self or others, it always draws one to cific to an individual, situation, or event God, and gives God glory. and may be considered as facts commu- Regardless of whether the revelation is nicated from the mind of God, rather for self or others, its purpose is always These various scriptural examples also than words from the heart of God, as twofold: to bring one closer to God indicate that words of knowledge may be with prophecy and the interpretation and to give glory to God. This is easily received in many ways such as through of tongues. This can be understood exemplified in Acts 9:10-20, the account the audible or inaudible voice of God, further by examining the first of these of Saul’s conversion. Personal revelation in dreams and visions, or by angelic three gifts, generally identified simply as is given to Saul: I am Jesus whom you are visitation. But as word of knowledge is knowledge or word of knowledge. persecuting (Acts 9:5), and the imparta- intended to work together with word of tion of this truth draws Saul into a true wisdom, another revelation gift of the What is the gift of knowledge? It is not relationship with Jesus. Continuing with Holy Spirit, additional ways of receiving an increase of one’s intellectual capac- this account, Ananias is also given a per- and identifying the knowledge imparted ity, nor is it human knowledge sanctified sonal revelation which included detailed through these gifts will be discussed in the or perfected, nor an academic gifting or instruction regarding where to find Saul next Healing Exchange. In the interim, talent. Rather, word of knowledge is the and then to minister to him (Acts 9:11- take some time to read the scriptures cited God-given ability, as a manifestation of 19). Through this revelation, Ananias was in this article in order to become more the Holy Spirit, to receive directly from personally directed by God in the under- familiar with the revelation gift of knowl- God, revelation which would be humanly taking of a task, which may be a further edge, and how God works through it. Pay impossible for one to otherwise know. purpose of word of knowledge (see also attention also to how the Holy Spirit com- Consider, for example, Acts 5:1-11, Matthew 1:20, 2:13, Joseph being given municates knowledge personally to you, in wherein Peter has knowledge of undis- instruction regarding Mary and Jesus). order that you grow in both the awareness closed facts regarding the withholding of Saul’s blindness was healed and Ananias and the blessing of this charism. money by Ananias and Saphira; consider grew in faith when he obeyed, indicat- also Galatians 2:1-2, when Paul traveled ing that word of knowledge may be for *(Editor’s Note: RSV=Revised Standard to Jerusalem in obedience to a revelation another’s healing (see also Luke 13: 10-17, Version of the Bible) received from God instructing him to do Jesus healing a spirit of infirmity), but at so. And as these two illustrations indi- the same time, may have benefit for self. Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. cate, the revelation received in this gift may be for oneself or for others, but in Just as Saul was converted through per- either case, it is given through the Holy sonal revelation, word of knowledge may

InterACT l 16 Editor’s Note

With this issue, InterACT embarks on In that regard, kudos and warm thanks The next deadline for all articles, photos, two journeys of change—paid display are due one of our own who almost news items, and display advertising for advertising and interactive blogs for each single-handedly brought us our first 2013 the Summer issue of InterAcT will be of our full-length articles. paid advertiser. From the beginning, May 1, 2013. Please send all submissions Royce Johnston was determined to help and photos to: [email protected] I’m told that we used to accept paid her friend, Rhia Zakich, who invented advertising, but had to stop because we the “Ungame.” First thing we know, the Correction: were having difficulty with deadlines, President of Talicor, Inc., the manufac- In the Winter 2012 issue of InterACT, we thus causing advertisers to withdraw turer of Rhia’s exciting invention, is in inadvertently published the wrong picture support. But with our eager volunteer touch with InterACT and wants to buy a (now corrected) for Father Jean Robert editorial and office staff, we now find full-page display ad. So if you look on Rubayita. We sincerely regret the error. ourselves well-positioned to maintain page 11 of this issue, you’ll see the fruits publishing schedules, and therefore keep of a caring collaboration. I hope all who Click here to enter the discussion blog for this article. our promises to advertisers. That said, made this happen will accept our heart- the existing staff is unable to take time felt thanks for a job well-done. And away from their current duties to go out by the way readers, we keep advertisers and find advertisers -- they’re too busy coming back by going out of our way doing what it takes to make sure Inter- to patronize their products, goods, and ACT springs to life every three months. services. So, it would help if each of Therefore, we need your help. us found as many excuses as possible to purchase the “Ungame” for friends and How? Let all neighbors and friends know relations, especially with the graduation that ACT publishes a quarterly international and family gift seasons upon us. publication whose readership grows each day due to its new social media exposure. If Also new with this issue is our “Letters-to- you want, please let us know who these peo- the-Editor” type blog for each major article ple or companies are so we can send them we publish. All you have to do is click on copies of InterACT and begin a dialogue the hyperlink at the end of each work and about how we might work together. Those follow the instructions about how you can in the publishing, writing, and medical com- have your thoughts, feedback, and sugges- munities would be ideal potential new addi- tions published on the ACT website. Thus, Mike MacCarthy, InterACT Editor tions to our advertising family—they have all our fellow readers can see and react to products, goods, and services that would be your thoughts. For further information, a natural fit withInterACT and its reader- see page 8 of this issue. ship. Our rate card is published below.

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InterACT l 17