Secular Servit e News

October 2013

O S S M
Such has been with our discovery of the Catholic Church. No one can deny that without Jesus, particularly without Our Lord present in the Eucharist, we are empty and starving to death. When praying to the Lord to be received into the Catholic Church, we never realized how such a request would be answered. We can truly say that God not only answers prayer, but He does it abundantly and beyond whatever we can imagine. Such was the greatest gift to have received upon entering the 40th year of our lives. We were received into the Church along with our two children at St. Peters Church in Volo, Illinois on December 7, 2002. Our son Jonathan and our daughter Sarah were baptized on that same day. We were confirmed on May 17, 2003. Barney had been brought up in the Bible Belt of the South, attending various Protestant denominations as a young boy. Natalie had been sprinkled in a Presbyterian Church, immersed in the Baptist Church, and attended various nondenominational worship services. We were married in a Methodist Church on June 16, 1985.

The Good Gift

Natalie & Barney Eden St. Mary, Source of Our Joy Community Chicago, IL

December 7, 2013 marks eleven years since we were received into the Catholic Church. The vigil of the Immaculate Conception ended that period of our lives which could be thought of as a time of wandering in the desert. We were both 39 years old back in 2002. The Old and New Testaments are filled with images of the desert. We are all familiar with the story of the Israelites and how they wandered in the desert for 40 years before they entered into the Promised Land. The prophet Isaiah spoke of streams bursting forth in the desert (35:6). Even during Advent, when we anticipate the coming of Our Lord, we hear of St. John the Baptist who is known as the voice of one crying in the desert. The truth of the matter is that when we come to Jesus, we all have come out from some sort of desert.

INSIDE The Good Gift ............ 1-2 Holy Land Pilgrimage..... 4 Child Jesus School....... 7-8 Reflections..................13

Somehow throughout all of our wanderings we felt that something was missing. At this point, we did not know that the Eucharist, which means, good gift, is the source and summit of the Christian life. (CCC, 1324). Some might say that we were initially drawn to the Church out of desperation which is undoubtedly true. However, it was after hearing that the Lord was really present in the Eucharist that we both wanted to go near and to learn all that we could about the Church. We became thrilled to learn that there was actually a place that we could go and be physically near Jesus! We were both beside ourselves in seeing the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Our Lord! These days we realize more and more that it was not only out of desperation, but it was also out of a deep sense of wonder and awe at God that we were drawn to the Catholic Church. After eleven years, the realization of our need, our sense of awe, and wonder of God has only increased. In our journey we keep wandering upon treasure after treasure, good gift upon good gift. It was in that journey we also started to realize the role that the Blessed Virgin Mary has in bringing us closer to Jesus as well. Significantly, at the about same time that we discovered the Eucharist, an attraction to Mary emerged. We would later realize that the grace of the Eucharist comes through Mary, since she is the Mediatrix, or channel through which Gods graces reach us. Jesus gave us this wonderful gift of His Mother during the suffering of His Passion. This past winter 2013 we entered into formation to become lay Servants of Mary through the St. Mary Source of Our Joy community at Assumption Church

in Chicago. Barney is a physician in radiation oncology and works with cancer patients on a daily basis. It is with joy that we discovered that St. Peregrine, who just so happens to be a Servite, is the patron saint of cancer patients. Natalie is a licensed professional counselor who offers a faith-based approach to psychological therapy in downtown Chicago. Natalies office website and blog can be found at faith-based counseling. com. We both feel that our field of work is a vocation. We continue to be excited about the Good Gift of the Catholic Church and the opportunity to deepen our spiritual lives and to help others.

Secular Servite News is published three times a year by the Office of the National Assistant to the Servite Secular Order Kindly address all correspondence to: Fr. Vidal Martinez, O.S.M. 3121 W Jackson Blvd Chicago IL 60612-2729 osmsecular@aol.com 2

2013 Order of Friar Servants of Mary 3121 W Jackson Blvd Chicago IL 60612-2729
www.secularservites.org www. servite.org www.servidimaria.org

Sts. Alexis and Juliana Community Hillside, IL

Cary Watt, OSSM

Our Community of Sts. Alexis and Juliana has always admired the beauty and history of the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows. In particular, we have been enamored of the various side altars that line the east and west walls of the Basilica, one of the unique and strikingly beautiful features of this historic place. As all of us know, one of the basic tenets of our Servite charism is that of Community. As we searched for ways to interact with, and assist, our fellow Servites in the spirit of Community, it occurred to us that a great way to do this would be to adopt a side altar at the Basilica. And what better side altar to adopt than one dedicated to our namesake, St. Juliana. How would we go about this? To adopt something means that we nurture it, care for it, and love it. It means, in a very real sense, that we make it our own. To do this for our adopted St. Juliana altar, Community member Violet Murphy has purchased an altar cloth that now graces its surface. Bruce Almeroth, a man of many talents, has added electrical work that greatly improves the lighting and enhances the already spectacular appearance of the altar and its accompanying statue of St. Juliana.

As a means of formalizing our commitment to St. Julianas altar, and to our fellow Servites, we recently scheduled a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica during our regular monthly meeting. We attended the 10:30AM Mass, and afterward Fr. Chris Krymski, OSM, was kind enough to assist us in the formal dedication process by blessing the Altar and our efforts. After our dedication ceremony we had lunch, and were treated to a wonderful visit and talk by Bro. Bonfilius McGovern, OSM, who familiarized us with what it means to be a Brother of the Servite Order. Bro. Bonnies long and varied career as a Brother was an inspiration to all of us. We plan to keep the altar of St. Juliana looking as beautiful as it did on the day of our dedication by making sure its always clean and well maintained. We invite other OSSM communities to adopt side altars at OLS as well.

Holy Land Pilgrimage

Sr. Dominca Effertz, O.S.M.

In October of 2012, two Secular Servites, George & Linda Effertz from Ladysmith, along with Sister Mary Dominica Effertz O.S.M. from Spooner, went on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with Father Andy Ricci from Superior, WI. The group comprised of about forty pilgrims from northern Wisconsin and various other places. It was a dream come true for most of us, and a very emotional and spiritual experience that made an impact on our lives forever. Some of the main cities we visited were Haifa, Tiberias, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. As we walked in the footsteps of Jesus, we took a cruise on the Sea of Galilee, climbed the Mount of Olives, and viewed the Old City of Jerusalem, walked the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and visited Bethlehems Church of the Nativity. These were just among the few highlighted points of interest on our trip. Mass was also said throughout the tour for personal prayer and reflection.

The scripture readings really come to life, as you can relate to the sites and events we hear about all the time at Mass and in the Bible. A trip of a life time! And we thank God for the gift of our faith which brought us there, for the new friends we met, and for the many memories we are blessed with and will always treasure.

Florida Communities Celebrate Promise and Rite of Admission Jack Rhine, OSSM
Secular Servites from Kissimmee, Lady Lake and Palm Bay gathered at St. Timothys Parish in Lady Lake to witness the Promise made by Mary Elizabeth Boczkowski, OSSM and Donna Curtis, OSSM of Our Lady of Sorrows community in Lady Lake and the Rite of Admission for three members of the Mary Queen of the Servants community in Palm Bay. Randy Allen, Janelle Feldhuhn and Alice Shugart requested and received admission to the Period of Initial Formation. Fr. Ed Waters, pastor of St. Timothys presided as we celebrated the Mass of the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Deacon Jack Rhine, OSSM assisted, received the request for admission and the Promise and his homily spoke of Judith from the first reading and Mary of the Gospel and how important it is to pattern our lives as Servites after both of them. The new Servites received a love-filled welcome by members of the assembly before continuing with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Liturgical ministers from St. Timothys helped to make the day memorable and of great beauty. A delicious experience of Servite hospitality was had by all after Mass as we shared in a pot luck meal in the parish hall. Hopefully, the experience of the day attracted the parishioners from St. Timothys who were present to Servite life and reinforced the decision of Randy, Janelle and Alice to join us. The multi-community nature of the celebration made it that much more special to everyone.

Donna Curtis and Mary Elizabeth Bocskowski request their Promise from Deacon Jack Rhine, OSSM. Barbara Gorry, prioress of Our Lady of Sorrows Community looks on.

Randy Allen, Janelle Feldhuhn and Alice Shugart request admission to the Period of Initial Formation from Deacon Jack Rhine OSSM. Tony Ferrer, prior of Mary, Queen of the Servants Community looks on.

St. Juliana Community Ladysmith, WI

On July 14, 2013 Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter Christensen in honor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha at St. Francis Solanus Church grounds in Reserve, Wis. Preceding the 4:00 p.m. Mass was a play on the life of St. Kateri performed by the St. Francis Solanus school children. There is also a lovely shrine honoring St. Kateri Tekakwitha on the parish grounds. St. Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American to be canonized a saint. In 1980 she was declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II, and on Oct. 21, 2012 was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. At 5:30 p.m. a feast was held at the Parish Hall and at 6:30 p.m. was a Pow-Wow which concluded with fireworks at dusk. Those attending from St. Juliana Community OSSMs from Ladysmith, Wis. were: Maryann Luplow, Tilly Galetka, Jane Effertz, Linda and George Effertz, Ceal Vobernik, Bob and Mary Ornberg, Kathy Mai and Marilyn Stearns. Also attending were OSM Sisters from the Ladysmith area and other members of the Rusk County Catholic Community parishes. Its estimated around 500 people total attended the celebration.

Tilly Galetka, OSSM

St. Juliana Community members Maryann Luplow and Tilly Galetka with friends. Below: Sr. Felissa Zander, SSSF, showing the St. Kateri medallion received from Bishop Christensen.

One of the Native American dancers in the Pow Wow for the celebration of St. Kateri.

Servants of Mary Center: Child Jesus School Petit-Goave, Haiti

Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM

Fr. Marc Claudy Magloire, Administrator, writes that the first six students of Child Jesus School that have completed their six years of elementary education and are ready to move on to higher education. This is a great accomplishment for this school sponsored and supported by Secular Servites. We express our sincerest gratitude to those Secular Order fraternities and individual Secular Servites who have so generously contributed on a monthly or regular basis to provide this basic, elementary education to needy and poor children of Petit-Gove, Haiti. Mme. Ovide, the Principal, and the six faculty members have labored with dedication to provide the environment and surrounding for the 65 children who are entrusted to their care and education. We are happy to report that all six boys and girls that completed their studies at Child Jesus School took the government examination to determine if they were prepared to proceed to the next level of education. Each of the six children has passed the exam and will begin, in the upcoming new school year, their further education. We are seeking SPONSORS for each of these children, since they will no longer be attending Child Jesus School, but, rather, a local school in the town. If you are interested and willing to provide a monthly stipend towards the education of one of these six children, please contact Fr. Vidal Martnez,OSM: 773-354-9564 or osmsecular@aol.com. Thank you! Child Jesus School, sponsored and supported by Secular Servites, is an elementary school first to sixth level to provide an education for children who would not otherwise be able to attend school since all schools in Haiti require payment of a fee to attend. By the generosity of many Secular Servites, we have been able to provide a basic, elementary education, sacramental preparation, and a daily meal to 65 children. If you wish to support this Servite effort, please send your donations to: Fr. Vidal Martnez, OSM, Servants of Mary, 3121 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612. Make checks out to: Servants of Mary.

Centro Siervos de Maria: Escuela Nio Jesus Petit-Goave, Haiti

Padre Vidal Martinez, OSM

El Padre Marc Claudy Magloire, Administrador, nos informa que los primeros seis alumnos de la Escuela Nio Jess han completado los seis aos de educacin elemental y estn listos para continuar sus estudios a otro nivel. Es un gran logro para la escuelita que es apoyada y mantenida por los Seglares Servitas. Expresamos nuestro ms sincero agradecimiento a todas las fraternidades e individual Seglares Servitas que han contribuido con tanta generosidad mensual o regularmente para poder proveer esta educacin bsica y elemental a los nios y nias pobres de PetitGove, Haiti. La Sra. Ovide, la Directora, y los seis profesores han laborado con dedicacin y entrega para proveer un ambiente sano y acogedor para los 65 nios y nias que le han sido encomendado. Estamos muy contentos de informar que los seis alumnos que han completado sus estudios en la Escuela Nios Jess han tomado el examen del gobierno para determinar si estn preparados o no para continuar sus estudios a otro nivel. Los seis han logrado pasar el examen y comenzarn, en el ao escolar ya prximo a comenzar, sus estudios ms avanzados. Buscamos personas que quieran APADRINAR cada uno de estos seis alumnos, ya que no asisitarn ms a la Escuela Nios Jess, sino a una escuela local. Si le interesa y est dispuesto/a a proveer un estipendio mensual en ayuda a la educacin de uno de estos seis nios, favor de ponerse en contacto con Padre Vidal Martnez,OSM: 773-354-9561 o por email: osmsecular@aol.com. Muchas gracias! La Escuela Nios Jess, apoyada y mantenida por los Seglares Servitas, es una escuela elemental de primer a sexto nivel que provee una educacin para nios y nias que, de otra forma, no podran asistir a una escuela porque en Haiti hay que pagar una cuota para poder asistir a clase. Debido a la generosidad de tantos Seglares Servitas, hemos podido proveerles una educacin bsica y elemental, la preparacin a los sacramentos y una comida sustencial cada da para 65 nios y nias. Si desea apoyar este esfuerzo Servita, favor de enviar su donacin a: Padre Vidal Martnez,OSM, Siervos de Mara, 3121 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612. Los cheques a nombre de: Siervos de Mara.

Our Most Sorrowful Mother Community Portland, OR

Cheryl Mary Teresa Teeling, OSSM

Our Community enjoys many unique blessings by being located here at The Grotto. Recently we had the special privilege of hosting Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM and a wonderful group of ladies from Regnum Mariae Secular Institute. The occasion was the Profession (and renewal) of the Evangelical Counsels of two members of Regnum Mariae.

On June 8th a special Mass was held with the Celebrants being; Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM, Fr. Ignatius Kissel, OSM and Fr. Alvin Cabacang, OSM. The special guests were; Rosa Margarita Oregel (Professing vows); Daisy Fragante (Renewed vows); Margherita Palazzi (Delegate, Vicar Elder Sister); Natalie Negron (Candidate) and Esther Buenfil (Translator) It was a beautiful ceremony, stirring deep emotions in all who were present! Our local Community included; Fr. Ignatius Kissel, OSM Advisor, Erick Asa, OSSM, Mary Bruce, OSSM, Jack Tapp, OSSM, Cheryl Teeling, OSSM, Michael Williams, OSSM, Frances Young, OSSM, Mary Galvin, OSSM, Bruce and Rebecca Fisk (Candidates).

A festive reception followed in the Auditorium. Everyone was able to chat, eat, exchange email addresses, take photos and get to know one another. Two days later on June 10th we had a field trip. After Mass we loaded everyone up in three cars and went to Multnomah Falls Lodge for lunch and ice cream cones, and of course, photo opportunities and hiking at the Falls! Thank you Fr. Vidal and all the sisters from Regnum Mariae Secular Institute for sharing this blessed event with us. We all came away with a renewed sense of fraternity and loving union with all of our Servite Family. Ave Maria!

Mary, Mother of Compassion Community Spooner, WI

Sr. Dominica Effertz, OSM

With the addition of the 11 new members who were admitted to formation in May our monthly meetings have been times of interesting discussions, and a sense of deep spirituality and love for our Blessed Mother on the part of these new members. We continue to gather as a group for Morning Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours) each Wednesday morning and on Saturdays we pray Morning Prayer and the Servite Rosary. We are happy that sometimes others who are not (yet) OSSM members join us for prayer. During the month of May some of our Secular Servites participated in a Marian Day of Retreat at Cameron, Wisconsin. Sr. Cecilia Fandel, OSM from Ladysmith, WI was one of the guest speakers about Mary, our Mother and Model. About 40 person attended the retreat---a wonderful day of prayerful reflection. It is already 6 months since we began Eucharistic Adoration in our parish. Our Secular Servite

Community, along with our Servite Lay Diakonia were responsible for the organization and overseeing its continuance. We pray for a greater love and devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. A monument dedicated to the memory of the unborn has been erected on our Church grounds. Jan Masterjohn, one of our Secular Servite members, has generously offered to tend to the landscaping, planting flowers and keeping the grounds beautiful. On Saturday morning, September 14th, the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children, we had a Memorial Service for the unborn at the outdoor monument. Our Secular Servites and Diakonia, along with all the others who attended, prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, and then we led them in praying the Servite Rosary, with meditations for each of the Sorrows of Mary.

10

Assumption BVM Community Denver, CO

Lorraine Crespin, OSSM

On March 2, 2013, Lorraine Crespin became the newest member of the Assumption OSSM Community and professed her promise in front of our Community. Fr. Gabriel Ramacciotti, OSM, presided over the ceremony. Lorraine joined the Servite Order in May of 2010 and has been a welcome addition to the Community. Lorraine loves attending mass and being a Servite. Helping other people and learning about the Servites keeps her pretty busy. Her goal is to some day travel to Italy and visit the many churches and religious sites. Needless to say, Lorraine is a caring and generous person and a great role model to her two daughters and three grandchildren. Please Join us in welcoming Lorraine Crespin to the Secular Servite family.
Coming Servite Feasts October 3 - Bl Maria Gudalupe Ricart Olmos 25 - Bl John Angelo Porro November 16 - All Saints of the Order 17 - Commemoration of All Deceased Servites, Benefactors, Relatives and Friends December 10 - Bl Jerome of Sant Angelo in Vado 15 - Bl Bonvanture of Pistoia January 12 - St Anthony Pucci 15 - Bl James the Almsgiver

11

New St Peregrine Coordinator Chicago, IL

James Norman, a parishioner of Our Lady Of Sorrows Basilica for more than 25 years, was ordained a Deacon of the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 19, 2013. He is married with three children and one grandchild. In addition, he and his wife, Kimberly, are raising their niece and nephew Jaylan (11) and Julianna (9). James has joined the St. Peregrine Ministries as Coordinator. Prior to being ordained as a deacon, James served in various leadership roles within the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica. During his more than 30 years with Kraft Foods, James and his family lived in five locations throughout the United States. With Kraft Foods, he served in leadership positions in operations management, human resources diversity management and change management. He recently retired as Vice President of Diversity and Community Involvement for Kraft. I encountered St. Peregrine praying for the healing of my mother who was battling leukemia. She remains in good health 24 years later. I continue to be inspired by St. Peregrine and Im excited about the opportunity to spread awareness and the healing presence of St. Peregrine in the lives of those suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses, their loved ones and their caregivers. In July, we conducted a survey of St. Peregrine Mass participants to gain valuable insights and perspectives to enhance the ministry. We will use the insights from the survey responses to increase the outreach of the St. Peregrine Ministry and increase the engagement of the faithful with the ministry. I recognize that there are St. Peregrine Shrines throughout the United States and around the globe. Many are led capably and faithfully by Secular Servites. Thank you for all you do for the ministry! As the Coordinator for the St. Peregrine National Shrine, I need your input, feedback and insights. Please let me know what you doing and how I can support you. You can reach me by email at j_e_norman@ hotmail.com.
James Norman, miembro de la Parroquia Basilica Nuestra Seora de los Dolores por ms de 25 aos, fue ordenado al diaconado en la Arquidicesis de Chicago el 19 de mayo de 2013. Antes de ser ordenado dicono, James sirvi en varias posiciones de liderazgo en la parroquia. James se ha unido al Ministerio San Peregrino como Coordinador. Es casado con tres hijos y un nieto. Adems, l y su esposa, Kimberly, estn criando a sus sobrinos: Jaylan (11) y Julianna (9). Durante los ms de 30 aos que trabaj con Kraft Foods, James y su familia vivieron en cinco localidades distintas en los Estados Unidos. En Kraft Foods, sirvi en posiciones de liderazgo en la gestin de operaciones, recursos humanos, gestin de la diversidad y la gestin del cambio. Hace poco que se jubil como Vice Presidente de Diversidad y Participacin de la compaa Kraft Foods. Dice James: Mi primer encuentro con San Peregrino fue al orar por la sanacin de mi madre que luchaba contra la leucemia. Hace ya 24 aos y ella se encuentra en buena salud. Sigo siendo inspirado por San Peregrino y estoy muy contento de la oportunidad que tendr de promover el conocimiento y la presencia sanadora de San Peregrino a los que sufren de cncer o de otras enfermedades graves, a sus seres queridos y a los que se dedican a cuidarlos. En Julio, realizamos una encuesta entre los participantes en la Misa mensual de San Peregrino para obtener informacin valiosa y perspectivas para mejorar el Ministerio San Peregrino. Vamos a utilizer las ideas de las respuestas para aumentar el alcance del ministerio y aumentar la participacin de los fieles en el ministerio. Reconozco que hay santuarios de San Peregrino a travs de todo el pas y alrededor del mundo. S que en muchas ocasiones los Seglares Servitas estn envueltos y son los responsables. Le damos las gracias por todo lo que hacen para promover este ministerio. Como Coodinador del Santuario Nacional de San Peregrino, necesito sus ideas y sugerencias. Por favor, pido que me informen sobre lo que ustedes estn haciendo en su fraternidad y cmo les puedo ayudar. Pueden comunicarse conmigo por email: j_e_norman@ 12 hotmail.com.

Reflections of Newly Professed Sts. Alexis and Juliana Community Hillside, IL

Immediately following the beautiful mass and Rite of Promise a reception was held in the Convent of St. Domitilla Parish. The Secular Servites of the Sts. Alexis & Juliana Community of Hillside, Illinois hosted the reception for the newly Promised Servants of Mary and their family members. Father Vidal attended the reception and gave an informative synopsis of the background on the Seven Holy Founders and St. Peregrine to the families of the professed while in the Convent Chapel. Shortly thereafter, beautiful gifts were given to the professed and many pictures were taken of all who attended. The day was blessed with the spirit of love and devotion to Mary keenly set in the minds of those who were there. Roberta Whitham, OSSM We began our Day of Promise on August 11, 2013, I believe, in the perfect way - at Sunday Mass celebrated by Father Vidal, and as a witness to the congregation of our love and devotion to our Blessed Mother. Kneeling and reciting the Promise was an emotional time for each of us. As Mass continued and I looked at the statue of Our Blessed Mother with her eyes looking down on our lighted blue candles at her feet, the thought came to me that we were represented by the candles as our Lady looked down on us. Father Vidal gave some historical information on the Servite Order and of the Secular Servites and presented an invitation for anyone who loves Our Blessed Mother and wants to be closer to her to be able to join. This was important for anyone there not familiar with the Servites, as I was not before I met three members of the Saints Alexis and Juliana Community in Hillside, Illinois from St. Domatilla Church at a nearby prayer vigil. Our Day of Promise was the fulfillment of our year of formation, studying about the founding of the Order and the Rules which will help us be the servant Mary is calling us to be. Learning that this is a continuation of our Baptism adds more meaning to our personal faith. The closer we are to Mary, the closer we are to Jesus, which is our goal and Marys too.What a special day it was! Barbara Berg, OSSM

My call to the Servite Order was a five year journey. It began with an undeniable call through prayer to be part of an order, but which one? After much prayer and research, I realized I did not feel more connected from one order to the next. As a result, I left it in Gods hands. Over the next two years it became more apparent that the Holy Spirit was pointing to a particular order. The order was founded on the feast of the Assumption (August 15) the same day as my first dream. Mary and the charisms of the order matched perfectly to the symbolic dream and the work that I do at the hospital as a chaplain. My husband and I have been serving those affected by cancer by leading our St. Peregrine monthly prayer service at our parish. Finally, I was encouraged by my spiritual director, Father Rookey and a faith filled man the Lord sent to make me understand that the Servants of Mary were to be my new family. It is an honor to be called a Secular Servant of Mary. In gratitude, Dena Battaglia, OSSM
13

Servite Lay Diakonia Families Spooner, WI

Greetings from the Northwoods of Wisconsin! Since we last submitted news for our National Newsletter our lives have been very busy. The summer was filled with childrens activities, family vacation trips and celebrations. On May 31, our three Diakonia families gathered to celebrate the feast of the Visitation. It is the family feastday of the Diakonia of Joy (Alan and Loree Nauertz family). We began our celebration with family prayer and then had a cookout. Lots of delicious food and an enjoyable evening spent together to strengthen our bond of friendship. August 25 found us celebrating the feastday of the Vic and Jaci Sacco family (the Diakonia of Life). Their family feast, observed on August 29, is that of St. Augustine. Servites follow the Rule (of Life) written by St. Augustine, and St. Augustine is also the Patron Saint of our Diocese of Superior. We began the day by all attending the 8:30 a.m.

Sr. Dominica Effertz, OSM

Mass at Sarona, WI, the parish church of the Sacco family. From there we went to the Sacco home for brunch. Since the Sacco family live on a lake, there were pontoon rides or sailboat rides for all those who wished. What a refreshing and cooling way to spend a warm Sunday afternoon! The children went swimming and played games. There is no doubt the children enjoy our Diakonia gatherings. We thanked God for the blessings of our families. On Sunday, September 15, we joined in celebration with Servites all around the world for our patronal feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. It also is the special feastday of the Curt and Jacene Silvis family (Diakonia of the Via Matris), and the first anniversary of the Promise for these three Diakonia families. We met at the Silvis home for Mass at 3:00 p.m. and enjoyed a potluck dinner after Mass. During the Mass the parents of these families renewed their Diakonia Promise of commitment. Our local Secular Servite Community - Mary, Mother of Compassion, was invited to join us for the afternoon, and it was joy to have so many of them with us. We all belong to the same wonderful Servite Family! During this past year our Diakonia families met each week for a period of ten weeks for a scripture study entitled The Bible Time Line for Teens by Jeff Cavins. The adults had done this study previously, so this was mainly for the benefit of the children. May Mary, our Mother, always protect us and lead us kindly on lifes journey!

14