Endorsements

October 17, 2018

Tim Francis
You Shall Believe
P.O. Box 1160
Hampstead, NC 28443

Dear Tim,
Your visit and presentations on 9th and 10th at St. Raphael Parish were truly life changing! I received numerous comments from parishioners about your talk and the inspiring message you left. Many of us (myself included) were made aware of Eucharist miracles that we had not been aware before you shared them. Its truly amazing how our Lord uses the Eucharist to mind us of his love and presence. We have to thank you for reminding us of his heavenly gift!
Your direct (yet pastoral) approach to sharing the importance of treating Eucharist as the fullness of the presence of treating the Eucharist with the love and devotion our Lord meant it to be.
I heartily recommend your talk to any parish that desires to deepen their love, respect and devotion of the Eucharist the our Catholic faith invites. Feel free to share my contact information with any parish wishing to further discuss my recommendation.

May our Lord continue to bless your ministry!

In God’s Love,

Dr. Andy Kereky
St. Raphael Parish
525 Dover Center Rd.
Bay Village, Ohio 44140

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Cardinal George Pell
Archbishop
Sydney Australia

12th February, 2003.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

These few lines are to introduce Mr. Michael Willesee and Mr. Ron Tesoriero of Trans Media Group, a private film and documentary producer based in Sydney, Australia.

Trans Media Group has recently produced a superb documentary on the Eucharist. The Eucharist has proven to be a powerful catechetical tool Australia, providing a great inspiration for understanding an devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

I am very happy to endorse The Eucharist and to support the work of Mr. Willesse and Mr. Tesoriero. Any assistance you could give them would be sincerely appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

George Pell
Archbishop of Syndey.

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Rev Msgr. Frank E Bognanno

November 13, 2012

Dear Father,

Tim Francis has a marvelous ministry which I support and highly recommend to your parish. Tim has twice presented his program and it has truly deepened the faith and sacramental practice of several parishioners, and had brought inactive back to the church. His catechesis is convincing.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions 515-491-9979.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev Msgr. Frank E Bognanno
Pastor, Christ the King Parish

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John Arcisz

Holy Spirit Catholic Community
Lubbock, Texas

Dear Friends in Christ,

On November 18 and 19, 2015, we had the pleasure and privilege of having Tim Francis speak to our Parish. After following the marketing guidelines prescribed by Tim’s Group, You Shall Believe Ministries, the turnout was tremendous.

We have been working diligently to not only provide our parishioners with additional opportunities to grow in their faith, but to provide them with the tools necessary to become messengers of the Word. Tim helped us in both perspectives. Tim’s message was not only inspiring, but seemed to create an excitement and energy that has sustainability. Not only have I seen a significant increase in confessions, but feel as though the groundwork has been laid for continued growth in our faith community.

We are planning to continue Tim’s ministry by offering the 7 week follow up course in the spring. There were a lot of requests for this session and we believe it will build upon Tim’s message. We were blessed to have Tim come to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and highly recommend him for your parish.

Yours in Christ,

John Arcisz
Adult Faith Formation Director
Holy Spirit Catholic Church

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Fr. Todd Dominique

St. Wendelin Catholic Church
Fostoria, OH

Dear Friends in Christ,

On October 22 and 27, 2015, we welcomed Mr. Tim Francis, of You Shall Believe Ministries, to St. Wendelin Parish for a two day event. On both nights I found his message to be one that moves the faithful to a new level of awareness and truly helps those who are skeptical. Through his personal journey, testimony, and witness to the conclusive evidence found by scientific investigation, Mr. Francis communicates the truths of the Catholic faith and the miracles of the Holy Eucharist in an inspiring way that has reinforced for all the belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Participation in weekly confession has risen sharply. Our parishioners shared their thoughts after the event; some of their responses included statements like:

  • “It was wonderful. He was so enthusiastic about the faith.”
  • “His passion gave me the courage to invite someone to the presentation.”
  • “He reaffirmed my pride in being a Catholic.”
  • “It was so good. Everyone should hear this message.”
  • “I’ve been a Catholic all my life and he told of so many things I never knew.”

Let it be known, Tim is filled with great enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject. His materials are more useful for a person of faith as well as a person questioning, who wants to grow and know more. We truly enjoyed his visit and continue to follow-up, seeing fruits from his labors.

I am pleased to recommend Mr. Tim Francis and You Shall Believe Ministries for the members of your parish family.

Sincerely,
Fr. Todd Dominique
Pastor

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Father Don McCarthy
St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish
Cincinnati, OH

The Tim Francis program, Reason to Believe, carefully reviews scientific analysis pointing to the authenticity of several miracles. But the program broadens the discussion to an overview of the gift of faith and the recovery of faith which has been weakened by the skepticism of our secular world.

At St. Ignatius the attendance on the second night was nearly double that of the first night. The word about this even had spread throughout our parish! We were impressed that the people all stayed to the program’s end at 9:30pm, even thought it began at 7:00pm.

Perhaps the theme of this program might be described as a “fresh look” at our age-old faith. I recommend it highly.

Father Don McCarthy

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Deacon Jim Bindel
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Wichita Falls, TX

Dear Friend,

In October of 2015, our parish had the opportunity to host Tim Francis and YOU SHALL BELIEVE Ministries for two evenings of Eucharistic Evangelization. While we viewed the same message both evenings on video, Tim was able to express the views and belief of the “Real Presence” of Christ in the Eucharist for us Catholics and those who just came to listen and learn in complimentary fashion. This presentation includes videos which are remarkable tools for teaching and believing in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist as Science Tests Faith. Many who attended the first evening, returned on the second evening in an attempt to grasp all that had been explained,

And our parishioners have responded in an overwhelming fashion by their attendance for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Mass and Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The evenings are very informative and motivational.

Tim’s own testimony adds so much to this presentation as he shows, with enthusiasm, his commitment and belief in the Eucharist and his Faith. I believe Tim to be sincere and inspiring to those attend.

His format of the presentation works very well. Tim and You Shall Believe Ministries, do an excellent job of promoting this event as long as the parish is also committed to it and responds to their expectations of promotion.

We had around 500 attend this presentation with an additional 85 to 100 who attended each night.

As Pastoral Assistant and Director of Adult Formation/RCIA, I would recommend this presentation by Tim Francis and You Shall Believe Ministries.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions concerning this presentation.

Sincerely,

Deacon Jim Bindel

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Fr. John Flader,
Head of Catholic Adult Education
Archdiocese of Sydney

28 May 2010

 

Mr. Ron Tesoriero

PO Box 6068

Kincumber NSW 2251

 

Dear Ron,

I have read the hardback second edition of your book Reason to Believe and am confident it will do much good in bolstering the faith, or even helping prepare for the faith in non-believers, of those who read it.

I am one of the official censors of the Archdiocese of Sydney and I can find nothing in it contrary to the teachings of the Church.

The references to the writings of Katya Rivas are supported by the statement on p. 197 from the priest from the Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith in the Archdiocese of Mexico to the effect that he cannot find anything in her writing against the faith or customs of the Church.

I wish you well in promoting the book and the ideas contained in it, and I am sure it will continue to do much good.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Fr. John Flader

Director

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IS JESUS REALLY PRESENT IN THE EUCHARIST?

Eucharistic Miracles – bread changes to flesh and blood What does science have to say?

TWO SYDNEY WORLD YOUTH DAY PRESENTATIONS THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

Australian Journalist Mike Willesee, Lawyer Ron Tesoriero and  Dr Ricardo Castanon, a former atheist and University Professor of Neuropsychology (see “Biographies”) made presentations as part of the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day in Australia in 2008.  Below is an official announcement of their presentations.

PART 1 – Wednesday 16th July 2008 at 2 pm to 4 pm

A highly acclaimed short film on the Eucharist will be shown which explains the Church’s teachings and introduces Eucharistic miracles through history Australian Journalist Mike Willesee and Lawyer Ron Tesoriero, (author of the book Reason to Believe) who produced the film will talk of how the scientific research of a modern day case of a Eucharistic miracle in Argentina and the “blood of Christ” lead them to make the film.

Discussion after the film:

  • Implications for our understanding of the Eucharist
  • The future scientific work on comparison of the DNA with blood on the Shroud of Turin and other relics of the crucifixion

The priest from Argentina, central to the miracle, will be present to give his testimony

PART 2 – Thursday 17th July 2008 at 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Science and Faith Eucharistic miracles today, do we need them ? Presentation by Dr Ricardo Castanon, a former atheist and University Professor of Neuropsychology, on his research into modern cases of Eucharistic miracles and the consequences for society, science and religion. He is the author of many books and lectured extensively throughout the world on the brain and human behaviour.

VENUE: SYDNEY CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE PARKSIDE 110B , DARLING DRIVE , DARLING HARBOUR

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Father Frank
St Philip
Rhode Island

March 2011

 

Dear Brother or Sister in Christ:

In all honesty, when a parishioner from a neighboring parish asked me to consider hosting a Lenten series entitled, Science Tests Faith, I was skeptical. Then, I realized that the event would be coordinated and directed and presented by a Catholic lay evangelist from Texas, Tim Francis.

The literature about Tim and his endeavors seemed genuine and the endorsements from Cardinal Pell of Australia and other church officials convinced me to give it a try. It was the right decision to make!

The response of over 400 people drove home to me that the Holy Spirit was indeed behind Tim Francis and the whole ministry of You Shall Believe. The videos that Tim showed us were truly inspiring, informative, challenging yet comforting. His own testimonies were presented with conviction, excitement, faith, and enthusiasm and were well received by parishioners and friends of our parish.

Without hesitation I recommend Tim Francis to you. He is a faithful family man, husband and father of 3 children. He is sincerely trying to live a Catholic-Christian life as a disciple of Jesus and trying to use the experiences of his own life of faith to evangelize others. His presentations here were sound and orthodox and his messages were truly inspiring. May God continue to enrich him with His abundance and touch all those who see and hear Tim’s presentations and messages. For further comment or discussion, please do not hesitate to contact me at 401.949.1500 or email me at pastor@saintphilip.com.

 

Sincerely yours,

The Reverend Francis C. Santilli

Pastor

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Msgr. Daniel J. Deutsch
Batavia, Illinois

July 11, 2011

Dear Friends in Christ;

Tim Francis was a gift to our parish with his Spirit-filled witness of the truth of our faith, especially through his beautiful teaching on the Eucharist. His anointed presence inspired so many. In these wordly times when so many question the love of Christ or even his very existence, his presentation on Science Tests Faith was the perfect response to stir the Holy Spirit into flame. By living in the Lord’s will, Tim’s work is changing hearts back to Christ. He will certainly help change you and your parish. His prayerful and loving ministry fit perfectly with our ongoing evangelization. I am so grateful to the Lord for sending Tim to help us cultivate and harvest the vineyard!

 

Yours in our Eucharistic King:

Msgr. Daniel J. Deutsch

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Batavia, Illinois

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Fr. Thomas H. McCarthy
Holy Name of Jesus
Trenton, OH

August 25, 2010

Re: Tim Francis- Eucharist Presentation

To whom it may concern, I am Fr. Thomas McCarthy, parish administrator at Holy Name Catholic Church in Trenton, OH- Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Mr. Francis gave his presentation on the Eucharist to people in my parish back in early July of 2010. It was well received and attended, many came from neighboring parishes as well. I found his presentation both interesting and informative. Mr. Francis has a great passion and enthusiasm for the promotion of the Sacredness of the Eucharist. His presentation, consisted of a string of video’s combined with personal testimony. If you are looking for someone who will downplay the Church’s teaching and conviction on the Eucharist then I would not recommend that you invite Mr. Francis to speak at your parish. I found seeing a young, lay, man, passionate about his faith and the authentic teachings of the Eucharist not only refreshing but reaffirming. It is nice to see someone besides a priest give testimony on the Sacredness and importance that the Eucharist holds in the life of a Catholic. It reaffirmed my belief that the missionary spirit and zeal is alive and well is the laity. His presentation sparked questions which provided me with the opportunity to teach what the Church professes and clear up some misunderstandings. Having that opportunity, especially in front of so many, was it-self worth having him come. Anytime, we as priests, are given the opportunity to teach and lead our people to greater faith, we should take advantage of it. There were other benefits that came from his presentation as well. For example, although we already had extended times for Exposition, the number who attended them each week has grown. For the reasons stated above, I recommend and encourage any priest who is considering having Mr. Francis come to his parish and speak, to take him up on his offer.

Fr. Thomas H. McCarthy

Holy Name of Jesus

222 Hamilton Ave

Trenton, OH 45067

513-988-6335

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Fr. Jim Gigliotti
St. Maria Goretti
Arlington, TX

E-MAIL SENT TO THE BISHOPS OFFICE IN FORT WORTH TEXAS DIOCESE

(Lucas is Diocesan Director of Cathechesis.)

I had Tim Francis here last week, with a packed house I might add, and I must tell you that man is full of the Holy Spirit and gave a powerful presentation on the importance of the Eucharist and Adoration. I found him very sound, balanced and healthy. He’s a good speaker and teacher. I was already familiar with Ron Tesoriero’s REASON TO BELIEVE, as I’d acquired it at “Keepsakes” just two weeks prior to Tim communicating with me. That book, and Tim’s sharing of the DVDs at his presentation really all points to the importance of the Eucharist celebration, the blessings of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and encouragement of Christian witness in the marketplace.

After his talk, I was amazed at how many signed-up for Adoration hours here. And the Parish daily Masses have increased by nearly half! This is real healthy, basic stuff of the Faith. I told Tim that he should think of this as “pre-evangelization,” as the ones who come to this sort of program may know very little about their Faith except for the very fundamental teachings of the Faith. He is also doing basic evangelization in that he reiterates what practicing Catholics already know, but he’s confirming the core principles of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist. And finally, he is giving anchored catechesis for those well versed already in the Faith, encouraging them to “go out” into “the world,” acting-out our moral teachings, and actively inviting Catholics and non-Catholics to explore more about the Roman Catholic Church.

I am really edified, Lucas, by this young man’s living the Truth of the Catholic Faith and Traditions. I perceive God raising up such members of the lay Catholic faithful in these very strange times, setting hearts on fire for the “fullness” of what we believe.

I encourage you to encourage Tim and give him any mentoring guidance you may feel moved to share. I would hope that many more clergy and religious of our Diocese avail themselves of this “REASON TO BELIEVE” book, and Tim’s presentation too.

I was glad we went with using the Main Church for that evenings of Tim’s superb teaching here that evening. We had a/c, padded pews, a good sound system, and Tim to utilize all with the help of the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful, memorable evening for all of us! And again, we were very close to standing room only, and that was after speaking of this event only one Sunday previous to our quickly scheduled evening this very June. I was so taken with Tim Francis’ knowledge of the material, and his love of Christ and His Church, that I wanted to get this Good News to our people as soon as possible. It was just one of those times when one truly finds one’s self falling in love with the Catholic Church all over again. Tim reminds us of the blessings and gifts to God’s people in the sacramental system. And to see a layman truly calling on the graces of his Baptismal/Confirmation graces to evangelize the Eucharist was truly edifying for this priest of thirty-years.

I truly hope the rest of the Diocese discovers the wealth of Tim Francis’ efforts which are right under our noses! Our people truly catch-on fire with the most important essences of our “Way” and by that I specify the true Eucharistic love that the Father has gifted us with in Christ.

In Christ,

Fr. Jim Gigliotti, TOR

SMGoretti Parish

www.smgparish.org

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Rev Theesmas
Pankiraj – St. Philip
Saddlebrook, NJ

April 5, 2011

We were blessed to have Tim Francis visit our parish on April 2, 2011 to give his presentation “What do You Believe?” He held us engrossed as he offered scientific evidence that the consecrated bread and wine are truly the Body and Blood of Christ. in sharing these convincing truths Tim guided us to a new and deeper awareness of the Lord’s presence. He challenged the audience to deepen their devotion to the Lord through increased Mass attendance and Eucharistic Adoration.

I was fascinated by the dialogue that he opened with my parishioners and guests during his question and answer segment. There were so many questions asked and so many hearts stirred. As I later learned the questioning did not end at that church but continued at the local diner where he and his family went to eat. There, some who had been in attendance made their way to his table reaching out for more.

I found this evening of grace to be invaluable as I saw my parishioners re-connecting to the roots of their Catholic identity through Tim’s dynamic energy and passion. I highly recommend that parish inviting Tim Francis to light the fire in the hearts of all Catholics.

Rev. Theesmas Pankiraj
Pastor

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Fr. Parker
St Mary
Dubuque II

Dear Friends in Christ,

I highly recommend “You Shall Believe.” They are doing a wonderful service for the Church. Their professional videos and presentations are excellent. Conversions and reversions to the Catholic Faith are numerous. I have seen the fruit at my parish. A medical doctor who did not believe in the Real Presence now believe wholeheartedly. Mass attendance has increased. Any parish hoping to start Eucharistic Adoration or striving to breath new life into their list of existing adorers should request a presentation at their parish. Their DVD “Science tests Faith” will assists non-believers to belief in the Real Presence. It will also deeply strengthen the Faith of those who do believe. Many in today’s world “don’t know that they don’t know.” You Shall Believe helps to clear up much ignorance in regards to the source, center and summit of our glorious Catholic Faith, The Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

I highly recommend Tim Francis. He is a solider for Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. He gave three outstanding video presentations at my parish. We were greatly blessed to have him with us for three days at our parish. His talks and power point presentation, especially on the Holy Eucharist, were superb. God has blessed him with a zealous heart of the Lord of Lords. His enthusiasm is contagious and will move your faith into action. He will be blessing to any group no matter the size.

Yours in Jesus through Mary,

Fr. Jim Parker

Pastor of St. Mary & Nativity BVM, East Dubuque

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Fr. John MacQuarrie
The Church of the Transfiguration
Wast Milton, OH

“I can only say that the “You Shall Believe” presentation was an evening of grace for Transfiguration Parish. We had a packed church with standing room only. People’s lives were changes and deeply affected. It was a celebration of faith. I was very moved by the genuine and powerful testimony of both Mike Willesee and Ron Tesoriero as to how their lives were changed and blessed through the Holy Eucharist and the miracles they have investigated so honestly and carefully. I heartily recommend to parishes that they invite “You Shall Believe” ministries to your parish. Fr. John MacQuarrie

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Fr. David Howard
Peter and Paul
Cincinnati, Ohio

In his presentation, “You Shall Believe”, Mr. Tim Francis offers a powerful, passionate, and provocative presentation regarding the miracles of the Holy Eucharist. His assessment regarding the crisis of Faith in our modern culture is spot-on. Moreover, he correctly identifies the necessity and importance of spending time with, and introducing people to, our Eucharistic Lord as a core piece of the New Evangelization. After his presentation, I was pleasantly surprised at the level of energy, enthusiasm, and the desire of many attendees to revive and increase the frequency of Eucharistic Adoration at our parish.

Father David Howard, Pastor

Saints Peter & Paul Church

Cincinnati, Ohio

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Fr. James Duell
St. Patrick Church
Troy, OH

Mr. Tim Francis presents an opportunity for we Catholics and other interested Christians to reclaim and understand the long and beautiful history of our Lord’s Eucharistic presence and invitation to be still and hear the call to renewal and spiritual growth in the presence of He who loves us so much and takes so many different avenues to convince us of his love for us and this gift that can transform our lives in the midst of such difficult, challenging and overly secular times. The Eucharist for Catholics should be the opportunity to regain our sense of identity, purpose and direction. We can know we are loved and strengthened in the midst of such apathy, complacency and hedonism if we can only rest in the Lord and stay awake in his presence and watch with him. I discovered that night at West Milton that which left me speechless, grateful and most aware of the love of Christ for us. As a priest I became more aware of the great honor I share in the Lord’s work of communicating His love to us, an honor I know that I am not worthy of but have been called to through priestly ordination and my own awareness of the great love the Lord has showered upon me in my life and continues to show in the events, experiences and people of my life. I highly recommend to anyone who hungers to again know Christ’s love for us and the extent that he will go through to renew us to participate in this evening of discovery and new insight. Respectfully, I am Father James Duell Pastor of St. Patrick Church Troy Ohio

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Fr. Anderson
St. Columbkille
Dubuque, IA

November 13, 2011

To whom it may concern:

Tim Francis gave a three day parish mission here, Novemeber 11-13, 2011. His four audio-visual presentations were given to parishioners young and old, Confirmation students, Clarke University nursing students and the general public.

Tim has an attractive and challenging presentation focusing on the Real and Living Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Even though he confronted people’s lack of belief, he was very well received. His dynamic and interactive teaching methods with light hearted spontaneity created an attentive audience.

I listened to every presentation and enjoyed Tim’s refreshing passionate call to prepare by receiving the Sacrament of Penance, so as to love Jesus in receiving Holy Communion at Mass as well as adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to Sacred Scripture and The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Tim employed Ron Tesoriero’s book, Reason to Believe, as well as three DVD’s: Science Tests Faith, A Pleas to Humanity and The Eucharist –  In Communion with Me.

With so many people who attended, I share an increase awareness, knowledge and devotion to Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing the good spiritual fruit of God’s work through Tim Francis. I highly recommend him!

In Christ Jesus,

Fr. Gabriel Anderson

Pastor of St. Columbkille

 

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Fr. Frank Amberger
St Remy

Recently St. Remy parish in Russia, Ohio had Tim Francis come and give a talk and a video presentation about the reality of Our Lord’s Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Tim did an amazing job in both presenting the Church’s teachings on the Holy Eucharist and weaving in his own personal story of conversion and how Our Lord’s True Presence played such a vital part in bringing him back to the Catholic Faith. Many commented on how much their faith was strengthened by Tim’s presentation and I would highly recommend this for any parish!

Fr. Frank Amberger

St. Remy Catholic Church

Russia, Ohio

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Fr. Gigliotti
St. Maria Goretti
Arlington, TX

Dear Father Elliott:

A blessed New Year to you and your Parish, Father!

My name is Fr. Jim Gigliotti, T.O.T. and I am the Pastor of Saint Maria Goretti Parish here in Arlington, Texas. We are Third Order Regular (T.O.R.) Franciscans and I’m blessed with another Friar, Fr. Mike Ciski, T.O.R. as Parochial Vicar. I understand you will be hosting Mr. Tim Francis in our Parish for one of his dynamic presentations. You will find this young man very faithful to the Gospel message and quite grounded in our Catholic Eucharistic spirituality.

We have Perpetual Adoration here, for nearly thirteen years now, and this has brought many blessings to us all. Tim Francis and his heart-felt message really capture attention of our people, directing them to Christ with a deeper appreciation of the Real Presence in the Eucharist and the many graces that flow for the liturgy itself, and continued in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I was impressed with his complete embracing of the Mission to share with other lay Catholic Faithful how Christ has deepened his faith like, affecting his marriage bond and family life. he has a gift of being able to reach men and women and teenagers, and families. Our Youth Group particularly enjoyed the two different presentations he gave here over a year’s time. And as a Pastor of souls, I know you will be glad to know, at least in our experience here, attendance at daily Mass more than doubled and continues to thrives. Those coming to Adoration tripled in number, to the point our smaller chapel could not hold those wanting to “Come and watch” even for an hour. I honestly can testify to the solid material Tim Francis shares.

I encouraged our people, in the Sundays prior to these talks, to bring those they know who have perhaps left the Church, or fallen away from the practice of the Faith. I encouraged our Youth minister to bring the younger members of the parish and encourage them to bring their friends, even non-Catholics who might want to know something of our Eucharistic spirituality. Our RCIA or “Faith Formation Director” also brought those in the RCIA program as an enhancement to their faith journey. All who came were truly edified! The Holy Spirit touched some who eventually came into the Church. It is marvelous to see our lay people sharing the faith with others, encouraging them to celebrate the best of what we have as a Catholic community.

He’s a rock-solid presenter and you need have no hesitations of his grounded and valid message. I know you will come to thank the Good Lord after Tim has been hosted in you parish, Father. He is the Lord’s own good instrument. Long after this, you will see the fruits of what was sown among you and praise God for such people who are courageous and dedicated to “going out” after Mass and sharing the blessing freely given in our Eucharistic celebrations.

If you have any questions, Father, please feel free to contact me. My cell is 817.229.0752. The Parish Office number is 817.274.0643.

God bless you and your Associate Pastor and your staff in His New Year. And of course, through you all bless your good people in the Parish of St. John LaLande Catholic Church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Jim Gigliotti, TOR

Pastor

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Fr. Aliunzi
St. James
Glendale, AZ

St. James Parish Family Weekly Bulletin

Pastor’s Corner

SCIENCE TESTS FAITH: REFLECTIONS FROM OUR LENTEN MISSION

This was the theme of our Lenten Mission which very successfully concluded last Wednesday. In my opinion, this has been one of the most enriching and spiritually energizing missions I have attended in a very long time. This is not only because of the huge attendance it attracted but also because of the content delivered and the quality of facilitation. Throughout the three days, it was evident to me that God was communicating to us more urgently than ever about His Love and Mercy inviting us to respond. This urgency can only be appreciated when we realize that at no point in human history God  has ever been silent. His love for us has always compelled Him in some way or the other to communicate with us, His people. Right from the Prophets to our own times, He has continued to communicate!

He chose the Israelites as His own and lavished them with His own love. They constantly tested His patience and disobeyed Him but He did not abandon them. Instead, again and again, he sent his prophets to straighten them out even though they treated most of them with disdain. Then He send his own son to clean up the mess of all messes, their arrogance and indifference. Led by the religious gurus of the time, they rejected Him despite all the signs and cures He performed and eventually the subjected Him to a shameful death. As a last powerful testimony to His unconditional love for us, God miraculously raised Jesus from the dead. In so doing, He promised and continues to promise resurrection in eternal life to all who will faithfully follow him and believe in him and in the one who sent Him – God.

The tragedy and irony of all this however, is that humanity has refused to listen to Him. Unfortunately, in our modern times too, we have increasingly become more indifferent to anything related to God. Any mention of God in the public square is frowned upon as antiquated and offensive. We have become so arrogant and insolent. True, we have advanced so much in technology but have in the process, become miserably impoverished in our relationship with our God and with each other. Wealth, power and pleasure have become our modern gods in the name of human freedom! What a pity!

Therefore, Science Tests Faith is, in my opinion, God’s new effort at reminding us that He is the omnipotent and loving God that He always has been, is and always will be. The carious miracles of the bleeding statute of Jesus, the bleeding consecrated host found abandoned outside the Church, the stigmata of Katya (for those of you who attended the Mission) all bring this out very clearly. By allowing those miracles to be subjected to scientific scrutiny which came out with no natural explanation and conclusion, God is bending low to our level. He is responding to the mentality of our age which will not believe unless something is subjected to scientific proof. He uses modern technology which is far inferior to his might.

Unfortunately, despite all this, not many will be excited about these miracles and come to believe because they link us to the name of God. No wonder these and other modern miracles have largely gone unnoticed at best and ignored altogether, at worst. The greatest miracle which has remained consistent for over two thousand years however, is Jesus becoming truly present body, spirit, soul and divinity at the consecration during Mass. This happens every day that priests celebrate the Eucharist. You would expect our Churches to be filled to capacity with people wanting to be pat of this great miracle each time Mass is celebrated. The sad reality is, awesome as this is, that is rarely the case. My appeal to you, St. James parishioners, is to try to consider at least sparing some thirty minutes to on hour a week to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament during the remaining time of Lent. The returns will be immeasurable for you personally and for your entire family. Try it! This is the response I demand of you as a product of this Lenten Mission.

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Fr. Aliunzi
St. James
Glendale, AZ

St. James Parish Family Weekly Bulletin

Pastor’s Corner

SCIENCE TESTS FAITH: REFLECTIONS FROM OUR LENTEN MISSION

This was the theme of our Lenten Mission which very successfully concluded last Wednesday. In my opinion, this has been one of the most enriching and spiritually energizing missions I have attended in a very long time. This is not only because of the huge attendance it attracted but also because of the content delivered and the quality of facilitation. Throughout the three days, it was evident to me that God was communicating to us more urgently than ever about His Love and Mercy inviting us to respond. This urgency can only be appreciated when we realize that at no point in human history God  has ever been silent. His love for us has always compelled Him in some way or the other to communicate with us, His people. Right from the Prophets to our own times, He has continued to communicate!

He chose the Israelites as His own and lavished them with His own love. They constantly tested His patience and disobeyed Him but He did not abandon them. Instead, again and again, he sent his prophets to straighten them out even though they treated most of them with disdain. Then He send his own son to clean up the mess of all messes, their arrogance and indifference. Led by the religious gurus of the time, they rejected Him despite all the signs and cures He performed and eventually the subjected Him to a shameful death. As a last powerful testimony to His unconditional love for us, God miraculously raised Jesus from the dead. In so doing, He promised and continues to promise resurrection in eternal life to all who will faithfully follow him and believe in him and in the one who sent Him – God.

The tragedy and irony of all this however, is that humanity has refused to listen to Him. Unfortunately, in our modern times too, we have increasingly become more indifferent to anything related to God. Any mention of God in the public square is frowned upon as antiquated and offensive. We have become so arrogant and insolent. True, we have advanced so much in technology but have in the process, become miserably impoverished in our relationship with our God and with each other. Wealth, power and pleasure have become our modern gods in the name of human freedom! What a pity!

Therefore, Science Tests Faith is, in my opinion, God’s new effort at reminding us that He is the omnipotent and loving God that He always has been, is and always will be. The carious miracles of the bleeding statute of Jesus, the bleeding consecrated host found abandoned outside the Church, the stigmata of Katya (for those of you who attended the Mission) all bring this out very clearly. By allowing those miracles to be subjected to scientific scrutiny which came out with no natural explanation and conclusion, God is bending low to our level. He is responding to the mentality of our age which will not believe unless something is subjected to scientific proof. He uses modern technology which is far inferior to his might.

Unfortunately, despite all this, not many will be excited about these miracles and come to believe because they link us to the name of God. No wonder these and other modern miracles have largely gone unnoticed at best and ignored altogether, at worst. The greatest miracle which has remained consistent for over two thousand years however, is Jesus becoming truly present body, spirit, soul and divinity at the consecration during Mass. This happens every day that priests celebrate the Eucharist. You would expect our Churches to be filled to capacity with people wanting to be pat of this great miracle each time Mass is celebrated. The sad reality is, awesome as this is, that is rarely the case. My appeal to you, St. James parishioners, is to try to consider at least sparing some thirty minutes to on hour a week to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament during the remaining time of Lent. The returns will be immeasurable for you personally and for your entire family. Try it! This is the response I demand of you as a product of this Lenten Mission.