We all are the Priestly People of God. Together, we are leaders in responding to the emotional and spiritual needs of Priests and Brothers. Mar. - April 2012 - Vol. 28 No. 2 AN EASTER OF UNENDING JOY Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord, One of my favorite Lenten hymns is entitled Lord, Who Throughout These 40 Days. I like it because it concludes with a poignant reminder of why we enter into such a prolonged period of prayer, fasting and good works. In the last verse as we sing... an Easter of unending joy we may attain at last we are expressing our heartfelt prayer of hope for eternal union with almighty God. Of course the unending joy of which we sing is not a joy we can find in its entirety on this earth. To attain this joy we must continually strive to die to self and unite ourselves to the Lord. We do not do penance, make sacrifices or practice selfmortification simply because someone long ago thought it would be a good idea. Lent exists so that we might be better prepared to enter more deeply into the Paschal mystery of the life, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Ultimately our entry into the paschal mystery leads to the intimate union with God for which we all long, a union which is forever, an Easter of unending joy. Do you remember ever hearing about making your Easter duty, that is, to make a good confession and receive Holy Communion at least once between Ash Wednesday and Pentecost Sunday? Now may be an opportune time for you to consider the invitation of the Church to unite yourself more closely to Christ. As we have heard many times, Confession is good for the soul. Penance and self-denial open the door to the gift of God s mercy and compassion. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we experience the beginning of the joy of Easter. We are washed clean and set free. We are relieved of the burden of sin and find the freedom which leads to true joy. Easter is the greatest and holiest of the feast days in the church year. When we unite ourselves as completely as possible to Christ in our celebration of the Eucharist on Easter Sunday, we experience intense joy. Each celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass reminds us that when we die to self and rise with Christ by entering into the paschal mystery we find ineffable joy, a joy so deep it cannot be expressed in words. So, on Easter Sunday, after a long night of paschal vigil, baptisms and the reception of new members into our community of faith, after celebrating Confirmations and First Holy Communions, we gather as the dawn breaks and the sun rises to celebrate the Rising of the Son of God. We express our profound joy to the same degree as we expressed our profound (continued)
sorrow for our sins. We sing ALLELUIAS in churches decorated and adorned with lilies and brightly colored flowers. We ring bells and sing festive hymns that unite us spiritually to our past, present and future, to the Christ who has died, is risen and who will come again. We come to church in our Easter best and leave with a spirited and lively faith that is contagious. We greet and hug one another with warm embraces that fill us with a genuine sense of the meaning of life and of God s Divine Providence. We visit cemeteries, place palm branches and flowers on the graves and mausoleums of our beloved departed and remind the world that death does not have the final victory. Easter is life that gives death its true meaning. Easter is a celebration of Jesus Christ s victory over sin and death. Easter is a time of profound joy that allows us to dare to hope that our deepest desires will be met, that our hunger will be satisfied and our thirst quenched. Easter is the fulfillment of our deepest longing and of God s promises. Easter is a fleeting glimpse into the peace of the kingdom. Easter is a little bit of heaven on earth. Easter is ALLELUIA! On Easter Sunday and throughout the Easter season we remember all of our benefactors, living and deceased, during our daily holy hours and in each of the Masses we celebrate. Thank you for continuing to help foster our ministry to priests and brothers through your generous spiritual and financial support. That you for making joy possible in the lives of countless priests and brothers who are deeply grateful for all the prayers and sacrifices you offer on their behalf. May the Lord continue to bless you, your families, parish communities and religious congregations with the joy and peace of Easter. Sincerely in the Paraclete, Very Rev. David T. Fitzgerald, sp Servant General
I came that they might have life and have it to the full. John 10:10 Life is a gift that is best received in humbleness. In the humility of an open heart the mysteries and secrets of God are revealed in nature and flesh. In the birth of physical creation all creatures are endowed with the grace to share in Gods love. In the reality and openness to life we are gifted to participate in the divine essence. Unfortunately, not all persons honor God as Creator, and are spiritually willing to receive the Lord s continuing embodiment in their flesh that brings about the fullness of life. It seems to me that God chooses to wed us all, this is accomplished by Gods loving actions in creation. Sadly, not all choose to consummate their marriage to God and enter into the fullness of the eternal covenant. God has said: Yes! to each precious life, but for the vows to be consecrated, there must be a freewill choice on the part of the creature to respond, yes! A surrendering yes, that lays the heart receptive and open to the knowledge that there is no lasting love, no binding ties, without their soul & spirit being consumed, infused and radiated, with the love of God. Many years ago in a dark time, the Lord asked me: Do you love Judy, [my wife] more than me? To which I responded: No Lord, I love Judy because of you. Throughout the years that has passed since that time I always felt my answer was a cop-out, there was this gnawing feeling that left me a little uneasy. Now I believe my answer was correct but my understanding needed to be deepened. You see, I love my wife more than my own life, I believe my writings and poetry will testify to this. I accept Judy, and all she has been and continues to be as Gods greatest shared gift for me, in this life. But, if this woman that I love, this beautiful creature that holds my heart in her sacred flesh is a gift from God, then maybe the question I need to answer would be: Is the gift I love more valuable than the giver? My answer to this would be: That one cannot sincerely appreciate any gift without the love and realization that the Giver is the true treasure. You see, in the fulfillment of Gods one infinite moment, the Lord, holds all things in an eternal vision. Bringing about through the gift of time, which was present to God in Christ Jesus before the universe was created. Inviting, us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to become children of: Peace, Freedom and Love, Sons & Daughters of the living God. Gods loving gifts, makes the heart dance and the spirit soar, with gracious expectations we should welcome the unveiling of tomorrow s secrets, and the continuing revelations of the fullness of life, that burst forth and capture our souls, in the infinite reality of Our Eternal God. Maranatha ~ Come, Lord Jesus!
# Celebrating 65 Years of Service! On January 5, 2012, the Servants of the Paraclete marked the 65th anniversary of their founding. So many stories have been written by and about Father Gerald Fitzgerald as he began his journey in the priesthood and how he realized his singular vocation to help priests. Very Reverend Gerald M.C. Fitzgerald 10/29/1894 6/28/1969) During this year of 2012, we will be highlighting various events and celebrations that are part of the fabric of the Congregation. These fundamental principles are taken from the writings of the Congregation to their members: You have freely chosen to respond to the call of God. This call involves living a life of love, mercy and compassion in faith and trust, as a disciple of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. You have chosen to respond to this vocation in this Congregation that is dedicated to the Spirit, the servants of the Paraclete. God is free in his call to you! We must trust God because God is in love with us and can take care of us. Trust is built upon grace and comes from submission to God. It is an integration and assimilation into God. Only God cannot fail, if God is with us, we cannot fail. Do not become discouraged by difficulties that you might encounter in your life of evangelical service. Father Gerald knew these difficulties only too well when he said Patience is mercy in action. Your God is forever faithful! You must be willing to spend time each day in solitude and prayer, opening yourself to Jesus present in the Eucharist and in his Living Word. Father Gerald insisted that his followers enter into an intimate relationship with God in the interior life. In the words that he left with us: Prayer is a joyous adventure... intimacy with God is primary... the first vocation of a servant of the Paraclete is to fall in love with God. It is intimacy with the living God which is at the heart of your life as a servant of the Paraclete. Father Gerald saw Eucharistic unity spreading to community life. The servant of the Paraclete life is oriented completely toward love. Live as a family with a family life that does not include rigid conformism but which is expressed in giving help where help is needed. Make a home free of tension. In this shared life of faith, the community searches out the needs of our times. It is in and through this fraternal and Eucharistic love and friendship that the Lord calls you to minster to your fellow brothers and priests. This is the mission and ministry of the Congregation. Mass Stipends We appreciate the many mass stipends that we receive. We thank you for supporting that part of our ministry. While many priests may designate how they want to utilize the mass stipend funds, the Servants of the Paraclete share in the mass stipend pool, as directed by their vows and constitution. Mass Stipend Form Name of Person to be remembered in a mass celebrated by a Servant of the Paraclete: q living q deceased Name of person donating the stipend: Do you want an acknowledgement card sent to someone? If so, please put the name, address, city, state and zip so that an acknowledgement of the mass in memory or honor of someone can be sent. Name: Address: City, State, Zip: If you would like to request a specific date, please list below. Please allow 2-3 months for specific dates as they must be distributed to our priests from the Development Office. Requested Date for Mass: Online Giving Is Here! Visit our Website www.theservants.org It s SECURE It s EASY It s FAST
Our Photo Corner This month we continue our display of photographs taken from the archives. As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation it is interesting to see what has and has not changed from the early days of the sp beginnings in the canyon. While the surroundings of canyons, buttes, mesas, and endless miles of blue sky have not changed - the beginning buildings were replaced years later with more update facilities to meet the needs of the clients and residents who sought assistance with the servants of the Paraclete and their many program offerings. Mother of Priests Shrine, built in 1966, serves as the parish for the Jemez Springs community and surrounding areas. Beginning sites of the infirmary and clinic The simplicity of life is a benchmark of the servants of the Paraclete. Living in the canyon, among its rocks and crags... new life continues to spring forth in their work and daily life. Simple dwellings for priest guests Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan recently visited with the Servants of the Paraclete at their Foundation House in Jemez Springs, NM. The General Council assembled for a week long session of meetings and the Archbishop visited with the neighboring Handmaids of the Precious Blood community and included lunch with the Paracletes.
PLANNED GIVING Gift planning is a combination of financial planning and estate planning. When considering a planned gift, ask yourself these questions: What should I give? There may be tax advantages for you by making certain types of gifts. Highly appreciated securities, real estate, mutual funds, US savings bonds, and retirement accounts are examples of gifts that may allow heirs to avoid some income and death taxes. How should I give? Many people choose to assist organizations through bequests gifts through wills or living trusts. When should I give? Deciding when to give may depend upon important tax deductions at the end of the year. Some charitable contributions are fitting in years when there is an increase of taxable income, the sale of a farm or business, or receipt of a taxable inheritance. Are there special purposes my gift should accomplish? Is there a special friend or loved one in whose name a memorial would be fitting? Is there a special purpose or program to which I would want to apply my gift? Thank you for your generosity! It is greatly appreciated. Please remember the Servants of the Paraclete in your estate and will. Development Office Contact Information Marian Wolaver Director of Development 314-875-0817 mwolaver@theservants.org Barb Behlmann Development Associate 314-875-0816 bbehlmann@theservants.org FAX: 314-875-0818 Website: www.theservants.org Your answers to these questions come from your heart, your mind and should be carefully considered. Our staff can assist you in exploring your gift planning options.
Tomorrow s Church Will there be a committed and faithful leadership for future generations? What can we do to ensure the availability of excellent Catholic priests and brothers for church communities across the country? The priests and brothers we serve face the same challenges that are common to us all stress, anger management, alcohol, boundary issues, depression, addictions, loneliness, sexual issues, and more. Those who give to the Servants of the Paraclete through a planned gift assure there will be programs available to priests and brothers who experience spiritual challenges and psychological difficulties. Over the next few months, the development office will touch upon several different ways that you can begin to give the gift that keeps on giving. Wills/Trusts Why a will is important Think about the satisfaction you can experience by providing for your favorite charities through a Will. At least two-thirds of all Americans die without a Will. A will is a way of expressing your desires and exercising control over what you want done with assets you have worked so hard to accumulate. Without a will you are not only giving up your assets you are giving up control over those assets. Without a Will, your family and designated charities may not receive the bequests you intended for them. The Will Process Identify your assets pension, retirement benefits, insurance policies, cash stocks and bonds, real estate and personal property. Decide how you want to distribute your assets to loved ones and charities Are the beneficiaries to receive the gifts outright or in trust. A trust can save on taxes and delay distribution, which can help protect amounts from creditor claims until the amounts are distributed. Appoint an executor/trustee to manage the instructions of the document Appoint a guardian (s) if minor children are involved. Choose the specific charities you want to support Visit with an Attorney Let him know exactly what your wishes are and ask about the various options available for you to achieve your goals. A Will is a legal document and should be written by an experienced lawyer dealing in estate planning. The difference between a Revocable Trust and an Irrevocable Trust Revocable Trust a bank account which is not supported by a written agreement but has POD provisions under state law. The Revocable Trust does not require documentation, only titling by state law. The person who established the account can close it or remove the POD beneficiary at any time. Irrevocable Trust a written document that cannot be altered after it is established. The independent trustee must follow the instructions in the trust. Those who established the trust no longer control the funds. All of the property in the Irrevocable Trust and all future appreciation of the property is out of your taxable estate and thus your estate tax liability may be less, resulting in a more tax efficient way to transfer your accumulated wealth to your beneficiaries. Property transferred to your beneficiaries will also avoid probate. By naming the Servants of the Paraclete in your will, you can partner with us in our mission:... to continue the healing Ministry of Christ to his wounded priests and brothers, by participating in the mission of the Roman Catholic Church and by adhering to its teachings. We believe that each priest and brother is made in the image and likeness of God, and has been graced with a Divine Vocation. We pledge to deliver a compassionate ministry: pastoral and professional care to our brothers wounded in the fray of life. We seek to foster within each of our programs a spirit of genuine Christ like compassion, a non-judgmental environment, and a safe and professional setting where healing can begin. Our Ministry is holistic by its nature, namely, Psychological, Physical and Spiritual. We seek to ensure that the root cause of ill health and suffering in priests and brothers are addressed and eradicated. We pledge to continue to offer any prudent and possible Ministry to those in Sacred Orders and in the Religious Life, relying on the ever present healing power and exquisite mercy of a loving God. We are the Servants of the Paraclete who exist through the grace of God: to heal, to offer hope, and to witness to the presence of a God who came and remains among us.
# Servants of the Paraclete P.O. Box 39356 St. Louis, MO 63139 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED March - April Newsletter Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 3252 Electronic Transfer of Funds If you are interested in a monthly donation, please contact the development office. Electronic Transfer of Funds is the easiest way to donate to the ministry of the Servants of the Paraclete. Every gift counts! The forms are simple to fill out and are handled by a company that works with many religious organizations in assisting them with funding these transfers. Please drop this form in the envelope included in the newsletter and we will be happy to get the information to you. q Please send me Electronic Fund Transfer information so that I make a monthly donation! DEVELOPMENT OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION Marian Wolaver Director of Development 314-875-0817 mwolaver@theservants.org Barb Behlmann Development Associate 314-875-0816 bbehlmann@theservants.org FAX: 314-875-0818 Website: www.theservants.org Thank you for your generosity! It is greatly appreciated. Please remember the Servants of the Paraclete in your estate and will.