It’s an exciting time. The first pope in 600 years has stepped down in a noble and humble way for “the good of the Church.” We prayed and waited and watched, wondering what God was doing, how He would lead us. And then the smoke, the white billowing smoke that seemed to say, “I will never abandon you.” Our hearts were caught up in the beauty and anticipation, and a hope that seemed almost tangible.

Then a simple wave from a simple man in white; the bow of humble petition for our prayers; and the gestures in the days that followed showing us what to expect: the authentic manifestation of a life dedicated to living out the mercy of God.

Pope Francis says this: “The message of Jesus is mercy. For me, I say this humbly, it is the Lord’s most powerful message.” He has already given us many wonderful quotes about mercy, and it seems he will give us many more. But what strikes me most is how moved I am by Pope Francis the person. It’s not just his words or the way he seems to genuinely affirm the dignity of each individual he meets. It’s all of it together and more, that inspires me in a new way.

I’ve talked to many people during these days, and we find ourselves feeling the same kind of excitement, something stirring in the heart of the Church. This man, unknown to most of us until he stepped out onto the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, makes us want to be better, more real, more holy, more in love with God, and kinder to our neighbor.

He refuses to keep himself at a distance and instead comes to be with us in our misery, to love us in our brokenness, imitating the One whose mercy he has himself encountered. And as he walks among us gently, humbly — but with purpose and conviction — we find ourselves compelled to be more charitable, giving, patient …

It’s as if, suddenly, aware of his presence, we are confronted with our own lack of integrity and virtue. What’s astonishing is that we do not feel condemned, but elevated, like the woman told to “Go and sin no more.” That’s the empowering tenderness of mercy. That’s the impact of our new Holy Father.

We’ve been so blessed with popes in my lifetime, each one such a gift to the Church. And now it seems God has given us a special gift again; one that we’ve been lovingly and gently prepared for; one that is a bit unnerving, if truth be told.

Separated as the Body by continents and language and custom, there’s something in the air for us all … something old but new, the same yet different now. Something that has united us and made us feel alive, but also challenged.

Our shepherd here on earth has reminded us, in his own unique way, of how we are to live. We watch him doing it, and he makes it seem so accessible, so possible in our every day lives. But it will not be without the cross.

It may be that God is saying, “Through John Paul II and Benedict XVI I have formed you, educated you, strengthened you. You are ready, the world is ready, and I have sent someone to lead you.” It will stretch us and change us from the inside out. That’s what mercy does. It heals us, lifts us up from our knees, and then says “Go.”

But there is nothing to fear, because we have felt, as Pope Francis says, “the caress of the mercy of Jesus Christ.” It’s an exciting time. There is something so simple and yet so radical in this reminder to us of our call: to love Jesus, Mercy Incarnate, to embody mercy, and to share that mercy with the world.

**(Photo at top of page) This photo by AP photographer Gregorio Borgia of Pope Francis embracing 8-year-old Dominic Gondreau, who has cerebral palsy, captured the attention of people around the world. The moment took place after the new pontiff celebrated his first Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 31. (Gregorio Borgia, AP via CNS)

Conference details are as follows:

8 am Opening Mass and homily by Fr. Patrick J. O’Doherty, Pastor, Queen of Peace, Ocala.

Speakers include: Fr. Pablo Straub, C.Ss.R., world famous Redemptorist priest seen on EWTN TV.

Vinny Flynn, most enthusiastic Divine Mercy speaker and the guy who sings the Chaplet on EWTN.

Robert Allard, founder and director of the Apostles of Divine Mercy and a witness to Mercy Sunday.

A light breakfast will follow after Mass and snacks and a great lunch will be provided by the KofC.

*Our speakers will have a selection of their own images, DVDs, CDs, and Divine Mercy items.

*A free-will offering will be taken up during the event to help with the cost of the conference.

For more information go to www.DivineMercySunday.com or call 1-888-732-0722.

No tickets or registration required for this event, so bring your friends and family.

Conference Flyers can be viewed and downloaded here.

Recommended by: *Jeff Cavins *Fr. Mitch Pacwa *Matthew Kelly *Fr. Don Calloway *Steve Ray *Fr. Larry Richards, and many more!

In the inspiring new book, 21 Ways to Worship, best-selling author, Vinny Flynn, shares his favorite ways to pray in Eucharistic Adoration. Written in the author’s personal, conversational style, complete with puns and other bits of humor, 21 Ways to Worship is an easy to read, practical guide, jam-packed with inspiring ideas, techniques, and prayers to help you make the most of your Holy Hour. It’s a perfect resource for the beginner wondering what Adoration is all about, and for the veteran adorer looking for additional ideas.

Read what people are already saying
about 21 Ways to Worship!

“Vinny Flynn played an important role in my life of worship when I came back to the Catholic church. His new work, 21 Ways To Worship, has something for everyone when it comes to developing a life of intimacy with God. This is what we are going to be doing for eternity, so now is the time to begin.”
~Jeff Cavins
Internationally known speaker, bible teacher, author, and TV host
Creator of Great Adventure Bible Studies and Walking Toward Eternity:
Daring to Walk the Walk
www.jeffcavins.com

“Vinny Flynn has done it again! With his fun, accessible, and faith-filled style, he gives us yet another key to unlocking the mystery of Christ’s Eucharistic love. This time, he shares the secrets to “keeping it real” before the Lord’s Real Presence. This book is more than just another devotional; it actually teaches us how to pray, and it does so in a way that’s holy, humorous, and human. Enjoy the book. Enjoy the Lord.”
~Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
Author, Consoling the Heart of Jesus and
33 Days to Morning Glory
Director, Association of Marian Helpers
www.marian.org

“21 Ways to Worship is brilliant! An adoration chapel is the ultimate classroom of silence — there you will find, peace, clarity, and the friendship of a lifetime!”
~Matthew Kelly
New York Times bestselling author of
Rediscover Catholicism
www.matthewkelly.org

“The Church teaches that adoration is an extension of Mass, but many people are unsure about what to do once they enter the adoration chapel. Vinny Flynn offers a “how to” book for Eucharistic adoration, with many practical and simple spiritual exercises. His suggestions will help people through a variety of stages and personal moods during adoration, always with the double goal of deepening one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and maintaining personal authenticity in the relationship.  He integrates a focus on Jesus Christ with a Trinitarian theology and with an important Marian component. His use of familiar Biblical images helps the one praying to vividly grasp the task of adoration and remain focused. The reader will return to this book many times in order to squeeze all the spiritual juice out of it.”
~Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ
Biblical scholar, author, and Host of EWTN Live
President and Founder, Ignatius Productions
www.ignatiusproductions.org

“How do we worship God? Scripture constantly reminds us to adore Him, but how?  Help is on the way. 21 Ways to Worship opens Scripture and the rich tradition of the Church to reveal the secrets to profound and meaningful worship of God. This book not only provides the why but also the how.”
~Steve Ray
Author of Crossing the Tiber and producer of
Footprints of God videos
Tour Guide to Biblical Lands
www.crossingthetiber.com

“What a great book! This book is a much needed ‘How To’ on what to do in Adoration.  As the pastor of a Church with Perpetual Adoration I am often asked, ‘Father what should I do when I am there for a whole hour?’ Now I can answer by giving them this book! Thank you!”
~Fr. Larry Richards
Internationally known speaker and retreat master
Author of Surrender! The Life Changing Power of Doing God’s Will and
Be a Man!: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be
www.theReasonForOurHope.org

“You’re in for a treat! Author, Vinny Flynn takes us by the hand and guides us towards the Blessed Sacrament. ‘Don’t be afraid, come as you are,’ he seems to say, as he gently explains how to bare our souls to be truly present to Our Eucharistic Lord. You’ll surely be motivated by the author’s enthusiasm! This is a terrific book — a real gem —a brilliant tool to help deepen our prayer lives.”
~Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
EWTN TV Host and author of several books
including Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women
www.donnacooperoboyle.com

“21 Ways to Worship is a delightful, practical, and profound read — a much-needed gift for the Church! Though I have been a daily worshiper of the Blessed Sacrament for twenty-two years, I learned new ways to deepen my holy hour. This book will bless every reader in a unique and personal way. I highly recommend it.”
~Kathleen Beckman
Author of Rekindle Eucharistic Amazement and Behold the Lamb of God
Radio Maria’s Host on “Living Eucharist”
www.kathleenbeckman.com

“I became so absorbed in reading 21 Ways of Worship that I had to finish it before retiring for the evening. It is an excellent book, not only for beginners, but for the more proficient as well. It has just the right balance of the informal, low-key approach with the traditional renditions of Scripture, tradition and doctrinal definitions. The author’s personal conviction and profound grasp of the subject comes through without any
sense of self-promotion. Congratulations on a work well done!”
~Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner, S. T. D.
Professor of Theology, international lecturer
Author, St. Maximilian Kolbe: Martyr of Charity
Rector, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, WI
www.marymediatrix.com

“Many adoration chapels have small libraries where reading material is made available for those who come to worship and adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Vinny Flynn’s latest book 21 Ways to Worship deserves a spot on all those sacred shelves!  It offers fresh insights into how to spend time with Jesus, and will greatly increase the reader’s love for our Eucharistic Lord.”
~Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC
Internationally known speaker
Author, No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy
www.fathercalloway.com

If you’ve ever struggled with making a Holy Hour, Vinny Flynn’s 21 Ways to Worship is a great resource to help you develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Eucharistic Lord. In simple-to-understand language, Flynn offers sage advice on how to get the most out of your time with Jesus. From journaling and surrender to visualization and the role of Mary, this short, easy read is a delight for those who, like me, need a little help in front of the Eucharist!
~Patrick Novecosky
Award-winning Catholic journalist
Editor-In-Chief, Legatus Magazine
www.patricknovecosky.com

“This little book is a true gem. Each suggestion is accessible to even the beginner, and each has its own particular grace. Bring this slim volume with you to Adoration. Read it prayerfully and let the Lord show you His will for your time with Him.”
~Elizabeth Foss
>Featured columnist for the Arlington Catholic Herald
Author of Real Learning: Education in the Heart of My Home and Small Steps for Catholic Moms
http://www.elizabethfoss.com

CRY OUT
NOMINATED FOR TWO UNITY AWARDS- PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR AND PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR FOR ‘MY SOUL REJOICES.’ This new release by John Flynn and his worship band will have you dancing with wild abandon one moment and lifting your voice in prayer the next. A veteran of Youth 2000, Life Teen, and World Youth Day events, John has put together a collection of original Catholic liturgical songs with a contemporary music style and lyrics that pull the listener into the heart of worship. Solo and background vocals are accompanied by guitar, piano, B3 organ, drums, bass, and Irish small pipes. Includes Won’t You Give Him Praise, Cry Out, Sanctus, Your Grace Brings Me Back, Give to the Lord, Forsaken, Give Thanks to the Lord, My Soul Rejoices, Prepare My Heart, Our God Reigns, Gloria, In the Sight of the Angels. (Hidden Track at the end is a pure delight!). 52 minutes.

KISSING THE HEART OF GOD
Contemporary praise and worship songs by Life Teen Music Director John Flynn that will delight and inspire you. All the songs – from the foot-stomping strains of Every Move I Make and Come in Glory to the tender hush of Holy is our King and Arms of Love – are addressed to God in very intimate, personal prayer. The album features several of John’s original songs and some beautiful duets with his sister, Colleen Free. Instrumentation ranges from John’s solo accoustic guitar to a full band sound with guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards. Other songs include Everywhere, Sweet Mercies, Holy and Anointed One. Jesus, I Trust in You, Better Than, I Will Exalt Your Name, Great God, and Lord, I Lift Your Name on High. Great Catholic music that will especially appeal to youth and young adults. 47 minutes.

We have been especially gratified by the many priests and deacons who have shared with us how much the book has renewed and deepened their own appreciation of the Eucharist and helped them in their preaching.

We’d like to celebrate this 5 years of blessings by reaching out to even more people — and you can help. There are still so many people who have never even heard about the book! Whenever we travel to different churches, we try to give copies to any priests and deacons we meet, but we can’t be everywhere. We need your help to reach more people, especially priests and deacons who can then more effectively inspire and instruct others. So, if you know any priests or deacons — or any family members or friends — who you think could benefit from reading this book, please help us in this Eucharistic ministry by getting copies for them!

by Jason Free

Raising terrific, happy Christian kids doesn’t happen by accident.

All too often Christian parents end up raising their kids by default. It just happens while we’re busy trying to survive. We want our kids to be happy and to be good, responsible Christians, “in the world but not of it.” But we don’t know how to help them get there.

In Parenting on Purpose, Jason Free provides you with all you need to develop a personal plan for leading your kids to a clear awareness of their Christian identity, so that Christian values, beliefs and attitudes will become as natural to them as breathing.

This is no dry, philosophical treatise about parenting. It’s a “how-to” book, a straightforward, conversational, “in-your-face” sharing of specific ways to bring joy to your family and raise your children as real Christians. Often funny, sometimes sad, and always engaging, Parenting on Purpose will give you a whole new sense of direction as a parent and help you guide your children to a lasting and fulfilling relationship with God.

About the Author

Jason Free is a popular writer, speaker, and master of ceremonies at conferences and retreats. Former general manager of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, he has taught Marriage and Family Counseling at the graduate level and has done extensive work with couples and families. He and his wife Colleen are the proud parents of eight children.

You can read more about The Free’s here.

More Information on the New Book!

Parenting on Purpose Now Available!
Read the Forward From Danielle Bean…
Behind the Scenes: The story behind the book
What folks are saying about Parenting on Purpose!

It seemed especially fitting that this man, who had spent a lifetime waging battle against the forces of what he called the “culture of death,” should offer such a fearless, contrasting example of embracing suffering at the end of his life.  John Paul II was the only pope I ever knew. I was just
six years old when white smoke wafted from the chimney in the Sistine Chapel and my mother stood before the television, mesmerized and clutching a dishtowel, as Karol Wojtyla was elected pope decades ago. Though I paid little attention at the time, the famous opening lines of John Paul II’s inaugural sermon came to have more meaning for me as I grew older:

“Be not afraid. Open wide the gates to Christ. Open up to his saving power the confines of the state, open up economic and political systems, the vast empires of culture, civilization and development.  … Be not afraid!”

It can be hard not to fear.  As parents raising the next generation of Christians in a world that often mocks our values and offers all manner of godlessness presented in seductive packages, it can be very hard not to fear.  That day in the hospital, when my unborn son’s heart-beat slowed unexpectedly and became erratic, one nurse ran to the hall and shrieked for the doctor while two others threw me roughly onto my side and forced an oxygen mask onto my face. When my eyes met my pale-faced, stoic husband’s, fear pressed hard against my heart.  Hours later, when I held my healthy, pink-faced new-born son, traced my finger along the gentle curve of his dimpled elbows, and felt his sturdy legs kick hard against the swaddling, I thought of our beloved, dying pope.

I recalled his abiding love for families and unfailing confidence in the next generation.  John Paul II once said, “As the family goes, so goes the
nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”  Sometimes that makes me tremble. We are the families in whom he had such confidence. Ours was the generation he predicted would bring about a “new springtime” in the Catholic Church.

I am no pope. How can I raise up a new generation to wage war against a culture of death that devalues human life, promotes impurity, scorns faith, and forgets its dependence on God?  John Paul II had no patience for such paralyzing fears.  I think this is what he had in mind when he reminded us, “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” He intended that we should establish a culture of life by forgetting our fears, “opening wide the doors to Christ,” and letting Him take care of the more worrisome details.

I am grateful for that reminder.

And Jason Free reminds me too. Parenting On Purpose is an easy read, but don’t be fooled by its simplicity.  Ostensibly, this humble book offers readers “7 Ways to Raise Terrific Christian Kids,” but I think what it really offers is something much greater than that. Here, in straight-forward language, with personal examples, practical wisdom, and honest humility, Jason Free offers every Christian parent real hope for the future and an infectious form of optimism.

You can do this, I hear God’s voice through these pages. I have called you to Christian parenthood, and though it might not always be easy, you are up to this task.  Specifically, Free reminds us to nurture our marriages, bless our children, simplify our lives, celebrate life, speak carefully, protect purity, and create a legacy of love for our families. But the most precious gift in this book is that of parental empowerment. The future of our children’s faith is in our hands, but that is not cause for panic. It is cause for great joy. The encouraging, joy-filled chapters of this book will light your heart afire with renewed gratitude for the awesome gift of our faith, and inspire you with confidence as you take on the task of passing on that gift to future generations.

Recently, my son Raphael, born into this world just as John Paul II was leaving it, approached me with a hand-hewn wooden sword his older brother whittled for him from a tree branch.  “Can you attach this to my belt?”  As I worked the sword through his belt loops, Raphael wiped his sun-kissed face with a dirty hand and squinted toward the trees.  “Where can I find some bad guys to fight?” he wondered aloud.  I watched Raphael march boldly into our open field with his sword at his side.  Be not afraid, John Paul II once reminded us, and now Jason Free reminds us too. If we raise up soldiers for Christ, and if we place the future of our Church in such capable hands and hearts as these, we will have nothing
to fear.

Danielle Bean
Editorial Director, Faith & Family

More Information on the New Book!

Parenting on Purpose Now Available!
Read the Forward From Danielle Bean…
Behind the Scenes: The story behind the book
What folks are saying about Parenting on Purpose!