Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Thursday, June 10, 2004

I have mentioned already in these messages the great kindness and openness that I have received from people on my way to the various hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. This is true not only of the staff, but of the patients themselves and their visitors. One of the things that this tells us is that despite the scandals of the times and the attacks by the media, people still have respect for the Church and the clergy. The vast majority of clergy are innocent, hard-working, and dedicated. Others may not be so dedicated, but they are at least trying to do an honest day’s work. We should show them respect because at least in the Catholic Church they have given up life, family, and personal gain. It might surprise you to know that I get paid $400 a month for working for the Church. Catholic priests and clergy in general are dedicated and deserve respect.
If you’ve noticed the vicious attacks on the film The Passion from many of the popular writers, you realize that the war is not against the Church or even against devout people. Ultimately the object of their anger and scorn is Jesus Christ.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

For more information on Grassroots please go to the website at :
www.Grassrootsrenewal.com
Or visit us at:
The St. Francis House
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Good morning Fr. Benedict! If it were not for suffering, what would I, such a lowly sinner, have to offer my Lord? I have looked at suffering as a gift for a long time! And I agree with you, so many suffer so much more! Still praying to Jesus for that elbow of yours! Love - Marie, Wilton, Maine

Dear Father Benedict and Honorable Volunteers, Thank you for telling us more about the Grassroots Renewal project. It is a worthy cause (the understatement of the week), and we want to help this effort. Today is my "music" day, when I practice my guitar and piano, and make a joyful noise to the Lord (with the emphasis on "noise," I'm afraid, since my skills are rudimentary), so today I will help by offering all of my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings for the intentions of His Sacred Heart, and for the growth and success of the Grass Roots Renewal Project. My husband offers the same, and since he is my only audience, his suffering may be a great gift. ;) On a serious note, it is a joy to see young people truly devoted to a life with Christ, using the latest technology to extend His reach all over the world. Thank you as always for your inspiration and comfort. I am a slow learner, but I believe I am finally catching on to the fact that helping others bear their burdens makes our own much lighter.
God bless you all! - Julie, Mesa, Arizona

Dear Father Benedict, I am so glad you are feeling so much better. I always watched you on EWTN. I clung to every word feeling you were such a wonderful teacher. After your accident, I saw you on EWTN again to give thanks for all who have prayed for you. I got the wonderful feeling that we are all so fortunuate to have one another and I truly feel that day when I saw you that experience deep in my soul that we are family. I hope your recovery continues as you give witness and hope to the world. Love, - Jill, Jupiter, Florida

Dear Fr. Groeschel, I download your message every day. It's like reading another one of your books in installments. Today's message on purgatory brings to mind your vivid description in HEALING THE ORIGINAL WOUND. "The Final Rinse Cycle". This has helped explain to some of my nonCatholic friends. ( (And a few Catholic ones, too.) Prayers continue as you continue to heal. - Alice, Melbourne, Florida

Dear Fr. Groeschel, Thank you so much for giving us the teaching on the Holy Spirit. Being somewhat disabled with pain at times and unable to pray like I do normally, I found your suggestions about praying to the Holy Spirit quite wonderful. I agree, when in pain, we don't pray beautifully but we can invoke the name of FATHER, Our Lord JESUS or the HOLY SPIRIT to aid us. The results of these prayers enabled me to feel comfort and eased the pain considerably. Please continue to send us your messages. They are like a caress from heaven. We pray unceasingly here for you! love - R. Smith, Littleton, Compton, Rhode Island

Dear Father Groeschel, I,ve listened to you on EWTN and thought you were very interesting and very inspirational. I too pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. It is so necessary to pray for them, one day we could be in their place. I try very hard to live the good life, so that I can see the face of God.A priest said to me by praying for the poor souls when I die Jesus will say, look at all the souls you've saved. It made my heart very happy. There are also forgotten souls we tend to forget about, too.I pray to God that you have a full and complete recovery. God continue to bless you. - Olivette, Holiday, Florida

Dear Fr Ben, I'm pleased to hear you are doing so well. slow but sure is great.The Lord likes a slow pace in order to smell the roses and see the beauty all around us that we have missed due to our duties in the marketplace so that your time in you hermitage and listen to Him on His plans for you to renew and help those of us that are struggling here at home and ill whom you have so profunfoundly touched through the internet. I've decided that this is the new wave of evangelization andlook how many you have touched from your hospitail bed and all. So please pray on this one father it certainly wouldn't be too taxing without traveling would it. and im sure that David would love to do some great tapes to get us all spirited and enlivened from one celtic soul to another. - Cathy, Baldwinsville, New York

Your comments on June 9th were very inspiring. Dealing with your crosses and suffering helped me a great deal. Thanks and may God bless you in all that you do.- Bob, Woodbury, Minnesota

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

FastCounter by bCentral