E - Mail

Dear Father Benedict,

The inspirational essays that are being posted are great. You asked for an idea regarding the uses of the website. Would it be possible to have a web retreat for lay people . I am sure that many of the people who visit the site would love to have some spiritual direction . It could take the form of a directed reading with an application to our lives from one of the friars(already I am selecting who should give the retreat, well ,I am a new yorker). The point being ,we love hearing from you and the friars and we are longing for direction . You may want to have a retreat that coincides with Advent or Lent or ordinary time etc. Father you and the friars are the authority on the selection of topics. I also think this would be a valuable tool at evangelization and certainly one in reaching Catholics who may have left the Church. I do not want to ramble and I hope you see some value to this web retreat idea which the friars and yourself have already been thinking about. One last thing , I was at Adoration at Holy Redeemer parish in Freeport,Long Island and happened to be there when a priest and two friars from your order were making a Holy Hour. I had an opportunity to speak with Father and wanted to let you know how impressed I was by his and the friars piety and witness. I wish I could remember Father's name --he seemed like a great guy! Best rgds. for your continued good health, - Joe,

Dear Fr. Groeschel, Just a quick note to thank you for this Sunday's message. I do so appreciate hearing from you and all the priests on the Franciscan Friars/Grassroots Renewal site. Be assured of our continued prayers for your recovery. Sincerely, - R. Smith,

Fr. Benedict, So glad you are feeling better. You sound frustrated that your recovery is taking so long and slowing you down. You definitely sound like your energy has NOT been diminished and that's a great blessing. Now if you can just get your body to cooperate... In the last couple of weeks, I've read three of your books which I'm truly grateful to have found. The combination of psychology and spirituality is fabulous, something I think I've been looking for all my life. So many times you can read religious/spiritual books and wonder about the person's background, or where is he/she is coming from the way he/she writes. In your case, it's a relief to know that you are REAL, live in the jungle of the Bronx (ever been to Dominic's on Arthur Ave.?), that the way you interpret life is modern-day with all its messy problems, and your solutions offer sound advice psychologically. But the best part is the spiritual solutions because they are founded in your/my faith and I can trust you. You are a wonderful guide. I love the beautifully written prayers at the end of the chapters of "Arise from Darkness." Thank you so much for your books. I live in the Washington, D.C. area, and noticed in last week's edition of 'The Catholic Standard' that your newest book is on the Catholic bestseller list. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope you're up to full speed very soon and you feel less tired. Thanks again. God Bless You, - Joyce,