Director's Report
Ten years is a long time . . . . for me it’s about 20% of my life so far.
Although the Life in the Eucharist Movement goes back to 1989, the introduction
of HI LITES was a significant moment in the development of LITE history. HI
LITES emerged as a communication tool among those who had experienced the life
that comes from the Eucharist through this program. In looking back over the
ten years since the first issue of this newsletter was published, it is obvious
that we owe a debt of gratitude to God for inspiring Fr. Robert Rousseau, sss
to share the eucharistic charism of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
with others — especially with lay men and women — who were invited
to become collaborators with us in our eucharistic mission, a mission entrusted
to us by the Church under the inspiration of St. Peter Julian Eymard.
We all know of the phenomenal growth of the LITE movement in the USA and around
the world. But perhaps we are not always aware of the power that the movement
has had to change individual lives and bring people closer to Jesus in the Eucharist.
And that is what we are all about — making the Eucharist better known and
loved, encouraging people to celebrate this Mystery with vitality, contemplate
it with great awe, and move into action in responding to the needs of our brothers
and sisters.
What love God has shown for us in the Eucharist! This same love moves us to
continue in our ministry of eucharistic evangelizing. Let me thank each and
every one of you for the part that you have played in the LITE movement since
its inception. Let me continue to invite you to take on a deeper role in spreading
the good news of the Eucharist through our LITE programs.
We are most grateful for the encouragement and support that we have received
from the Province of Saint Ann of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.
The continued financial and moral support of the religious of the province has
been heartening. Together we walk our journey of faith, inspired by the presence
of Christ in the Eucharist — nourished and forgiven, transformed and liberated,
in deep contemplation of the Lord’s abiding presence in the sacrament of
the Eucharist.
Ten years might be a long time, but it is also a beginning — let us continue
the task we have taken up and communicate our enthusiasm to others.
This issue is filled with articles and reflections that will hopefully nourish
and inspire you. Thank you for all that you are – thank you for all that
you do.
Fr. Thomas A. Wiese, sss
Director of the Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing
Happy 10th Birthday, HI LITE!
“Thank you for your commitment to the Blessed Sacrament Congregation
and for sharing your faith with us. We believe in you!”
It just doesn’t seem possible that this issue of HI LITE marks the tenth
anniversary of the newsletter’s publication! Literally, how time flies
when you’re having fun! In 1991, Father Bob Rousseau, sss, originator of
the LITE Movement, suggested to Noreen Wright of the Corpus Christi Parish LITE
team that it would be interesting to have a newsletter for team members. That
was as far as his idea went until September 1992 when Noreen and Nancy MacRoberts
finally put pen to paper, or fingers to the typewriter! The very first issue,
named Life In The Eucharist Seminar Newsletter, was typed on a typewriter (not
on a computer) on one 8_ x 14 inch sheet of paper, duplicated and mailed to
the 76 members of the existing LITE teams (Corpus Christi Parish in Houston,
Texas; St. Paschal Baylon in Cleveland, Ohio; St. Augustine’s Parish in
Houston, Texas; and St. Joseph’s Parish in San Antonio, Texas). The cost
of this initial mailing was only $6.35! Requests for news from these teams were
made and deadlines for the next issue were given. A contest was announced to
“Name the Newsletter”. Dates of upcoming seminars and activities were
published as well as Father Bob’s whereabouts. Congratulations were printed
to commemorate Fr. Bob’s 16th anniversary of ordination on September 18th.
“Thank you for your commitment to the Blessed Sacrament Congregation and
for sharing your faith with us. We believe in you!” These were the fond
wishes expressed to Father Bob. A brief paragraph witnessing to the effects
of the seminar on one of the participants was included along with a list of
what would appear in the next issue of the newsletter and an inspirational poem.
There is no record of exactly how many newsletters were duplicated and distributed
but it was certainly the start of something big!
In January 1993, the next issue was published, but it was not until 1994 that
HI LITES found enough willing volunteers, time, etc. that it could become a
more regular publication. In 1998 Patty Pizzitola became editor of the newsletter
and it began to flourish as a house organ of the CEE. Father Thomas Wiese, sss,
joined the CEE in 1999 and became the paper’s editor with the autumn edition.
A name change
to HI LITE was made because it was felt that the effect of the seminar (the
“S” in HI LITES) goes far beyond that one program. With Father Tom’s
expertise, HI LITE has become a regular link to all LITE team members, members
of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation, and friends and supporters of the LITE
Movement and the CEE not only in the USA, but around the world.
Through the years some of the more important articles have included coverage
of the International LITE Congresses, development of the LITE movement in the
United States, Europe and Asia, a very moving article on the death of Sr. Joanne
Marie, OSU in Cleveland, Ohio, the International Eucharistic Congress in Poland
where a LITE seminar was presented, the publication and advertizing of the three
volumes of Manna, the development of the International LITE office with Father
Bob Rousseau, sss, as its director, news from and about the various teams and
their administrators, and always (whenever he can be found) a column from the
originator of the LITE Movement, Fr. Bob Rousseau.
“I am so happy that LITE is a part of my life.”
We’d like to share with you a few reactions to LITE from people who have
participated in it for a while.
Speaking of her involvement in LITE for the last several years, Rose Saraniti
of the LITE team at St. Paschal’s in Cleveland writes: “I am so happy
that LITE is a part of my life. I can’t imagine my life without the LITE
program and the LITE team from St. Paschal’s. The St. Paschal LITE team
is a second family to me and they have given me strength and encouragement during
difficult times. Currently, I am on the “Nourishment” mini-team and
thoroughly enjoy being part of this glorious LITE movement. The LITE program
has given me a better understanding of the Eucharist and how I can more fully
participate in the Eucharist. In participating in the presentation of the LITE
program to our parish and other parishes in the Greater Cleveland area, I have
experienced a joyous feeling in the way the LITE participants accept our program
and are so eager to share their thoughts with us in the small and large group
sharing. We have learned that adults want to know more about the Eucharist and
we are providing this much needed opportunity to them. Wow!”
“HI LITE helps all of us to deepen our commitment to the ministry of eucharistic
evangelizing”
Fr. Bob Rousseau who is busily preparing for the 4th International LITE Congress
in Madrid writes: “I can’t believe that HI-LITE is celebrating its
10th birthday. I couldn't let this summer issue go to print without telling
you what a wonderful job you both are doing at the CEE, Fr. Tom and Nancy. Although
I have been giving my energies to the international expansion of the LITE movement,
I frequently think of all of the LITE teams in the USA and the all the good
that they are doing for the Church. HI LITE helps all of us to deepen our commitment
to the ministry of eucharistic evangelizing and keeps us informed of all that
our teams are doing. Be assured that you and your ministry are always in my
prayers.”
“Adjectives, just amazing adjectives and then some!” Those were Patty
Pizzitola’s words when asked for her thoughts on being a LITE team member.
Patty and her husband Bubba have been active not only locally in Houston, but
have been part of a traveling mini team that has given the seminar from east
coast to west coast. “Life altering, marvelous, a gift from God, a deeper
understanding of Eucharist and my love for Jesus in the Eucharist. My life has
been blessed threefold!”
Jim Woods, a member of Corpus Christi Parish second team has always said the
seminar taught him how much God really loved him. Jim was brought up in an atmosphere
of fear of the Lord and now he says “I have experienced a first class miracle!
I am completely different now because I lost my fear of God.”
Dorothea Wedelich proclaims how much LITE has changed her life. It’s amazing
how a mother of 15 children has found time for the commitment Dorothea has given
the LITE movement, not only as a team member but also as a co-administrator
of one of the Houston teams. It’s obviously that important to her! Dorothea
and her team works closely with the Spanish-speaking team and says she has such
a sense of accomplishment. She particularly remembers a young man who approached
her following her presentation on Transformation. He told Dorothea “I will
never go to Holy Communion again with the same attitude I had before hearing
your talk!”
“I have experienced a first class miracle! I am completely different now
because I lost my fear of God.”
It’s no doubt that the Life in the Eucharist programs have had great effects
on the way people view the Eucharist and participate in it. HI LITE has tried
over the years to share the enthusiasm of team members with others.
Noreen Wright is a member of one of the LITE teams at
Corpus Christi Parish in Houston, Texas and along with Nancy MacRoberts, the
editor of the first issue of HI LITES ten years ago. Noreen shares with us some
of her reflections on her own involvement in the LITE movement over the years
and especially since the first issue of HI LITES ten years ago.
Memories.... Remember.... Remember.... Remember when.... Remember the dark
before the LITE. Remember what your life was like before you ever heard about
a Life in the Eucharist Seminar. Remember deciding even if you should attend
a seminar. Remember when you attended your first Life in the Eucharist Seminar.
Remember how you felt after each session. Remember meeting Fr. Bob Rousseau
for the first time. Remember what your life was like before you were called
by name to discern to be a LITE team member. Remember when you didn’t have
a LITE team meeting to attend. Remember when you didn’t have a LITE seminar
to prepare — puzzle pieces to cut, petition papers to cut, bread shaped
name tags to cut, outline, and attach a safety pin, booklets to print, copy,
collate, fold, and bind. Markers. Newsprint. Petition basket. Candle. Refreshments.
Banner material and banner poles. Staples and tape. Music, boom box and keyboard.
Remember knowing that there were other LITE teams in other cities, states and
countries, but not knowing who they were.
The newsletter was just one way to connect all of these small faith communities
of Life in the Eucharist teams, which were separated by many miles, together
as one united Eucharistic family in collaboration with the Blessed Sacrament
Congregation.
Remember the first Life in the Eucharist Seminar Newsletter (09/1992). The contest
to name the newsletter HI LITES (01/1993). Remember Patty and Bubba Pizzitola
being invited to introduce the basics of the LITE seminar at the General Chapter
of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Rome (1993). Remember the 1st
International Life in the Eucharist Congress (Houston, Texas – July 8-10,
1994). Remember when MANNA was introduced. Remember when LITE went international.
Remember being invited to present the Life in the Eucharist Seminar at the 46th
International Eucharistic Congress in Wroclaw, Poland (May 26-June 1, 1997).
Remember the 2nd International Life in the Eucharist Congress (Cleveland, Ohio
– July 31-Aug 2, 1998) and the tour of Canada. Remember Fr. Thomas Wiese,
sss being appointed as director of the CEE (October 1999). Remember meeting
Fr. Tom for the first time. Remember the 3rd International Life in the Eucharist
Congress (Glasgow, Scotland – June 30-July 2, 2000) and tour of Scotland
and Ireland. Remember following in the footsteps of Saint Peter Julian Eymard
(France – October 2001). Remember.....
These are just a few of the highlights of the stories that were reported in
our newsletter over the past 10 years. Yes, it’s been 10 years. We have
gone from a meager single page fold-over to a professional eight-page glossy
with color and photos. The original intent was a means of communication between
the LITE teams that were developing around the country. The newsletter was just
one way to connect all of these small faith communities of Life in the Eucharist
teams, which were separated by many miles, together as one united Eucharistic
family in collaboration with the Blessed Sacrament Congregation.
Thank you for sharing your lives and your stories in creating these memories
that we hold dear to our hearts.
Independently and collectively, the memories we have created and the memories
we have shared are a testament to our Eucharistic mission and to the charism
of Saint Peter Julian Eymard.
Recently, we received an inquiry at the Center for Eucharistic
Evangelizing asking: Is it possible to give a Life in the Eucharist (LITE) Seminar
in one day? This request has been received more than once from parishes that
simply don’t have time to schedule five evenings or a long weekend for
our program of eucharistic evangelizing known as LITE. On occasion, several
LITE teams around the country have had to face this question of a possible one
day seminar. Recently, one team suggested combining the “Reconciliation”
and “Transformation” sessions into one theme thereby making a one
day program possible. A great deal of thought and considerable reflection has
been given to that action and to the question of trying to give the LITE seminar
in a single day. After discussions with Father Bob Rousseau, sss, founder of
the LITE programs, and several experienced LITE team members, Fr. Thomas Wiese,
present director of the C.E.E., offers some helpful reflections.
The Life In The Eucharist Program One (LITE I) is an integral whole that develops
throughout the unfolding of its five sessions. Within the sessions of the program,
there is a gradual movement — from Nourishment to Reconciliation to Transformation
to Abiding Presence and finally to Liberation. This progression and unity would
be destroyed by combining any two of the themes or of shortening them considerably.
Although “Reconciliation” and “Transformation” are similar
and might seem to be able to be compressed into one session, much of the richness
in each of these important themes would certainly be lost. “Reconciliation”
is certainly a new concept for most people when they ponder the Eucharist. Most
Catholics limit their experience of reconciliation to the sacrament of penance
or confession. We are introducing a unique idea to many Catholics — that
already during the celebration of Eucharist we are experiencing the redemptive
effects of the reconciliation that Jesus won for us by his passion, death and
resurrection. “Transformation” deals with the whole notion that like
the bread and wine which are transformed into the body and blood of Christ,
we too, His people, are transformed. This is surely a movement beyond reconciliation
and needs time to be explored and developed.
The LITE program needs more than one day — it is as simple as that! To
try to adequately cover all of the content on Eucharist in less time would be
ineffective and much of the important material and experience would be lost.
Even trying to do the program as a two day experience is a stretch for many
people and most teams — although this has been tried more often. We realize
that attendance over a three day stretch is always a problem and is a factor
that must be dealt with. How can we inspire the participants to stick with the
program until the end? This is really another question, but one that needs to
be further explored. Experience is proving that a program beginning on Thursday
evening, continuing on Friday evening and all day Saturday, ending with the
vigil celebration of Eucharist is a realistic and satisfying solution.
Trying to give the LITE program in one day is just unmanageable. The day would
have to be very long and people simply could not absorb the messages of the
LITE program. Essential elements such as group discussion time, prayer time,
or simply time to shift from one topic to another, would all have to be abbreviated.
For most people the LITE program is one of the first really serious exposures
to catechesis on the Eucharist that they have received since their days of religious
education as a child. It would be a shame to try to zip through the experience
in a day.
Father Bob Rousseau has suggested that if the program needs to be shortened
for a particular parish or group, that a team might consider focusing on the
first “C”– Celebration of the Mass – and use the first three
themes as a one day exposure to Eucharist.
Trying to give the LITE program in one day is just unmanageable. The day would
have to be very long and people simply could not absorb the messages of the
LITE program.
Other options include two one-day programs that could be used as an “appetizer”
for the LITE program. These programs are “Eucharist and the New Catechism”
and “Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Neighbor”.
As part of Fr. Tom’s annual visit to a LITE team, either of these programs
can be presented and then a team can learn to present them.
It is most important that the integrity of the LITE program be safeguarded and
that it is not watered down for the sake of time. Since it is a program sponsored
by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and inspired by their charism,
the complete program should be respected.
The team inquiring into a possible change in the seminar has reflected on these
same reflections and has agreed with the responses put forward. Their understanding
and acceptance of the opinions given have helped them resolve their question
and their cooperation is greatly appreciated. We just thought that we would
share some of these reflections, even though you might not have asked the question
of yourself. Let’s continue to share our experiences and growth in the
Life In The Eucharist!
On April 6, 2002 a Regional Meeting was held of the LITE team administrators
from the Cleveland area. The meeting was convened at the request of Louise Borgione,
the administrator of the LITE team at St. Paschal Baylon Parish. The purpose
of the meeting was to develop and maintain contact with the various team administrators
and to promote further collaboration in marketing and presenting the Life in
the Eucharist Programs.
In addition to many practical considerations and decisions that needed to be
made, the LITE administrators decided to make a concerted effort to advertize
the LITE programs in the Diocese of Cleveland by sending an informational letter
to all pastors including the LITE brochure from the C.E.E. Fr. Anthony Schueller
who has been participating with the St. Paschal LITE team over the years agreed
to author and sign the letter for the administrators.
Fr. Thomas Wiese, sss, Director of the Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing,
was invited to attend this important meeting to bring the administrators up
to date on developments at the C.E.E. and to encourage the administrators in
their all important ministry of eucharistic evangelizing. He agreed with their
suggestion that such a regional meeting as this one be held at least once or
twice a year. This meeting would be in addition to the annual administrators’
meeting at the C.E.E. in Houston.
The commitment, dedication and generosity of those who are in leadership positions
in the Life in the Eucharist Movement in the Cleveland area was quite evident.
They are an active group with lots of enthusiasm and drive. We are most grateful
for the role that they play in furthering the eucharistic charism of the Congregation
under the patronage of St. Peter Julian Eymard.
After a Life in the Eucharist weekend held in mid-January at St. Paschal Baylon
Parish, one of the enthusiastic participants, a teacher in the parish grade
school, suggested to the LITE team administrator, Louise Borgione, that perhaps
the LITE experience could be applied towards the teacher re-certification program
in the Cleveland Diocese. Lay teachers in the parish schools must renew their
religious certification by attending a certain number of hours per year in religious
studies, and this particular teacher felt most confident that LITE could qualify
towards that requirement.
Checking with the Cleveland Diocesan office and after trying several different
departments, Louise was directed to the Department of Catechetical Services
who requested a synopsis of the LITE program. Having received the initial information,
the Diocese requested more details. Louise followed up by sending them a Life
in the Eucharist “Proposal” booklet, that is presented to prospective
parishes.
A few more phone conversations, then the Diocesan Office of Catechetical Services
sent an official letter saying that the LITE program qualifies towards ten of
the required forty hours needed to fulfill the renewal requirements for the
teachers’ catechetical certificates. Furthermore, they even congratulated
Louise for her interest in the “ongoing formation of our teachers and catechists”.
The Cleveland LITE teams can now use this as an enticement in advertising the
program whenever they are held in any parish in the Cleveland Diocese. In the
future a seminar specifically for teachers from various sections of the diocese
may be offered.
The Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing applauds Louise for her dedicated persistence
and encourages other teams to look into this possibility in their diocese.
The commitment, dedication and generosity of those who are in leadership positions
in the Life in the Eucharist Movement in the Cleveland area was quite evident.
They are an active group with lots of enthusiasm and drive.
A “New Father Tom” for the Blessed Sacrament Congregation
Father Thomas J. Smithson, sss, was ordained a priest in the Congregation
of the Blessed Sacrament on April 13, 2002 in his home parish of St. Charles
Borromeo in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bishop Donald Pelotte, sss, Bishop of Gallup,
New Mexico, officiated at the impressive and beautiful ceremony. The Bishop’s
inspiring message to Father Tom, from the ritual for ordination, is “believe
what you have read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”
Many Blessed Sacrament Fathers, Brothers and Sisters and Father Tom’s family
members in attendance were joined by LITE team members from St. Charles Borromeo
Parish in Albuquerque; St. Paschal Baylon Parish in Cleveland, Ohio and Corpus
Christi Parish in Houston, Texas as well as a LITE team member all the way from
Vista, California. The many memorable highlights of the weekend included Fr.
Tom’s first Mass on Sunday, April 14th and a celebration dinner Saturday
evening. Everyone attending agreed that they had experienced a truly grace filled
time. Father Tom was overwhelmed with messages of support and love from his
friends and family and we wish him many years of happy, fruitful ministry as
a Blessed Sacrament Father!
Father Robert Chabot, sss, pastor of St. Charles Parish and his wonderful parishioners
and the local Blessed Sacrament Community welcomed one and all with open arms.
We are most grateful for your warm hospitality.
The Blessed Sacrament Congregation’s 2002 Chapter Meeting
Fifty members of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation will gather in Esopus,
New York (across the Hudson River and a bit further north from Poughkeepsie)
in June for the 21st provincial chapter meeting for the Province of St. Ann.
The theme of this year’s gathering is The Ages and Stages of Religious
Life.
A provincial chapter is an important gathering of all the SSS religious held
every four years. At the Chapter the priests and brothers will elect a new provincial
superior and provincial council, and will hold discussions on various proposals
and discuss the emphasis and thrust of their life and ministry for the next
four years.
Major presentations will be given by a Maryknoll Brother and a Dominican sister
on the themes and aging and retirement. Father Hans van Schijndel, sss, Vicar
General on the General Council in Rome and the International LITE coordinator,
will be present to mission the newly elected leaders. Reports will come from
the Province of St. Ann, their Treasurer, the Vocations Office, the Planning
Commission, and Emmanuel Magazine. Father Tom Wiese will be speaking on the
activities and future plans of the Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing. Father
Tom’s report will be included in the fall edition of HI LITE. Please pray
for the success of this important gathering of our SSS friends!
REPEAT OF A SELLOUT: Workshop on Prayer in the Presence of the Eucharist
An important workshop on Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament was sponsored
by the Blessed Sacrament Congregation in September, 2001 at Holy Name retreat
center in Houston.
Because of the resounding success of this four day workshop, it has been decided
to again offer the workshop — this time May 12-16, 2003 at St. Joseph Christian
Life Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The good news is furthered by the fact that
the original speakers have all agreed to repeat their outstanding presentations.
Father Edward Foley, OFM Cap will speak on the Historical Perspectives of Prayer
Before the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Kenan Osborne, OFM will address the Theological
Perspectives of Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament and Fr. Norman Pelletier,
sss, will present the Spirituality of Prayer in the Presence of the Blessed
Sacrament as well as Canonical and Liturgical Considerations.
Additional details will be available in a brochure that will be mailed at a
later date from the CEE in Houston. When you receive your brochure, run, don’t
walk, to sign up for this outstanding workshop! It’s a once in a lifetime
opportunity and you won’t want to miss it!
Planning an Italian Adventure: Buon Viaggio!
Due to persistent hounding by many, Father Tom Wiese has decided to start
preparing an itinerary for a trip through Italy. In October, 2003, the CEE will
sponsor a two week tour of Italy with Father Tom as the group’s leader
and spiritual director. As Father Tom lived in Italy for eight years, he hopes
to prepare a memorable trip. Exact dates, costs, etc. have not been set at this
time but an ambitions itinerary has been outlined with our travel agency, Journeys
Unlimited.
Have you ever dreamed of seeing Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Orvieto, Rome,
Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, and Calabria as well as Taormina, Palermo
and Agrigento in Sicily! We had wonderful experiences on the Eymard Pilgrimage
in France and are looking forward to the upcoming trip to Spain. Now our sights
are set on Italy! Due to the overwhelming interest, seats will be taken quickly
— so start making your plans soon.
We will keep you informed about the details of the trip as we have them and
hope to have our brochure ready early in 2003. If you are half sure you want
to join us, please send us your name even now as our list is growing day by
day. Don’t be left at home! Start brushing up on your Italian. Arrivederci!
by Marcia Edwards,
Atlanta, GA
“Bread and wine are the food of the poor. Is it forcing the symbolism
to say that the Eucharist is the food of the spiritually poor, the weak; that
in the Eucharist we have no banquet for heroes, but sustenance for the weakest
of us all?” (from On Becoming Whole in Christ by John F. X. Sheehan, S.J.)The
wealthy Jews in Jesus’ time were able to shop in the markets and buy exotic
treats imported from other countries or cultures to enhance their daily meals.
And to the poor Jewish families, who were dependent on the vagaries of the harsh
desert climate and uncooperative soil for food, every morsel they were able
to put on their table might be considered a miracle. But to all of them the
sharing of food at a common meal was special. Families gathered together, blessed
the food, and praised and thanked God for his gifts. The breaking of bread together
was a sacred experience.
The annual Passover meal was a festive time for both rich and poor alike. It
was a time of ritual and remembrance, and one that provided a unifying experience
for everyone. When Christ celebrated his last Passover with his inner circle
of friends it had one thing in common with all other Passover feasts. In addition
to the ritually symbolic items such as salt and bitter herbs, there were probably
a variety of delicacies not normally eaten at the average daily meal.
So if we look at Christ’s choice of Eucharistic elements, we can see that
he chose from the abundance, the most basic of all the items available.
So if we look at Christ’s choice of Eucharistic elements, we can see that
he chose from the abundance, the most basic of all the items available. He chose
bread and wine, the fruits of the earth, which would provide human sustenance
in the absence of anything else. Not only were these staples for the Jewish
people from which he came, but also for the people of other nations who would
eventually be included in the number of “believers”.
Jesus took the bread and wine, and during a meal of remembrance of the past,
transformed it into a gift that would last for time unending, his own real presence.
As long as there exists grain and grape, he will always be able to remain with
those who love and believe in him. In the Eucharistic celebration we share,
Jesus is truly among us, as our food for life.In choosing these simple items
of nourishment, he made it plain that everyone was to partake in his gift.
In choosing these simple items of nourishment, he made it plain that everyone
was to partake in his gift. The strong can grow stronger, but anyone who is
failing in body or spirit can be revived and refreshed by partaking of the bread
and wine that is the body and blood of Christ.
Marcia Edwards is a single lay woman living and working in Atlanta, Georgia. Marcia has been active on the Metro Atlanta LITE Team for several years, and has frequently contributed to HI LITE. Once again, we welcome Marcia’s contribution and thank her for her enthusiastic living of the Life in the Eucharist message.
PROVINCIAL CHAPTER OF SSS — If you would like to join with the
Fathers and Brothers of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and pray for
the success of their upcoming Provincial Chapter XXI in June 19-28, 2002, we
include here the prayer that they will be saying during this time of preparation.
Please join with us in prayer:
Ever-faithful God, in your goodness,
you have blessed the Eucharistic mission
of our Congregation in the United States for the past century.
Guide us to know your will at this time in our history,
so that your kingdom may come and Christ may be glorified.
May Mary, Our Lady of the Cenacle, and our Holy Founder
intercede for us always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
LITE TEAM ADMINISTRATORS MEETING — The Center for Eucharistic
Evangelizing polled the LITE teams’ administrators concerning a date for
their annual meeting in 2002. The consensus was to forego any meeting this year
and to delay the gathering until early 2003 since Father Tom Wiese will be away
on sabbatical from August 23rd until December 8th. Thus, as soon as it is scheduled,
you will be made aware of the next meeting of the LITE Team Administrators.
ANOTHER REASON TO CELEBRATE — In April 2002, Dick and Marie Kane, both long time LITE team members at St. Martin de Porres Parish in Taylorsville, Utah, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their faithful dedication to the LITE Movement has helped the work of eucharistic evangelizing in the Salt Lake City area. Thanks for showing us all how to stay young, enthusiastic and involved through the years. Congratulations, Dick and Marie! We pray that you may celebrate many more happy years together and that you continue to LITE our way!
DON’T BLINK OR YOU MAY MISS HIM! — In June, Father Thomas Wiese will attend his Congregations’s Chapter meeting in New York but he will have to leave a day early to jet to Madrid for the 4th International LITE Congress. Then, Father Tom will leave at the end of August for a three month sabbatical to study in the Holy Land. We will welcome him home in December, just in time for the annual LITE pancake breakfast and craft sale at Corpus Christi Parish. Maybe this year, he’ll get to don his chef’s hat and flip some flapjacks! Please keep Father Tom in your prayers throughout the coming months.
SPEAKING OF TIME. . . : — “Until you are convinced that prayer
is the best use of your time, you will not find time for prayer.” –
Hilary Ottensmeyer, O.S.B.
SSS International | Eucharistic Theology | SSS USA | Saint Peter Julian Eymard
©
Copyright 2002
Rev. Thomas A. Wiese, SSS, Director
Mrs. Nancy MacRoberts, Administrator
Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing
9900 Stella Link Road
Houston, TX 77025
Telephone: (713) 661-3958 + Fax: (713) 662-2014