Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with  thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

     – Philippians 4:6

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Recent Testimonials

June 26, 2011

Dear Emmaus Brothers and Sisters,
 

Please accept our thanks for your prayers, presence, and support to the Emmaus ministry farewell held today for Ralph and Kim Rodriguez Torres. Nearly a hundred parishioners and ministry members joined us following Father Kenny’s blessing of their family at the 12:15 Mass.

To our priests Father Ennis, Father Gregory, Father Justin, and Father Liam, thank you.  The humility of Father Gregory’s kind testimony delivered on the 12^th anniversary of his ordination, Father Ennis’s long distance “Slainte” greeting from Ireland, and Father’s Justin’s and Liam’s prayers demonstrated more than the deep love with which Ralph and Kim are held.  As instruments of God’s love and service they are reminders and testament  to the ever present Body of Christ in our midst.  

Each of the members of the Emmaus ministry recognize the transformative power of Christ’s love and mercy.  Today we  honored and remember the impact which a family who arrived at  Holy Family 16 years ago knowing no one now depart having left an indelible impression of Christ’s love throughout its parish community.

Generous and humble in the expression of gratitude to the parish, Ralph and Kim reminded us that we are each called to answer the gift we have received.  This afternoon we saw a beautiful example of two who did.  They are not alone   There are many here quietly going about the good work of Jesus’ instruction to “Love one another as I have loved you’.  We pray for each of you and hope that the encouragement we have received on the Road to Emmaus is a gift that all will continue to give again.

Thanks are also extended to those who selflessly contributed to the success of this afternoon’s farewell: Nancy Wheatley and the Emmaus women’s ministry members, Spencer Silvers for the coordination of the Social Hall, Father Ennis in his continuing support to the ministry, and all of those present and at a distance who offered their prayers and testimony.

Ours is not a goodbye to Ralph and Kim but a farewell as we recall the departing words of St Paul to the Corinthians:  

“And now I must say good-bye. Encourage one another. Live in  harmony and peace, and the God of Love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones send greetings to you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,  and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

- 2 Corinthians 13: 11

Be Well and May God Bless and Protect Your Families,
 

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September 11, 2010

Dear Emmaus Brothers & Sisters:

Have you already read the book: "Why Not Me?" by Raymond Rodriguez-Torres? I wanted to share a real life result of God's power through the testimony of this book:

My brother, Raymond called me yesterday afternoon to tell me that he had just hung up the phone with a friend of my parents from many, many, years ago. Sid & Dorothy have been friends of our family for almost 48 years!!! Well, the story begins back in the early 1960's, when our family immigrated from Cuba to Brooklyn, NY. We lived in a small apartment building, on the second floor, and directly below us; was a young couple with two small children; the same ages and my older brother (Raul) and I.
We began as neighbors, but our families became close friends. A few years later, Sid and his family moved away to the beautiful suburbs of Long Island and we remained in Brooklyn. The friendship continued and we would often drive out and visit them in Long Island. Well, that friendship has continued to flourish, despite the distance, until its present day.

Sid and family are Jewish. At very least; that is what we were told and have believed all of these years. Yesterday, my brother received this phone call from Sid out of the blue. Sid told him that he and Dorothy had both read "Why Not Me?" and had been brought to tears. More importantly, Sid told Raymond that he has been Agnostic and that his wife, Dorothy has been an Atheist. All these years, they have told friends that they are Jewish, but that they do it because that is the faith they were born to, but not what they actually practice nor believe.

You can imagine our shock and surprise, when all these years; we thought them to be Jewish.

Here comes the amazing part:

Sid told Raymond, that he and Dorothy have been PRAYING since they read the book. They are now growing in FAITH and beginning to read the bible. Can you believe it? Yes - - miracles do happen and they are happening all around us!!!

Folks - I truly believe that Bella is an example to the world of God's powerful, healing, and saving hand. I truly believe it. Through this innocent child and the horrendous affliction that has been endured; God's mercy and passion are shining through. Perhaps this was the purpose behind it all?. That through it all, many lives will turn to the Lord and bring them closer to Him.

Many of you believe you "know" the story of Bella - but if you have not yet read the book - DO IT!!! There are many details that are found only in the book that you do NOT know. Plus, all profits go to Pediatric Cancer Research and there is a desperate need to find a cure for cancer. Children are dying everyday.

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