Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'

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Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
J.M.J.                                   Newsletter of the Association of the Holy Family

                     Vol. 6 #1                                                                       USA 2012

                        Pope Benedict XVI Announces ‘Year of Faith’
        ‘The door of faith’ (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into
the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church.
                                                             -Pope Benedict XVI

        Scheduled for his meeting with the bishops of the world, our Holy Father
has announced the Year of Faith 2012-13 to begin on October 11, the anniversary
of the opening of Vatican II.

        In her desire to be one with our holy Catholic Church, Blessed Mary of
Jesus the Good Shepherd, our Foundress, would no doubt take seriously the
directives that will result in the bishops’ meeting. She treasured her faith and
urged her religious daughters to do likewise, in word and action. In a conference
to the Sisters she said: “Our Divine Redeemer gave us faith… a totally unmerited
grace, which is vital. Our faith should rise above the intellect… our faith should
not be passive but active. Faith, as a supernatural grace must command the under-
standing, elevate it, and accompany all our activities. Where the intellect would
see only a simple accident, faith should see and adore the dispensation of God’s
Providence.” Our Foundress continued:
        “Faith should always be linked to prayer and prayer ought to rest on humility. God can refuse nothing to
humble souls who care more for His interest than for their own. Every activity should be performed in con-
formity to His holy will. In this manner we shall be complying with the teaching of Christ that we ought to pray
always”. - CONFERENCE OF OUR MOTHER FOUNDRESS, On Faith, pp 216-7.

     Family - The Domestic Church            Second Vatican Council Celebrates 50 Years

   The Christian family is the Church                 The documents that emerged from Vatican II have helped
   in its smallest and most powerful         fashion the Church we have today. In the ‘Pastoral Constitution on the
   form. When the family gathers             Church in the Modern World’ (Gaudium et Spes), we read: With their
   together to pray, then Christ is in the   parents leading the way by example and family prayer, children and
   midst in a special way. He blesses        indeed everyone gathered around the family hearth will find a readier
   the father, mother and children in        path to human maturity, salvation and holiness. Graced with the dignity
   their unique relationship with one        and office of fatherhood and motherhood, parents will energetically
   another. Through sharing in prayer        acquit themselves of a duty which devolves primarily on them, namely
   the family grows together in Christ.      education and especially religious education.
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates ____________________________________________________________2

Eucharist: Chief Source of Growth                      USA Provincial Chapter Concluding
              in the Spiritual Life
 Blessed are they who do not see and yet
believe… Faith can move mountains… What is
needed is trust… Behold I come to make all
things new. - Jn 20:29; Mk 11:23; Mk 5:36; Rev. 21:5
Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that Holy Mass
               is Jesus Christ’s greatest act
               of our redemption, and Pope
               John Paul II also reminds us            Prayers are requested for our Holy Family
               that Jesus waits for us in the          Province Chapter members as they come nearer
               Sacrament of Love reserved in           to final election of the 2013 new administration.
               the Tabernacle. Was it not a            Included in this representative body are AHF
               joy to read/hear that the               affiliated members: Row 1- S.M.Yvette; Row 3-
               Franciscans     in    London            S.M.Malgorzata, S.M.Ellen and S.M.Michelle
               initiated the opportunity for           Vincent.                  -Nazareth Connections
               Holy Mass and perpetual                 ************************************
               Eucharistic Adoration during            Christ cont’d. There are many trials in this life-
               the Olympic Games?                      big ones and small ones-and I know for me
                                                       when I sit before the Lord, even if things are
Following are excerpts from a ‘sharing’ that was       happening in my life that cause pain, I find
presented by one of the first Associates at a          peace and I know I am in His presence. Without
gathering on the occasion of the 25th Year of the      my time with Jesus before the Tabernacle or
Association of the Holy Family (AHF.)                  exposed on the altar, I would not have the
                                                       strength to carry my trials and to grow towards
Christ Truly Present in the Eucharist                  holiness. My mind is quite active but Jesus’
                        By Maryanne Blatz              healing presence is there; He knows me and it is
                                                       okay.
When I first came to Meadowbrook for prayer
                                                                Jesus says whoever eats my flesh and
25 years ago, I had no idea how much I would
                                                       drinks my blood will have eternal life. I believe
learn and what I was really becoming a part of.
                                                       we can have a little bit of that eternal life here
With the help of S. Rita and the writings of
                                                       and now before the Blessed Sacrament in
Mother Foundress, I learned about holiness and
                                                       adoration. While there I also pray the rosary for
the Eucharist. I believe we need spiritual
                                                       families – especially for mine.
nourishment to grow in holiness. I had to learn
                                                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
to be still in the presence of the Lord.
                                                           Nazareth Associates
Through the years of FIAT/AHF and my weekly                                            Vol.6 #1 - 2012
prayer group I found that the true Presence is in                         Holy Family Province, USA
the Eucharist. Growing up I was taught that, but                           A publication for and by the
now I know that. So I started going to Mass as                Association of the Holy Family
often as I could. I was a young mother and                                  Editor: Sr. M. Rita Partyka
couldn’t always get there, but finally I was able                               Assistant: Sr. M Yvette
to go to Mass daily before work. Now I can’t                  2755 Holme Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19152
imagine life without receiving Him daily. I had                                     Tel. 215-338-8992
the desire for Adoration and went to the parish                            Email: partykar@msn.com
church when I could. I am a wife, mother and             AHF Directors: S.Beata, J. Bolda, S.Dorothea,
grandmother, and I work. However, I can make                      S.Florence , S.Mary Frances, S.Rita
a Holy Hour either early a.m. or evenings.                                 Printer: Pioneer Press, Inc.
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates ____________________________________________________________3

  CSFN Province Leadership Representative Visits Associates in Lansing MI
                                                                                  By Barbara Alspaugh
        Sister Virginia, Provincial Counselor and liaison for the Association of the Holy Family, visited
the Associates of St. Casimir’s Parish along with Sister Florence Pawlicki, AHF Director of the Great
Lakes Area, on March 17. Sr. Virginia gave many suggestions for topics for meetings and reviewed the
Nazareth Mission with the Associates. Sister also shared highlights from "Shaping Our Future", a
brochure describing the Sisters of the Holy Family Province's plans for the Sisters and Associates. (Goal 4
pertains to AHF directly.)
        This visit was the beginning of many trips to visit AHF members in the province explained Sr.
Virginia. Coming from Philadelphia to Lansing, she would then make her way to Cleveland, Sr.Florence's
hometown. Sr. Florence taught here at St Casimir School, and with the parish having celebrated its 90th
Anniversary, it was an extended celebration. We loved having our visitors! The parish was founded by
Polish immigrants; named in honor of St. Casimir a Polish Prince; many Polish families still live here.

At St. Casimir Parish Hall, Holy Family Associates listen attentively to Sr. Virginia Rozich and Sr. Florence
Pawlicki, Coordinator in Michigan.                                           Photos by Barbara Alspaugh, AHF

  Sister Virginia Continues Visitations to AHF Local Groups in the Province
 On May 17, 2012 Ascension Thursday, members of St. Joseph Group, Philadelphia held their monthly
                                                           meeting with prayer, discussion and a
                                                           procession honoring Mary, Queen of
                                                           May. Maryann, Joanne and Sister
                                                           Rita, Director, shared their memories
                                                           of our “Associate Beginnings” 33
                                                           years ago in Meadowbrook, PA. Sister
                                                           Virginia, guest and AHF liaison,
                                                           encouraged the Associates in their
                                                           spreading of our ‘Nazareth’ charism
                                                           and also distributed copies of the
                                                           updated AHF leaflets.

Annemarie Jannotta, Maryann Blatz, Sr. Virginia, S. Rita, Joanne O’Donnell.

                                         The Year of Faith
                  A summons to a renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ.
                     + Profess it.    +Celebrate it.    +Live it.    +Pray it.
                            Be totally renewed as a Follower of Christ!
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates ___________________________________________________________ 4

                            Living Life with Extraordinary Love
        Living Life with Extraordinary Love in the spirit of Jesus, Mary & Joseph (in) the Association of
the Holy Family are the stark words on the front page of a new brochure produced by our Holy Family
Province. These leaflets are sparking interest and helping to explain and promote our ‘Nazareth’ charism,
specifically, the Association of the Holy Family.
                                                  Another bit of newness springing forth from the active
                                                  Association in Texas is the Holy Family Group from
                                                  St. Thomas Parish in East Dallas. Sister M. Vrginia
                                                  Rozich, AHF liaison, and Sister Malgorzata Majesczek,
                                                  the Coordinator, have been meeting with a core group
                                                  of the laity there for organizing and planning goals and
                                                  activities for four of the interested families and their
                                                  children. Currently the interest has widened to four
                                                  additional families.

                                                S. M. Virginia & S. M. Geradine pose with the families
                                                interested in the Association of the Holy Family.

Jim & Dot Weitzel enjoy their children, grandchildren and the latest great grandchild.
                                                                                                       The
                                                                                                       Weitzel
                                                                                                       Family
                                                                                                         C
                                                                                                         E   T
                                                                                                         L   O
                                                                                                         E   G
                                                                                                         B   E
                                                                                                         R   T
                                                                                                         A   H
                                                                                                         T   E
                                                                                                         E   R
                                                                                                         S   N
                                                                                                             E
                                                                                                             S
                                                                                                             S

                Philadelphia AHF Core Members Plan Annual Event
                                                    AHF Core members met at Mt. Nazareth,
                                                    Philadelphia on May 5, 2012 to plan for their yearly
                                                    event - the Annual Associates Gathering to be held
                                                    October 14. The topic will be FAITH, in keeping
                                                    with our Holy Father’s topic this year with his
                                                    meeting with the bishops. Rev. Lawrence Kozak has
                                                    already accepted our invitation as guest speaker and
                                                    Mass celebrant. A future meeting will confirm the
                                                    agenda.
                                                    Standing: Sr. M. Angela Cresswell, WandaWesolowski,
                                                    Sr. M. Virginia Rozich, Sr. M. Michele Vincent Fisher;
                                                    Sitting: Sr. M. Rita P., Dorie Michalak, Sr. M.Aurea Stroik
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates ____________________________________________________________5

For Love, Fun and Charity
              Great Lakes Area Associates Enjoy Annual Picnic
                                                      By Sr. Florence Pawlicki and Blanche Lozar

       The Annual Associate Picnic took place on Saturday, August 4, 2012, in Holy Family
Manor Auditorium. The Auditorium was filled with guests from Cleveland, Ohio, Erie and
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. A good time was had by all which included a delicious lunch, table
game, Bingo, Chinese Auction, Make a Deal, and Share the Wealth. There were six door prizes
for the guests to enjoy. Money raised from the games will go to our Philippine Missions. The
event ended with an anticipated Sunday Mass.
                                                                       Sr. Florence stops to
                                                                          chat with friends.
                                                                              *****

                                                                                       S. Maria Kruszewski
                                                                                  gives a talk to the assembly.

  Checking out the prizes.   John Lednak & Michael Cavanaugh   L-R:Sr. Gerri, Mr.Cavanaugh, Sr.Jane Frances
                                                                 Sr. Madeleine; Sitting: Sister Mary Anthony
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates ___________________________________________________________ 6

Brooklyn Associates Select Patrons
                                                             Mother Foundress’ reflection on the Wise Men
         On Wednesday, January 11, 2012,                     always serves to inspire the Associates to
Associates gathered with Sister Dorothea,                    appreciate the rich heritage of our congregation,
director, to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany in              especially the tradition of choosing a holy card
the Sisters’ convent. The weather cooperated so              bearing the name of a patron saint, a virtue to
that all the Associates, including those in                  strive for, a maxim of our Mother Foundress and
training, with the exception of our three praying            an intention to pray tor throughout the New
members, were able to be present for this annual             Year.
celebration.
                                                             The Associates then processed to the dining
                                                             room, festively decorated with Christmas motifs,
                                                             at the center of which was the Nativity scene. In
                                                             a Santa gift bag, each Associate found surprises
                                                             including a holy card with an image and prayer
                                                             of the Holy Family.
                                                             Soon it was time for choosing the three Kings.
                                                             After a tray of large paczki was passed around,
                                                             the Associates dug in, hoping to find a peanut M
                                                             & M within. The lucky women were “Cooky”
Our day began at 1:00 PM with a Holy Hour
                                                             Tomczyk, Sophie Chocko, and Stella
during which all participated in the Nazareth
                                                             Bejnarowicz. Applause and cheers greeted the
Prayer Service for the Feast of the Epiphany
                                                             winners. Like the Magi, the Associates returned
traditionally used by the Sisters to honor Jesus’
                                                             home rejoicing and full of praise of God.
manifestation to the Gentiles.
                                                                                     By Sister M. Dorothea
----------------------------------------------------------

Easter Monday – Dyngus Day
                          There are many stories that attempt to explain the origins of “Dyngus” on
                   the day after Easter when boys want to attract notice from the girls of their choice.
                   It was custom in Poland to throw water and hit the girls on their legs with pussy
                   willows. Cologne was used instead of water by the more gallant lads. The ladies
                   would reciprocate on Tuesday as their day of revenge.

        Since 966 A.D., Dyngus Day has been associated with the baptism of Prince Mieszko I.
The custom of pouring water is an ancient spring rite of cleansing, purification, and fertility. The
first king of Poland was baptized into Christianity, bringing Catholicism to Poland.
        Tradition states that Prince Mieszko I along with his court was baptized on Easter
Monday. Thus, Dyngus Day and its rites of sprinkling with water have become a folk celebration
in thanksgiving for the end of the often restrictive observance of Lent and the joy of Easter.

        Over the decades, Dyngus Day has become a wonderful holiday to
celebrate Polish-American culture and heritage. In more modern times, the
tradition continued in Polish-American populations such as South Bend in
Indiana, Chicago in Illinois, Elizabeth in New Jersey, Bristol in Connecticut
and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. And as the popular polka anthem explains –
“Everybody’s Polish on Dyngus Day.” Source: Polonia Media Network
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates____________________________________________________________7

                                 St. Joseph’s Table Celebration
                                                                                    By Sylvia Murillo

          Is it possible to have 80 degree weather in March in the city of Chicago? It’s unheard of but true.
And the joy of seeing the sun out carried over into our celebration of St. Joseph. It was a record turnout
(24 Sisters, 34 Associates and 4 guests) and everyone was happy and joyful to be reunited. Our day
began with a service in Chapel that included a litany to St. Joseph, a gospel reading, and full participation
in singing. We proceeded into the dining room for short excerpts from the movie Joseph of Nazareth.
          Sr. Barbara Jean Wojnicki prepared a collage of pictures of St. Joseph and distributed copies so
we all had the opportunity to choose a favorite pose depicting him in various activities. We then chose
one and shared amongst our group at the tables why we thought that was our favorite. It was enlightening
to hear different opinions even when some of us chose the same picture! After this activity we had a short
meeting given by our Director, Jim Bolda. We also managed to sing Happy Birthday to Sr. Marcela and
to our fellow Associate Joe Marczak and to welcome Boguslaw Fijor’s 90 year old mother, Eugenia, who
is visiting from Poland.
          This all contributed to the family get together atmosphere we enjoyed all afternoon. And of
course, our day ended, with a meatless luncheon and a wide variety of desserts. The unity felt by all was
a beautiful compliment to St. Joseph, head of the Holy Family. It was a true celebration in his honor.

                                                                    Associates gather in Des Plaines to
                                                                    honor the March feast of St. Joseph
                                                                    and to celebrate the traditional
                                                                    Lenten ‘St. Joseph Table’.

Associates, Sisters and guests watch excerpts of the movie
St. Joseph of Nazareth

                                                                    Mary Bolda and Sister Stella Louise
                                                                    Slomka at the St. Joseph’s Table.

Alice Ryan, Sr. Dolores Kazmierzcak and Sr. Lauren Sosnowski          HOPE sees the invisible, feels the
discussing the St. Joseph collage.                                      intangible, and achieves the
                                                                                impossible.
Newsbrief:
   Associate Theresa Romanowski, Vice President of the Polish American Congress and Secretary of
the Board of Directors of the Polish American Culture Center in Philadelphia (among many other
responsibilities), appeared in the August/September 2012 issue of the Polish American News as the
contact person for the event at Applebee’s, celebrating October as Polish American Heritage month.
   The same issue of the Polish American News also featured the Museum’s historic reflections projects
presented through the Polish American Radio Program. Among these was a reflection on the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth executed by the Nazis on August 1, 1943 in Nowogrodek which was once
Poland, now Belarus. We celebrate the feastday of Bl. Stella and Her 10 Companions September 4.
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates ___________________________________________________________ 8

         CSFN Scheduled to Open New Ghana Mission in the Fall
        After serving in parish ministry in Texas and a recent, more intensive period
of discernment, Sr. Emmanuela Le was chosen as one of four CSFNs to serve at a
school in the Diocese of Sunyani, Ghana.
        “I know that I always wanted to be a missionary,” says Sr. Emmanuela Le, one of four
CSFNs who will open the community’s mission in Ghana this fall. She will be joining two
Sisters from Krakow and one from England in the mission.
        The Sisters left for Rome for specialized training and hope to leave for Ghana on August
29. In September, they will participate in missionary formation at the SVD Formation Center in
Tamale. They expect to move into their house in Sunyani in October. Prayers are requested.
                                                                                  -from Family Forum

                                   In Unity There Is Strength
     O Holy Family, bless and protect all the families of the world; safeguard their family life.

                                                      Isn’t it heartwarming to know that Sisters and
                                                   Associates around the globe are united in the same
                                                   one Holy Family prayer?

                                                   “O Holy Family, bless and protect all the
                                                   families of the world; safeguard their unity,
                                                   fidelity, integrity and dignity. Enable them to
                     The                           live according to God’s law that they may
                   Nazareth                        fulfill their sublime vocation. May their lives
                    Family
                                                   be a reflection of yours and may they enjoy
                                                   your presence forever in heaven. Amen.

                                          When we pray daily this prayer to the Holy Family, how often
                                         do we reflect on its meaning? Are we committed to working
                                         towards what we are asking for in our prayer?

  Unity –oneness, accord, harmony, solidarity, union;
           Fidelity – faithfulness, loyalty, exactness, binding;
                           Integrity – soundness, honesty, undivided, firm adherence to values;
                                           Dignity – (state of) esteemed, honored, respected, regarded.

Jesus, splendor of the Father,                                         Jesus, Good Shepherd,
                    have mercy on us.                                                 have mercy on us.
Mary, Mother of God,                                                   Mary, Queen of Families,
                  pray for us.                                                        pray for us.
St. Joseph, Pillar of Family Life                                      St. Joseph, Patron of the Dying,
                  pray for us.                                                        pray for us.
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates ___________________________________________________________ 9

Did you know?                                                                                       Nazareth
              The Holy Family Association in Australia Celebrates Jubilee
         Associates and their families from Sydney and Canberra gathered in Marayong with
the Sisters to celebrate the Association of the Holy Family of Nazareth Anniversaries of 20
and 25 years respectively, on November 6, 2011. Special guests from Rome enhanced the
special occasion: Mother M. Jana Zawieja, Superior General and Sister M. Angela Mazzeo,
General Councilor were in Australia for their General Visitation. S. Grazyna Roclawska,
Provincial Superior, received the group with a warm welcome. The festive day
                                                  included Mass, meals, some memories and
                                                  entertainment. Rev. Robert Doohan, main
                                                  celebrant     and         Rev.       David         Scott
                                                  concelebrated Holy Mass.                 Sisters and
                                                  Associates prepared and presented the
                                                  special dinner, refreshments and activities of
                                                  the day. Family members also contributed to
                                                  the beautiful music. Mother Jana accepted
                                                  the commitments of the new members who,
                                                  after receiving their pins, gave brief but
                                                  inspiring    testimonies.                Books        of
                                                  Remembrance and Sister Lois Ann
                                                  Ricciardi’s historical account added deeper
Sr. Alicja Drabik, Associate Director, presents meaning to the great event.
the official Association pins to new members.                    Selected from Under the Southern Cross
                                                     For more information about CSFN in Australia visit www.csfn.org.au
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BOHOL, PHILIPPINES                                          HAIFA, ISRAEL
Associates of St. Joseph Group, Phila. Offer Christmas Gift
                         of Support and a Year Education

                         Angela Cecilia G. Lenteria
                        Grade 4
                        Holy Family of Nazareth School
                        Bohol, Philippines is grateful to
                        Associates Dot, Joanne, Maryanne,
                        Annemarie and Patricia for                         Sister Mary Michael takes a break
                        supporting her studies. God bless you.             with the Filipino Group.

                                 CSFN VISITING HOLY FAMILY STATUE
                                 MAKES ITS WAY THROUGH THE USA
                                   The CSFN Visiting Statue for the Holy Family
                              Province has started its travels. Associates in Erie
                              were lucky to be with the Sisters for their AHF
                              meeting when the statue arrived. The Associates of
                              St. John Cantius, Philadelphia were likewise
                              blessed with the same experience. In the second
                              year of renewal since the congregation’s general
                              chapter and in her letter to the Sisters, Mother Jana,      A short but sweet interlude with
                              Sup. Gen., encouraged all to thrust more deeply             JMJ. Standing: Alexis & Bonnie
                                                                                           Sitting: Theresa & Dori (Phila)
                              into life, love, and service with the Holy Family.
Pope Benedict XVI Announces 'Year of Faith'
Nazareth Associates __________________________________________________________ 10

Family --- the Heart of our Mission
                           Associate Coordinators Participate in Guided Retreat
                                                                                                                              By Sr. Maria Kruszewski
         Six sisters gathered in Monroe, CT with Sister Maria Kruszewski to celebrate once again the
foundation of their lives as Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The Trinity and the Holy Family
served as anchoring mysteries to guide their reflection on the love God has placed in each person's heart,
as well as within all of creation. Truly love is the source, the way, and the inspiration of our mission.
         There was ample time to reflect upon Scripture, related readings and individual stories as a source
of listening to God's Word experienced in history and lives of ordinary people. In the evening there was
time to share the wonders, graces, and gifts received throughout the day.
         Each believed that the greatest gift was not only to listen to God's Word but to experience God's
love in the opening of hearts, the learning of our shared history and in expressing dreams for the future.

                                                                                                            Gathered around symbols of God’s
                                                                                                            creation are the participants:

                                                                                                            L to R: Sr..M.Eileen Therese
                                                                                                            Przybylowski, Sr. M. Therese
                                                                                                            Frankowski, Sr.M. Rebecca Sullivan,
                                                                                                            Sr. Mary Lou Kwiatkowski, Sr. Maria
                                                                                                            Kruszewski, Sr. M. Rita Partyka and
                                                                                                            Sr.M.Jude Carroll

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                  Comments to the Editor

From Lee Roedell, Gold Canyon, Arizona
         I truly do enjoy the newspaper, Sister! Post mail or email…Send it on! I’ve been busy, but I yearn to get
back to my sewing (designed crafts work) and the quiet conversations with Mother Foundress to whom I’ve turned
to help me make good decision with my work. Regards to all my Associate friends!

From Maria (Delaney) Pennefather, Cullman, Alabama
          Great news, Sister! After being away from Philadelphia for seven years, Larry and I plan to make a short
visit to Philadelphia. I can tell you in person how I appreciate hearing from Philly and reading the Associates News.

From Teresa Galvan, Wheeling, Illinois
         I have been asked by my pastor to start a support system for people who are grieving. Another way to help
families! Pray, please, as I start this new group for those seeking comfort and healing in their time of sorrow.

From Monica Lowery, Irving, Texas
          You asked about the newsletter, Sister. I like it. It is informative; it serves its purpose. I like the short
news clips about Catholic concerns, the Pope's words, etc. A suggestion that comes to mind would be in the
Something to Think About section. I would like to see included more quotes from the spiritual writings of the saints
and blesseds. The reason for this suggestion is simply that we Catholics in the world don't get too much exposure to
these treasures, unless, of course, we dig for them--but many people don't have the time or resources. A good source
for a lot of religious writing is the website, http://www.sacredheart.com. It has many good books, including the
writings of all the Fathers of the Church. - Ed. Note: Thanks Monica. I’ll work on it.

                                                                                     *********
Note from the Ed.: Nazareth Associates has not yet been set up technically for email, so this issue will be sent
by post mail to all.
Nazareth Associates __________________________________________________________ 11

Family Space                                                                              NAZARETH …
                                                                              of little known fame among the hills,
                                                                                   guardian of the plains below
                                                                              never scene of spectacles or thrills,
                                                                            home to a Family very few would come to
                                                                                              know.

                                                                                          NAZARETH …
                                                                                 fertile as a garden in full bloom,
                                                                                       giving life to all within
                                                                                drawing strength from sun, moon
                                                                                opening doors to strangers, to kin.

                                                                                          NAZARETH …
                                                                              “Can anything good come from you?”
                                                                                How blind the ancient ones of old
                                                                             failed to recognize Him, the Son of God
                                                                               of whom the prophets had foretold.

                                                                                         NAZARETH …
                                                                               Your simple life, your carefree days
                                                                                beckon to us to rejoice in the ways
                                                                             of three Special People, the Holy Three
All smiles! Dorothy and James Weitzel are happy to be                      their example to follow, for you and for me.
with their son and daughters for this family photo.
                                                                                       Sister Mary Bernard Wiecezak,
                                                                         CSFN

    Break-time from Collecting Easter Eggs                     Reminiscing the CSFN 125th anniversary

                                                              Mother M. Jana Zawieja, Superior General, finds
                                                              herself surrounded by Nazareth Family Associates
                                                              during the unforgettable celebration in Chicago.

                                                                     The family that prays
                                                                   together stays together.
Celinda Di Bernado with (l to r) Gustavo, daughter
Carey, Celinda, Joe and grandchildren Martin and
                                                                 -Fr. Patrick Peyton, promoter of
Stella, who are celebrating Martin's 8th birthday .                    praying the ROSARY.

                                        Prayer for Peace in the Family
          Lord Jesus, my family needs your help today. We need your peace and tranquility, an end to discord.
 Give us strength and compassion to understand each other, and the trust and patience we need to live
 peacefully together. Grant that, through the intercession of Your mother, Mary, and St. Joseph, our family too
 may become a holy family, a family that works together as one, a family that embraces peace and love, a
 family whose members are dedicated to each other and to you. Amen.
Nazareth Associates _________________________________________________________________ 12

INTERESTING READING                                              +++ In Memoriam + ++
              Enjoy!       Grow!                          Eternal rest grant to our Associates, O Lord
                                                           and let perpetual light shine upon them.
                                                                May they rest in peace. Amen.
                                                                Areas: Great Lakes(GL) Mid-Atlantic(MA)
                             Light of the World               Midwest(MW) NewEngland(NE) Southwest(SW)
                        A Conversation with Peter
                                         Seewald                         Dorothy Weitzel (MA) – 3/21/2012
                                   Ignatius Press                        Dottie was one of the very first of
                              San Francsico, CA                          our Associates, loyal for 33 years.
                      In this book Pope Benedict                         She is no doubt interceding for us
                      candidly and directly answers                      now before the throne of God.
                      many direct questions on so
                      many         personal        and
                      controversial topics. This is no
                      stern sermon or theological
tract, but a lively, fast-paced, challenging and at
times entertaining exchange.

         Available Websites for Books:
Ignatius Press www.ignatius.com
23rd Publications www.23rdpublications.com
Our Sunday Visitor www.osv.com
Ave Maria Press www.avemariapress.com                                                      -From the Internet
St. Paul Books & Media www.pauline.org                         R-U-L-E for ‘Golden’ Living
The Word Among www.wau.org
                                                         For everyday living, loving your neighbor
             How Is Your Heart?                          comes down to one “RULE.”
A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to
                                                         Rise above your own feelings of hurt or
the little ones' chests, would plug the
stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to       anger, even your own ego, to see the
their own heart. Their eyes would always light           situation or circumstance through another’s
up with awe, but she never got a response equal          eyes.
to four-year old David’s comment. Gently she             Understand that, with God’s grace, all
tucked the stethoscope into his ears and placed          things are possible, drawing strength for
the disk over his heart. 'Listen', she said...'What      your actions from that truth.
do you suppose that is?' He drew his eyebrows            Listen, in prayer, for the voice of God,
together in a puzzled line and looked up as if           guiding your actions and reactions.
lost in the mystery of the strange tap - tap -           Encourage those around you to live in
tapping deep in his chest. Then his face broke           God’s love and to love others as God loves
out in a wondrous grin and he asked, 'Is that
                                                         us.
Jesus knocking?'

               Words of Wisdom                                             Jesus,
 Watch your thoughts; they become words.
 Watch your words; they become actions.                                       Mary,
 Watch your actions; they become habits.                                          Joseph
 Watch your habits; they become character.                                          bless our readers
 Watch your character; they become your destiny.
                 Do you agree?                                                  and their families!
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