Please Help Build The Portiuncula Chapel

Photo of the Portiuncula Chapel at the
Franciscan University of Steubenville

To duplicate this Chapel, the Portiuncula Hermitage needs to raise $120,000

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It's times like these that tempt Catholics to throw in the towel and give up on the culture of despair.

Greed and corruption have wreaked havoc on our nation's economy. Euthanasia just received Washington State's stamp of approval. And all the pro-life victories of the past decade are now in jeopardy. It's the perfect storm for despair. But despair is the last thing we should do.

In troubled times, Christ calls us to pray, to trust in his perfect will, and to cooperate with his grace.

Ultimately, Christ calls us to hope. He calls us to remember that for Christians, peace does not rest on who wins an election or on the value of our stock portfolios, but in a loving God who “in everything...works for good.”

Of course, God doesn't just call us to hope. He gives us reasons to hope and signs of the good things to come.

I truly believe one of those reasons, one of those signs, is the Portiuncula Franciscan Hermitage and Retreat Center.

While many other Catholic institutions have sold out to the culture of death, the Portiuncula, along with a few others, has fought steadfastly for a culture of life. It has faithfully stood alongside the Church, forming men and women capable of true leadership and committed to bringing Christ to the culture.

But the "Portiuncula Chapel" can't be built alone. To continue building, we need your help! And that is why I'm writing you today: To invite you to join me in helping our culture through these troubled times by helping build the Portiuncula Chapel.

United in the Roman Catholic tradition and obedient to the Magisterium of the Church and the Bishop of Steubenville, we are committed to our Lord and Savior in the Scriptures, the Eucharist, the Sacraments of the Church and in our Brothers and Sisters.

With God's grace and your help, I believe past Portiuncula retreatants and those soon to follow in their footsteps will lead our culture and our country out of these troubled times.

That is why I invite you to share the work of these Catholics and the Portiuncula Hermitage that is forming them.

First, allow them to pray for you.

Prayer is the lifeblood of the Portiuncula Hermitage, and the Franciscan family would be honored to include you in their prayers. Please e-mail your most pressing intentions to: hermitage@parallax.ws

Everyone at the Portiuncula will pray for your intentions before the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and at Mass.

In turn, please pray for the Portiuncula, that it might continue to form leaders who can be salt and light to our world.

Finally, I would be grateful if you supported the work of building the Portiuncula Chapel with a generous financial contribution.

Your support of the Portiuncula will make it possible for the sons and daughters of the Church to grow in faith during their retreats, and become the courageous Catholic leaders the world desperately needs.

Today, I want to challenge you to become a partner in the Portiuncula's mission to build the Portiuncula Chapel by donating $5, $10, $25, $50, or more.

PORTIUNCULA FRANCISCAN HERMITAGE/RETREAT CENTER

ON LINE DONATION

Please, become a part of the Portiuncula Hermitage's work today. Don't let this chance to turn the culture around pass you by.

Pax Et Bonum!

T

Mystic Monk Coffee: A Perfect Holiday Gift!

Fra Giles Mary Christopher

Have it shipped anywhere in the world!

Order Mystic Monk Coffee Through The Portiuncula And Donate To Birthright (A Loving Alternative To Abortion)

The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming

Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks’ great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

The Monk Master Roaster

Br. Java is the master roaster who meticulously roasts beans in small batches. His philosophy is that each roast must be not only the labor of his hands, but a master roast of the highest quality. Br. Java is passionate about obtaining the perfect roasts for you. He carefully roasts only the finest gourmet beans under conditions that will make each roast consistent and smooth with a taste that will make your taste buds tingle. With experience and perfection, Mystic Monk Coffee is a coffee to savor and enjoy – with or without cream.

The Legend of the First Mystic Monk

Coffee is a product perfected and loved by monks from its beginning. When a monk of old heard the anguished tale of a shepherd who had sleepless goats, he himself discovered growing on shrubs the berries, which had such a wonderful affect. Delighted at his find, the ingenious monk boiled the beans in water and drank the resulting coffee. He found in his discovery a hot drink that could keep his eyes awake even amidst the midnight vigils and unceasing prayers of the monastic life.

The secret of coffee continues to keep monks ever alert and vigilant for their prayers, but now Mystic Monk Coffee shares the hidden, master roasts of monks with all who seek a delightful cup of coffee.

Monks are passionate Perfectionists

The monastic life is one of ordered perfection, which you will taste in every bag of Mystic Monk Coffee. Passionate about perfection, no challenge is too great for Br. Java and the monks, if it will result in a Mystic Monk brew suited for the most discriminating coffee drinker. The Carmelite monks have mastered the ancient art of roasting coffee, laboring with steadfast determination to make each cup of coffee simply superb. Taste the monastic perfection in each brew, which makes all the difference.

Please remember that when you buy Mystic Monk Coffee through the Portiuncula Hermitage, ten percent of all their commission sales is donated to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion.)

Please remember to keep our Pre-born in your daily prayers!

To order direct, simply click on the

Mystic Monk Coffee Icon

on the Right Side of this page.

Have it shipped anywhere in the world!

Congressman Mike Pence: "LET'S SHUT DOWN PLANNED PARENTHOOD!"

"RECLAIMING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM"

Father Tom Euteneuer: "No Deal, Father Rosica"

No Deal, Fr. Rosica

Fr. Thomas Rosica, director of the Salt and Light Catholic Television Network in Canada, recently wrote a shameless condemnation of pro-life people who objected to the August 28th Canonization in Boston, more commonly known as the funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy. Fr. Rosica had a problem with good Catholics being scandalized by the public funeral of a man who lived his life utterly rejecting the Church's core principles. There was absolutely no recognition of the heroism of the thousands of faithful Catholics who have stood on the front lines of this battle for many decades or of the marvelous contribution that we have made to saving babies and witnessing to the Truth of Christ. Unfortunately, Father's criticism simply feeds the flames of anti-life sentiment against pro-lifers and ultimately against the sanctity of human life.

Now, the first of his many ironies was that, in condemning pro-lifers, Father was attempting to convince his readers not to condemn anyone. He reads the Scripture passage, "judge not lest ye be judged" with a bit of jaundice. He called pro-lifers all kinds of names that could have come right out of Planned Parenthood's verbiage for us, and he even insinuated in a subsequent interview that, of all people, EWTN's Raymond Arroyo was somehow part of this "uncharitable" problem in the Church because Raymond spoke out forcefully against the Kennedy scandal. Then he attacked the best pro-life news organization in the business, LifeSiteNews, saying that they were doing "the work of the devil" in shining the spotlight on this travesty. If this is the Gospel model of non-judgmentalism, I am reading the Good Book wrong.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Luther pastor who was killed in the Nazi Holocaust, called this kind of sell-out "cheap grace" because it costs the pious churchman absolutely nothing to say it. In fact it must apparently feel real good because so many of them indulge in it. Let these churchmen try disciplining "Catholic" dissenters who scandalize Christ's faithful, and they would see the value of their grace increase in proportion to their suffering at the hands of these renegades.

Worst of all is that people with this strange ethic of non-judgmentalism apply a standard of mercy to public Catholic reprobates that is never applied to the aborted children who will not get a funeral or graveside service offered by prelates reading pious sentiments from a very strange gospel book. What Fr. Rosica's denunciations have thus highlighted for us is the extent to which the "judge not lest ye be judged" ethic reigns in ecclesiastical circles, and for that reason our Church is in trouble. Those who come out of a non-judgmentalism Gospel ethic, lay and cleric alike, will have nothing to offer our suffering souls in the darkness that is even now hovering over our Church like a black shroud. The pagan world is already coming after all that we hold dear and sacred, and if the murder of pro-lifer James Pouillon last week is any indication, they will soon be doing so with a vehemence that we have not experienced in our land since the days of the North American Martyrs.

To the ethic of hypocritical diatribes that defame pro-lifers, I can only say, "No deal, Father Rosica." Anyone who will use "non-judgmentalism" against faithful Catholics needs to wake up and smell the gunpowder on Jim Pouillon's pro-life t-shirt. The Church stands with all men and women of good will against the increasingly pagan and violent culture that militates against us and our values. Those who use this ethic to keep the Church totally unprepared for battle need more than a re-reading of Scripture. They need a good kick in the back end and a refresher course on Catholic bravery which St. Paul tells us makes us "strong, loving and wise." (2 Tim 1:7-8)

Sincerely,


Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,
President, Human Life International

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley Comments on New Franciscan Constitution

"The present constitutions emerged from a long process and the hard work of commissions and General Chapters. We also had the advantage of the newly composed Constitutions of the OFMs and the scholarly work of the legendary Father Cajetan Esser, O.F.M. Each Chapter of the present Capuchin Constitutions adopted a format which takes the Revelation of the Church and then Francis’ genius and then our fraternity and then develops the topic of the Chapter. It is a wonderfully constructed ecclesial vision of religious life and Franciscan spirituality. It locates us in the context of the Church and not as a sideshow of charismatic wonder.

"Capitular fathers were grateful to the fine work of the Italian Friar Guiseppe Santorelli from the Province of Ancora who helped incorporate more of the original Capuchin constitutions into the new Constitutions. All in all the Chapters that worked on the Constitutions did a remarkable job. I was present for some of those Chapters as a lowly translator and witnessed firsthand the hard work of the Capitulars.

"The new Constitutions despite its many strengths does have some flaws in my opinion. It is my hope that the call to re-look at the Constitutions might address some of these concerns:

• The new Constitutions dropped too much of our life of penance and the contemplative side of our life.
• The new Constitutions fail to give a clear formula for living a life of poverty “with explanations.”
• The new Constitutions favor generalities to honor an ill-conceived notion of pluriformity that has robbed the Constitutions of its fire.
• The new Constitutions needed to say more about the friars’ love for the Church and the fidelity to her moral and dogmatic teaching. Francis was so devoted to the Church, despite all the defects and shortcomings of the clergy and leadership.
•Our Constitutions should not be a bland description of how we are living our vocation in the 3rd millennium, but rather a description of how we should be living our life in a concrete program of radical poverty, radical prayer, radical love. Constitutions should not be easily tempered with. Performance and stability are important to inspire people with a sense of awe and seriousness. In today’s world young people see how everything is expendable, “throw-away.” Technology has created a world where everything is experimental or obsolete.

"The Constitutions are our identity as Capuchins and need to be firmly grounded in our history. We do not need a document that is modern and trendy that will soon seem dated and passe.

"Conclusion:

"Capuchin Identity is safeguarded by the Constitutions only in as much as it inspires us to live the Rule and Testament in a radical way. Generalities will never do. The Gospel Life of the Capuchin Brotherhood is about radical love. It is a life that begins with contemplative prayer. This allows one to imitate the self-emptying of Christ’s kenosis and leads to a radical witness that invites people to renounce the extreme individualism and materialism of our age in order to follow Christ poor and crucified.

"Some people are advocating removing some of the concrete directives on prayer that are in the Constitutions and place them in the Ordinances. This would be a fatal mistake. The ordinances are unknown and irrelevant to most of the friars. The Rule and Constitutions will always be the documents that form us and teach us our identity. The Constitutions cannot be a weak exhortation to live a vague ideal of the most common denominator. Rather, the Constitutions should be a challenging document that incorporates concrete directives about the life of prayer, poverty, and austerity. We need more boldness in our Constitutions if we are going to inspire young men to join our ranks.

"If we embrace or institutionalize a comfortable, bourgeois life style, the Order will die out, no matter how much lip service we give to a liberal social agenda. Our way of life lived in all its radical renunciation is capable of producing men whose witness of prayer, poverty and love will help transform society by calling people back to God, calling them to come home to the Church, by helping people to have a sense of personal vocation and to be part of a communal mission.

"It is my conviction that the contemplative aspects of our life should be addressed first of all. The Capuchin charism begins with the eremitical emphasis of the first friars as reflected in the document of Albacena, the subsequent Constitutions elaborate more on ministry and mission. The point of departure however is the contemplative basis of our vocation. When the life of prayer is carefully delineated, then the other aspects of our life take shape. The centrality of the Eucharist and mental prayer needs to be very clear. Daily celebration of a communal Eucharist, two periods of meditation, and the communal praying of the entire liturgy of the hours needs to be enshrined in the Constitutions as a bare minimum. To leave that up to local communities to legislate is too risky. By leaving things out of the Constitutions we are sending a signal that they are not really important and we encourage a take it or leave it attitude.

"The subjective mood, weak exhortations and mild recommendations do not communicate the sense of urgency that Francis wants to communicate in the Rule. It is a matter of life and death. St. Paul says no one will follow an uncertain trumpet blast. Our legislation should not be an exercise in subtleties. The directives about prayer and poverty need to be concrete, airtight and unyielding."

Cardinal Sean O'Malley

http://www.cardinalseansblog.org/

T

Voice of the Innocents Fall Conference "HEALING OF THE HEART"

Saturday, October 24, 2009

East Central High School

St. Leon, Indiana

Voice of the Innocents, Inc., invites you to a conference on

"Healing of the Heart"

* Exposing the lies that bind us
* Breaking destructive soul ties
* Finding freedom from false judgments
* Healing from rejection and abuse
* Restoring lost innocence
* Living in the Father's love and blessing

Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Speakers:

Deacon Ralph Poyo

Fr. Gregory Bramlage

Dr. Susan Stanford-Rue

(Author of: Will I Cry Tomorrow? Healing Post-Abortion Trauma)

Condensed Schedule of the Day:
* Why Are We Afraid to Walk in Faith by Deacon Ralph Poyo
* Holy Mass
* Recovering Your Stolen Identity by Fr. Gregory Bramlage
* Restoring Lost Innocence by Deacon Ralph Poyo
* Laying on of Hands
* Eucharistic Procession
* Miracle Hour

Call (812) 623-8007 for more information.To download a full brochure/registration form, visitwww.HealingthroughthePowerofJesusChrist.org

<http://www.healingthroughthepowerofjesuschrist.org/>

Please drop by the

Portiuncula Hermitage Table

for

Prayers for God's Healing Touch

and for a cup of our

Mystic Monk Coffee!!!

T

Pro-Life Harvard Prof Glendon, Rejected Notre Dame Honor, Gets National Award

"RECLAIMING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM"

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 24, 2009

Email RSS Print

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Mary Ann Glendon, the pro-life Harvard law professor who rejected an award from the University of Notre Dame because it honored pro-abortion President Barack Obama, is set to receive her own award. The National Right to Life Committee will bestow its highest honor on Glendon at a dinner next month.

Glendon will receive an award from the pro-life group at its Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner on October 6 at the prestigious Waldorf hotel in New York City.

"In recognition of her inspiring courage and steadfast support for the sanctity of human life, Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon will receive the Proudly Pro-Life Award," NRLC said in an announcement sent to LifeNews.com today.

"She is being honored for the uncommon courage displayed last April when she declined the prestigious Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame," the announcement reads. "The Laetare Medal, presented at their graduation ceremony, is given each year to an American Catholic layperson 'whose genius has …illustrated the ideals of the Church and enriched the heritage of humanity.'"

In declining the Laetare Medal, Glendon cited the fact that Obama, who had subsequently been invited to give the commencement address, would also receive an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Referring to the president as “a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice,” Glendon indicated she was at a loss to understand why a Catholic university would honor a person with such views.

"First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree," she wrote in her letter to Notre Dame officials. "This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops' express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions 'should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles' and that such persons ‘should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.’"

In extending the invitation to Glendon to appear at its awards dinner, National Right to Life president Dr. Wanda Franz congratulated Glendon for her consistent pro-life stance.

"Your continued service to the Right to Life Movement over the years has made a substantial impact on this nation in the defense of life," she wrote Glendon. "By your recent public actions, you have shown again that you stand unflinchingly pro-life."

Glendon is Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard University where she teaches and writes on international human rights, comparative law, and constitutional law issues. She served as ambassador to the Holy See for the Bush administration from 2007 to 2009.

The National Right to Life Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner returns to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City for the first time since 2003.

Over the years it has awarded elected officials and people in places such as the sports, entertainment and business industries for their pro-life leadership in the face of a pro-abortion culture.

Some of the award recipients include Rep. Henry Hyde, the family of Terri Schindler Schiavo, Richard and Helen DeVos, Pat Boone, James Dobson, Mrs. Arthur DeMoss, John Cardinal O'Connor, Gov. Robert Casey, Rep. Christopher Smith, and Rep. Charles Canady.

Others include Judge Robert Bork, Wellington Mara of the New York Giants, Thomas Monaghan of Dominos Pizza, Lawrence Garvey, Patricia Heaton, and Father Frank Pavone.

In 1997, National Right to Life honored President Reagan with a tribute at the 4th annual Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner.

Related web sites:
National Right to Life Committee - http://www.nrlc.org

Abortion: Christ Be Our Light!

As a Pro-Life movement we have failed miserably. Rather than stand toe-to-toe arguing with those who espouse abortion by our spewing out Party "Bullets," we should concern ourselves instead with converting the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters through God's love.

You decide: is it better to kill abortion doctors, blow up abortion clinics, or is it best to lead them to Christ through Repentance and Penance? Watch this video and you decide:

PAX ET BONUM!

T

Congressman Mike Pence Floor Speech on UN General Assembly

"RECLAIMING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM"

Several years ago, Congressman Mike Pence slipped into our radio studio while we were live on the air. He had been driving through town listening to the program and decided to pay us a very welcomed visit.

I asked him, "Why don't we just bulldoze that United Nations building into the ocean and be done with it?"

The Congressman looked me squarely in the eyes and with his usual warm smile said, "Well, gee, Chris, why don't you tell us how you really feel?"

So let's take a look at what Congressman Pence has to say about the United Nations today:

Mayor Sallie Peake: A Valid Argument For Performing Full Frontal Lobotomy

"RECLAIMING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM"

The reason for the concern comes in the video revealing the actions and comments of Wellford, S.C., Mayor Sallie Peak, who was responding to a reporter's questions about an order she apparently issued in August.

It banned foot chases by police officers. It apparently came after a law enforcement officer got injured in a chase. Peake explained the suspect "had a piece of crack on him" but the arrest was not worth the expenses of the case for taxpayers.

Her response to that case was no officers "chasing any suspects whatsoever."

The mayor talks about the cost of workers' compensation insurance, the loss of town patrol cars and eventually reacts in mock praise that there was a story.

Among the mayor's remarks:

• "I said what I meant and meant what I said."
  
  
• "Our insurance keeps rising, keeps going up, the taxpayers are paying for this."
  
  
• "You're trying to twist [my words]."
  
  
• May God bless you. May God bless you. May God bless you."
  
  
• "You've got a story, now dress it up."

But those commenting on the PoliceLink forum were astounded:

• Let's not chase bad guys because it's dangerous. Then let's not stop cars because that's dangerous. Then let's not drive to work because that's dangerous. In fact let's just get paid to sit at home because it's too dangerous to leave the house.
  
  
• Stone cold nuts
  
  
• God help the police officers and the citizens in that town.
  
  
• How on earth did she get elected mayor with such poor communication skills? Now onto her decision-making skills...
  
  
• She must thank God every day that the local psychiatric hospital
  
  has a work release program.

DEUTSCHLAND, DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES! Mein Herr Fuhrer Obama!

"RECLAIMING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM"

Zieg Heil, Obama!

Zieg Heil mein Fuhrer!

WAKE UP, AMERICA!

More Proof the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Should be Eliminated

Posted on September 23, 2009, 6:26 AM | Deal W. Hudson

New, stunning, evidence has just been reported by LifeSiteNews.com that the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is funding groups that advocate abortion and prostitution.

CCHD, the social justice arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which ceased funding ACORN last year, has responded by defunding two of the four organizations, while the fate of the other two remains undecided.

The evidence about the CCHD was unearthed by Bellarmine Veritas Ministry after their intensive study of CCHD grants from 2008 to 2010 (LifeSiteNew.com has links to the list of grants). Bellarmine Veritas Ministry began a national campaign in late August to investigate the groups being funded by the CCHD and found: "Unfortunately some of the groups funded openly promote abortion, same-sex marriage, contraception, and other issues not in line with Catholic teaching."

Here is a list of the groups funded by the CCHD advocating abortion or prostitution, or both:

1. The Chinese Progressive Association -- CPA

CPA has been funded by the CCHD for the last four years and was scheduled to receive $30,000 this year. Its 2008 voters guide urged Californians to vote against proposition 8 and proposition 4 requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortions.

2. Los Angeles Community Network -- LA CAN

CCHD has just defunded this organization which was to receive $40,000 this year. LACAN promotes same-sex marriage, contraception, and the morning-after pill.

3. The Rebecca Project for Human Rights

The Rebecca Project, funded by the USCCB for the last four years, joined Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion organizations in signing a “wish list” of reproductive priorities for President Obama to carry out during his first 100 days in office. This list includes proposals to increase funding for contraception and abortion, defunding abstinence programs, and the end of the Mexico City Policy.

4. The Women’s Community Revitalization Project

This organization was scheduled to receive $30,000 from the CCHD. It is a "coalition partner" of WomenVotePA, which advocates abortion, the morning-after pill, contraception, and same-sex "marriage."

The research published by Bellarmine Veritas Ministry is highly detailed and irrefutable.

5. Young Workers United

Scheduled to receive $25,000 from the CCHD. It publicly supports abortion, same-sex "marriage," and the legalization of prostitution. Their 2008 voters guide opposed proposition 8 and proposition 4 in California. The organization also advocated decriminalizing prostitution and urged and advised San Francisco voters to adopt proposition K.

Another important detail was mentioned by LifeSiteNews.com in its report. The CCHD cannot fund or defund any organization without permission of the local bishop, according to the CCHD director Ralph McCloud. This means that the scandal of CCHS grant-making is not just the problem of the USCCB staff, it is the problem of all the bishops who sign off on funding for groups like the Los Angeles Community Network in their dioceses.

Rob Gasper, the founder of Bellarmine Veritas Ministry, is to be congratulated for his investigation. I hope he will continue his investigation into lists of CCHD grantees from earlier years -- I am sure he will find more of the same, unfortunately, for Catholics around the nation whose money was being ill spent.

Gasper's ministry is calling for all Catholics to:

* Withhold your donations to the CCHD

* Place a note in the collection basket explaining the reasons why you did not contribute to the CCHD

* Remain vigilant and continue to inform others until the demands have been met

I think BVM should go further and ask for the elimination of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. No amount of house-cleaning is going to make this arm of the USCCB worthy of our donations.

"Come To The Quiet" Retreat At The Portiuncula Hermitage

Dr. Tom Ringenberg during personal prayer time at the
Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio

Dear Christian Brothers,

Having just experienced one of the most peaceful and fulfilling weekends of my Christian life, I feel led to write you and encourage you to take a fresh breath of the clean air at the Portiuncula Retreat in Jerusalem Ohio. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation in the hills of Appalachia, I was refreshed in God’s peace.

The initial reaction to a weekend of silence, fasting and prayer was mixed as I revel in the world’s flash of media and the madness of twenty-four hour news. I feared boredom and the lack of external stimulus. But God is good, and He provided plenty for me. Walks in the woods and fields, silent prayer and meditation, communal prayer with my Brothers in Christ, prayers of intercession, and theological discussion on the travel to and from Jerusalem, stimulated my spirit far more than my flesh has ever been stimulated.

It is my hope that Portiuncula will become a haven for those who need a fresh touch of God. I will return soon to restore my soul with peace. Join me in supporting the Portiuncula project by attending a retreat weekend of fasting, prayer, brotherhood and silence in the Franciscan Tradition.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Tom Ringenberg
Centerville, IN

T

Mystic Monk Coffee: A Perfect Holiday Gift!

Have it shipped anywhere in the world!

Order Mystic Monk Coffee Through The Portiuncula And Donate To Birthright (A Loving Alternative To Abortion)


The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming

Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks’ great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

The Monk Master Roaster

Br. Java is the master roaster who meticulously roasts beans in small batches. His philosophy is that each roast must be not only the labor of his hands, but a master roast of the highest quality. Br. Java is passionate about obtaining the perfect roasts for you. He carefully roasts only the finest gourmet beans under conditions that will make each roast consistent and smooth with a taste that will make your taste buds tingle. With experience and perfection, Mystic Monk Coffee is a coffee to savor and enjoy – with or without cream.

The Legend of the First Mystic Monk

Coffee is a product perfected and loved by monks from its beginning. When a monk of old heard the anguished tale of a shepherd who had sleepless goats, he himself discovered growing on shrubs the berries, which had such a wonderful affect. Delighted at his find, the ingenious monk boiled the beans in water and drank the resulting coffee. He found in his discovery a hot drink that could keep his eyes awake even amidst the midnight vigils and unceasing prayers of the monastic life.

The secret of coffee continues to keep monks ever alert and vigilant for their prayers, but now Mystic Monk Coffee shares the hidden, master roasts of monks with all who seek a delightful cup of coffee.

Monks are passionate Perfectionists

The monastic life is one of ordered perfection, which you will taste in every bag of Mystic Monk Coffee. Passionate about perfection, no challenge is too great for Br. Java and the monks, if it will result in a Mystic Monk brew suited for the most discriminating coffee drinker. The Carmelite monks have mastered the ancient art of roasting coffee, laboring with steadfast determination to make each cup of coffee simply superb. Taste the monastic perfection in each brew, which makes all the difference.

Please remember that when you buy Mystic Monk Coffee through the Portiuncula Hermitage, ten percent of all their commission sales is donated to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion.)

Please remember to keep our Pre-born in your daily prayers!

To order direct, simply click on the

Mystic Monk Coffee Icon

on the Right Side of this page.

Have it shipped anywhere in the world!

T

Voice of the Innocents Fall Conference "HEALING OF THE HEART"

East Central High School
St. Leon, Indiana

Voice of the Innocents, Inc., invites you to a conference on
"Healing of the Heart"

* Exposing the lies that bind us

* Breaking destructive soul ties

* Finding freedom from false judgments

* Healing from rejection and abuse* Restoring lost innocence

* Living in the Father's love and blessing

Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Speakers: Deacon Ralph Poyo
Fr. Gregory Bramlage

Condensed Schedule of the Day:

* Why Are We Afraid to Walk in Faith by Deacon Ralph Poyo

* Holy Mass

* Recovering Your Stolen Identity by Fr. Gregory Bramlage

* Restoring Lost Innocence by Deacon Ralph Poyo

* Laying on of Hands

* Eucharistic Procession

* Miracle Hour

Call (812) 623-8007 for more information.

To download a full brochure/registration form, visitwww.HealingthroughthePowerofJesusChrist.org
<http://www.healingthroughthepowerofjesuschrist.org/>

Drop by the
Portiuncula Table
for a cup of
Mystic Monk Coffee!!!
T

Congressman Mike Pence Heads Conservative Leadership

Dick Armey, Chris Dickson, Congressman Mike Pence
Forest Hills Country Club Richmond, Indiana

"RECLAIMING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM"

GOP embraces conservative groups' protest

‘Taxpayer March on D.C.’ attracts party leaders, but some are wary

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images file House GOP Chairman Mike Pence has helped to drum up support for Saturday's "Taxpayer March on D.C." View related photos

Video

Taxpayers set to march in D.C. Thousands of Americans are expected to rally in Washington Saturday to protest government spending. Dick Armey, co-chairman of sponsor FreedomWorks and former House majority leader, is leading the charge. CNBC

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Rep. Wilson: 'I will not be muzzled' Sept. 11: In a new online message, Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, who is under fire for heckling President Obama, says he’s not done fighting against the president’s health care reform plan. NBC’s Savannah Guthrie reports. Today show

By Dan Eggen and Perry Bacon Jr.

updated 6:08 a.m. ET, Sat., Sept . 12, 2009

WASHINGTON - With tens of thousands of conservative protesters expected to gather in Washington on Saturday for a "Taxpayer March on D.C.," Republican officials are attempting to capitalize on a movement that lately has galvanized anti-Obama activists more effectively than the party's elected leaders in Washington.

Searching for ways to compete with Democrats after two consecutive electoral drubbings, Republicans have moved past earlier uncertainty about the protesters, who organized nationwide rallies this summer that have threatened Democratic health-care plans and eroded President Obama's standing with the public.

Several key Republican lawmakers, including House GOP Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana, have helped to drum up support for the march and are slated to deliver speeches to the crowd.

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ObamAbortionCare

It is not lawful to take the things of others to give to the poor. It is a sin worthy of punishment, not an act deserving a reward, to give away what belongs to others.

St. Francis of Assisi
Admonitions to the Brethren

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"Come To The Quiet" Men's Retreat September 18-20 At Portiuncula Hermitage

The Portiuncula Hermitage Pond


SIMPLICITY

There appears to be a growing interest in the monastic life among people of all lifestyles - and no wonder! For centuries, the monastic life has provided monks and nuns with disciplines and practices aimed at helping them maintain balanced, healthy and centered lifestyles while they "prefer nothing to Christ." Join us as we explore practices such as silence, prayer, work, simplicity, solitude, fasting, and celebration, and the benefits they have for all our lives.

What's exciting is that you can become a monastic without having to leave your day job!

Availability is extremely limited, so please reserve your weekend as soon as possible by e-mailing us at: hermitage@parallax.ws

Pax Et Bonum!


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Mystic Monk Coffee: A Perfect Holiday Gift!

Order Mystic Monk Coffee Through The Portiuncula And Donate To Birthright (A Loving Alternative To Abortion)


The Carmelite Monks of Wyoming
Mystic Monk Coffee is roasted by the Carmelite Monks, a Roman Catholic monastery in the silence and solitude of the Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming. The monks live a hidden life of prayer and contemplation in the pursuit of God. The monastery is inundated with young men who seek to leave everything to pray for the world, in a tradition at least a thousand years old. It is the monks’ great joy and privilege to share the fruit of their life with you in every cup of Mystic Monk Coffee.

The Monk Master Roaster

Br. Java is the master roaster who meticulously roasts beans in small batches. His philosophy is that each roast must be not only the labor of his hands, but a master roast of the highest quality. Br. Java is passionate about obtaining the perfect roasts for you. He carefully roasts only the finest gourmet beans under conditions that will make each roast consistent and smooth with a taste that will make your taste buds tingle. With experience and perfection, Mystic Monk Coffee is a coffee to savor and enjoy – with or without cream.

The Legend of the First Mystic Monk

Coffee is a product perfected and loved by monks from its beginning. When a monk of old heard the anguished tale of a shepherd who had sleepless goats, he himself discovered growing on shrubs the berries, which had such a wonderful affect. Delighted at his find, the ingenious monk boiled the beans in water and drank the resulting coffee. He found in his discovery a hot drink that could keep his eyes awake even amidst the midnight vigils and unceasing prayers of the monastic life.

The secret of coffee continues to keep monks ever alert and vigilant for their prayers, but now Mystic Monk Coffee shares the hidden, master roasts of monks with all who seek a delightful cup of coffee.

Monks are passionate Perfectionists

The monastic life is one of ordered perfection, which you will taste in every bag of Mystic Monk Coffee. Passionate about perfection, no challenge is too great for Br. Java and the monks, if it will result in a Mystic Monk brew suited for the most discriminating coffee drinker. The Carmelite monks have mastered the ancient art of roasting coffee, laboring with steadfast determination to make each cup of coffee simply superb. Taste the monastic perfection in each brew, which makes all the difference.

Please remember that when you buy Mystic Monk Coffee through the Portiuncula Hermitage, ten percent of all their commission sales is donated to Birthright (a loving alternative to abortion.)

Please remember to keep our Pre-born in your daily prayers!

To order direct, simply click on the Mystic Monk Coffee Icon on the
Right Side of this page.

Have it shipped anywhere in the world!

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