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Gratitude: Discovered Blessings:

I am so glad that I was reminded by Darlene that Wednesday is meditation night. It was powerful, and I truly felt Jesus reminding me how blessed I am with all of the people that are in my life. In the last year, I had some difficult moments and, during this meditation, I really realized how I am so grateful, thankful, and blessed. God has brought so many people to help me become who I am today.

During the meditation call, we were told to open up to Jesus, hold hands with Jesus, say what is on our heart/mind. I did share with Jesus. Jesus replied with, “Kerri, keep being you— everyone who knows you loves you, and you are my child. Go out and spread the good news.” Jesus also reminded me how I should count my blessings in life.

After the meditation (during the zoom call), I wanted to share first because I felt such a  connection. I shared what I just told you— what Jesus said to me during meditation. I’m so thankful for so many things in my life. God really knows what’s best for me, and I  appreciate all of the friends that I’ve made from the Cursillo family and the other Church organizations I belong to. I loved how I got to really spend time with Jesus that night—one to one— holding hands and blessed to have gotten that special hug from Jesus. I was also reminded that.

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

― St. Catherine of Siena

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After two years, we were able to gather for a weekend for women who are familiar with the Alanon Program. Twenty-eight beautiful women accepted the invitation to a weekend experience that was founded in 1982 for all women affiliated with Al-anon with a clear understanding that it is a place that we associate God as our Higher Power and the talks are God centered. It is a place where you can speak about your faith and love for Jesus. It is not necessary to have experienced a Cursillo; the invitation is there for them but not a requirement.

We met to pray, discuss, reflect on the theme, “The Serenity Prayer.”

The Serenity Prayer is a petition to God asking for calmness and peace in all matters of life. It asks for strength and courage to alter the matters within a person’s control and for acceptance in matters which cannot be changed.

The talks were centered on the three main points of the Serenity Prayer: Acceptance, Courage, Wisdom.  The women from our team provided inspiring talks and prayers throughout the weekend.

Msgr. Joe Calise joined us on Saturday with a grace filled talk inspired by the theme of the weekend, followed by confessions, and mass.  It was a special time for us to have him in our company.

The weekend started with prayer and the prayers continued along with sharing of ourselves and with each other. Volunteers arrived on Saturday afternoon to offer their services in healing treatments. Also, Certified Spiritual Directors were available for one-on-one sacred listening; there was opportunity to take a walk, spend time in quiet mediation in the chapel, and we also had our “book store on wheels” available for the women to purchase a spiritual sentiment.

Some of the women have made statements regarding this weekend:

“Loved the theme of the weekend; Wonderful being together again; Loved the new retreat center.”

“Breaking down the Serenity Prayer allowed me to look at the prayer in a whole new way, new insights to the strength of the Serenity Prayer.”

“Incredible, well organized, everything I heard I needed to hear.”

“Loved the talk from Msgr. Calise, his talk was very honest and heartfelt which I could relate to – helped me reflect on difficult issues.”

“Excellent program designed with truth and inspiration to attest to the power of God in our every moment.”

“Wonderful “family” feeling; Wonderful loving team; Awesome, perfect, excellent.”

It was a wonderful experience to be together again, in a beautiful new retreat center, filled with many graced moments.  God’s loving presence was there, and we are blessed and grateful for the experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think that most of you would agree that the past two years have been a long and difficult reminder that, as much as we would like to think differently, we have very little control over what the future brings. There is so much suffering in this world and challenges that we    never thought that we would face. However, it has also been a reminder that one thing we can always rely on is the promise of our Lord, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day.” (John 6: 40)

The past 40 days have been an opportunity to reconnect with our Lord. For me, it has been an opportunity to take a long hard look at where I am in my relationship with God through additional time in prayer and reflection. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the enormity of our Lord’s sacrifice and what is says about His love for us. It is very easy not to feel worthy of that love. However, we know that through the resurrection, since Jesus’s sacrifice was accepted by God, we have been accepted by God through Jesus Christ. How powerful and liberating…to know that we have been accepted and beloved by God.

The resurrection of Jesus also gives us hope. 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” As our humanity and sinfulness may cause us to fall, Christ is there to forgive us. He offers us the opportunity of renewal and regrowth. Through repentance and dying to our old selves we are given the promise of salvation.

I wake these mornings to the beautiful sounds of birds singing. I can’t help but notice the longer hours of light and the buds blooming on every tree. These are physical reminders to me of the opportunity of renewal—that each day we are invited to a new life in Christ and it truly fills my heart with hope and joy.

 

Sadly, Men’s Cursillo Team Member Danny O’Brien passed away in May after a long battle with heart related issues. He is now at home with   Jesus and many of the other great people from St. Paul’s who went    before him.  Danny always had a smile and a laugh for you. He loved the Cursillo so much and was a good    sponsor who brought many men to Cursillo. He was a man who talked the talk and, actually, walked the walk. A good man who had a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother. He said that the month of May was his special month. The first time he gave an Ultreya talk was in May, and he said, “That was no                    coincidence, my mother arranged that.“ He planned to give another 4th Day talk, and was slotted for May of last year, but that was cancelled due to his struggles with his health.
The first time he presented his CCIA talk on a Cursillo weekend, he approached the podium—all dappered up, stepped away so all the men could see him and said, “Does this suit make me look fat?“ The guys all laughed, as well as Danny. This was true Danny-style, always a laugh.
His funeral mass was a beautiful tribute to the man, the policeman, and the Irishman that he was. The NYPD Police Honor Guard and a bagpiper were visible signs in tribute to him. At the close of his homily, the Mass celebrant said, “Jesus says to Daniel, enter my son into the eternal paradise of my Father in heaven, because you already experienced hell on earth.“ Rest in Peace, our brother, Danny. Your angel duties will continue.  

This year was our first in-person couples weekend since the pandemic. The theme for the weekend was, “Staying Connected at the Speed of Life.” At first, I thought it was just a title—but the weekend talks described that life goes by quickly with speed—and if we don’t slow down, we may miss life.

What I mean is that life goes by so fast that we can miss important opportunities to spend time with our spouses and our family. There were talks from our Cursillo Community couples about putting things off for another time. However, when life gets in the way—changes or tragedy happens—those things that have been put off may never get done. We had time to reflect on that. We talked as a couple about our own experiences with putting things off, wondering if we will ever have the time to do the things that we’ve been putting off. We realized  that each day together is a gift and we need to spend our time wisely. I was humbled by this, thinking about how many times I said, “I’ll see you later,” or thinking I would always have time to do that on another day.

We had prayer time, thanking God for our spouses and for our time. We questioned ourselves, asking, “What are we doing with our time together and is it enough?”

We used our free time this weekend  to walk together. We played games and we laughed. We bonded as a couple, and as friends. 

We were blessed by the Holy Spirit and realized that our Lord has touched all our lives in one way or another—and was always present. We left the weekend feeling fulfilled, blessed and thankful for everything that was given to us so freely. 

If you have never made a Married Couples Weekend, I hope you will consider coming on the next one. You will not be disappointed. This weekend was truly a gift.

The time we have today is a gift, that’s why they call it, “the Present.” 

 God Bless us all. Joe & Ede Moscioni 

 

 

Whenever we head off for the Married Couples weekend – something we have been fortunate to do many times over the years – there is always a sense that whatever the subject, theme, whoever is there, it’s going to be a nice time.  And that is always a gross underestimation of the experience that Darlene and Mike McGovern and their team provide for the people who are lucky enough to  accept the invitation to join. This year was no exception.

Of course it was extra special just to be together, since the pandemic kept us on Zoom for so long.  And to be in the new space in Jamaica Estates, Thomas Berry Place, was exciting and new and a bit of its own adventure.  But all of that falls away and seems unimportant when compared with the depth of the spiritual experience that we were invited into as we gathered in the presence of the Holy Spirit to talk about our marriages, share honestly with each other, and recommit to do better in whatever ways we each needed to grow. 

The theme of the weekend was time, and how our marriages and our spouses are often too low on the list of priorities when it comes to managing and dedicating our time. Heartfelt and vulnerable talks from the team helped us focus on what we do, and fail to do, for one another, and allowed us to see our spouse’s needs with new eyes.  The retreat gives couples a safe place to talk about what matters, and whether it was at the   table, during a raucous game, or as we participated in a beautiful ritual of forgiveness, it was easy to see the healing that was taking place for so many.  So thank you Darlene and Mike – and your team, Rosemary and Rich Maikis, Ed and MaryAnn Caskin, and Liz and Rob Palumbo (who gave us their talk via Zoom because of illness – what troopers, thank you!).  We never know what we will walk away from this weekend with, but we know it will always be something sacred and blessed. 

 

I had the good fortune to be present for a recent Zoom Guided Meditation conducted by Darlene McGovern. It was offered in the early afternoon on a day when I had nothing else scheduled so it was an ideal situation to immerse myself in the moment and to devote my senses to the spiritual adventure that was about to unfold.

Under Darlene’s gentle guidance, we were encouraged to relax and focus on our breathing as she led us to a feeling of deep relationship with Jesus during His time of fasting in the  desert. I was able to slowly let go of the other demands of my life and gradually evolve into a place of peaceful openness. We were told to imagine that we were in the desert, as Jesus was, and we were led through a series of experiences that resulted in us envisioning that we were actually in Jesus’ presence in the desert. Darlene then presented us with the    question, “What would you say to Jesus?”

At this point, I could actually imagine Jesus emerging from a tent within the sand dunes. I could picture Him in a flowing red robe. He was vibrant, charismatic, smiling and He said to me, “What is it that you would like me to do for you?” I shared with Him my deepest hope for a resolution of a situation that has been a source of great disappointment to me.

As Darlene slowly brought us back to reality, I realized that, for those few moments, I had been in an intimate conversation with Jesus. It was prayer in its purest form, and, for me, an experience that I shall always remember.

+++ Darlene McGovern leads a Guided Meditation over Zoom conferencing bi-monthly. Please check the Newsletter, our Facebook page & website for upcoming dates.+++

 

It’s about two weeks into Lent … are you still pondering “what will you do” to make a good Lent?  What to give up; how to get reconnected; what’s this time all about?

 If you were able to join us on March 1, we spoke about Lent being a second chance; an opportunity to reconnect by taking a Long Loving Look at our Lives … the Real of our lives.  Take the time, and lovingly look at where you are right now.  I have used this prayer often and it seems fitting to continue to look   during this time asking for the Grace to be open to what God wants to do with me this Lent.  That can be challenging and scary sometimes because, let’s face it, I’m thinking how much more … I’m so busy … I do so much.  That may be true for you, but if we are living in Relationship with God, this is where we need to be challenged, at least that’s true for me.  The first Sunday of Lent’s Gospel reminds me that Jesus had courage and faith in His     Father to resist Satan and stand his ground when he offered the world to Jesus.  No matter when this Gospel comes up in rotation, I’m still awed by Jesus’ response; can I be that             disciplined, that faith filled, that courageous?  Am I willing to stretch myself this Lent and be open to God’s invitation?

 Sitting with this prayer and taking the time each day to listen to what God is saying; perhaps you do that already, or maybe it’s time to start doing it again.  I know for me, it’s easy to get fidgety and want to move out of my prayer space too quickly before I can really hear God speaking with me.  So that’s what I am doing this lent.  How about you?

 I often read Ron Rolheiser, OP and he has posted a great piece on “Images for Lent”.

 There are some wonderfully rich anthropological images for Lent. Here is one of them:

In virtually every culture there is, somewhere, the concept of having “to sit in the ashes for a time” as a necessary preparation for some deep joy or fulfillment. We see this, for example, in the story of Cinderella. The name itself, Cinderella, holds the key: It is derived from two words: Cinders, meaning ashes; and Puella, the Latin word for young girl. Etymologically, Cinderella means the eternal girl who sits in the ashes, with the further idea being that, before she, or anyone else, gets to put on the royal clothes, go to the ball, and dance with the prince, she must first spend some time sitting in the ashes, tasting some emptiness, feeling some powerlessness, and trusting that this deprivation and humiliation is necessary to help bring about the maturity needed to do the royal dance.

Still not sure about what to do for Lent?  Then how about just sitting for a few minutes longer each day and listen to what God has to say, listen to that still small voice.  Maybe He’s whispering, “thank you for being here” or “so glad to see you for a few minutes more”.

Take that long loving look at your life this Lent and imagine if you will that God wants to Grace you with something wonderful.  Are you open to the adventure?

And then when we sit on Easter Morning, we can truly celebrate the Resurrection; put on the royal cloths, go to the ball, and dance with the prince … Jesus!  Celebrate all He has graced you with this season and live as resurrected people. De Colores

 

We are so excited to be back in person! The last time we were together in person was in March 2020, before the pandemic shut us down.  However, we never stopped staying connected.  We have since had 2 evening reunions virtually and one entire day virtually. Although these programs were wonderful and kept us together, there is nothing like being in person.

Our weekend this year will be held at the Thomas Berry Place in Jamaica Estates.  It’s been newly renovated and is beautiful. 

Our theme is “Staying Connected At  The Speed of Life.” Life passes us by so quickly, we need to recognize the need to stay connected as a couple.  The weekend is packed with talks, couples discussions, fun activities, celebrating Mass, and quality time with your spouse and other like minded couples.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect with your spouse, your God and other couples. Registration form can be found in this  newsletter.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

 Darlene and Mike McGovern

 

Yesterday morning, February 5, 2022, the Brooklyn Queens Diocese laid to rest one of its finest priests, Monsignor Larry Hinch.

I heard about his passing on Friday and decided to drive to Queens for his funeral mass.

Father Hinch was one of three priests to found the Brooklyn Cursillo and Christian Awakening retreats. Along with Father Jim Tugwood, Father Doug Brown, and Professor Michael Brown of St. John’s University, they restructured the Spanish language Cursillo for adult men and adult women and make changes where they saw fit.  They also created versions of it that were for high school boys, high school girls, and co-ed for college students. Bishop Mugavero helped to underwrite the costs, and a permanent retreat center was opened on Humboldt Street in Greenpoint. Thousands of high school and college students made the retreats, and area Catholic high schools strongly supported it by sending students. It is a retreat that is transformational in the lives of  many people. Thousands of Christians around  the NYC Metro area  will point to their Cursillo or Christian Awakening as initiating or renewing their faith journey, as much of an experience in Christ as it is a little course (the literal translation of Cursillo).

Monsignor Hinch was a deeply spiritual and loving man, and devoted Catholic. After St. Paul’s Center, he was also assigned to Holy Child Jesus parish in Richmond Hill among several stops in his priesthood, where his funeral mass was celebrated. Monsignor Tom Caserta, also a former Cursillo priest, and one of the most highly regarded priests in the      diocese (as well as faculty member of St. John’s University and Immaculate Conception Seminary), preached the homily. If you’ve never heard Father Tom speak, I’d advise it. He is a powerful speaker, and amazing person, and a brilliant guy. The main celebrant was Bishop Bob Brennan, also a St. John’s alum. One of the other celebrants (there were more than 20) was Monsignor Bob Romano, who is the NYPD chaplain. Monsignor Romano also has his roots in the C.A. and Cursillo  programs, and although lesser known than Father Michael Judge, was present at 9-11 and every other tragedy involving NYPD officers (there are far too many of those). I cannot think of a finer person to bring comfort to the aggrieved family of NYPD officers than Father Romano. He was recently a concelebrant at the televised NYPD Detective Rivera funeral.

About ten years ago, Larry Hinch and George Cowan did a two night retreat which I attended in my home parish at the time, Our Lady of the Snows in Queens. They spoke about painful life events they had to endure, which tested their own faith. George spoke of a post surgery stint in a rehab, and his interactions with a seriously ill young boy he befriended.  Larry spoke about being called to provide solace to family friends of a girl he had baptized many years prior, who died in an Arizona smoke lodge tragedy. To remember the specifics ten years later is a testimony to how powerful their examples were. I spoke to Monsignor Hinch afterwards. I told him that the late Father Jim Tugwood was a close friend of mine. He immediately responded, “Jim Tugwood! What a wonderful priest!”  They had remained lifelong friends who he had last seen just weeks before Jim passed away tragically. I then remarked to him, “You know, Monsignor, you did some really great work while at St. Paul’s Center.” Before I could continue, he sharply rebuked me. “No!!!” he said emphatically, “God did all the work.”

As the mass ended, the casket carrying Monsignor Hinch was brought to the back of the church for a final blessing. As it ended, the church broke out into an affectionate and thankful long and loud applause

I had a good friend who I met at St. Paul’s Center, the late team member John Quigley, who would refer to such priests as “The real stuff,.” men who lived with extraordinary faith well and shared the Gospels in word and deed. 

 Father Romano said wistfully to me outside the church, “The old guard from St. Paul’s is all gone now.” Certainly, there is the next generation: Holcomb, Caserta, Romano, Musumeci and a few others, whose Cursillo experience helped form the core of their priestly vocation and who are approaching retirement themselves. But mostly and gratefully we remain,   beneficiaries of their wisdom, patience, counsel and encouragement to live a DeColores life in God’s friendship.

R.I.P., Larry. I can imagine God’s first words upon meeting you were, “This is my son Lawrence, of whom I am well pleased.”