Current News

Please Note:
Bloomington Is In The Eastern Time Zone.
All Activites Take Place On Eastern Time.

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All Hallow’s Eve Celebration 
October 31, 2008  

 All Hallow’s Eve Celebration 
(The Catholic Alternative to Halloween)  
Dress like a saint or biblical Character
Fun, Saint or Bible Themed Games for All  
Special game for Teens!!

Where:
Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center (The Farm)  
When: 
October 31st
Time:
Mass at 6pm In the Chapel

Festivities’ in the Guesthouse basement

7:15pm 7:30pm 8:15pm

Introduction of Saints    Games & Food  “Holy” Wood Squares

Come to mass dressed in your costume!
Please bring a meatless dish to pass and two bags of wrapped candy per family
along with a pumpkin carved with religious symbols or words and tea light.
For ages: babies —adults.  (Moms and Dads and teens—this is for you too!)

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November 7-9, 2008

THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS: 
SAINTS AND THOSE WHO AIN'T

Given by Father Elias Mary Mills FI

Father Elias Mary Mills FI, a native of Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in December 1985 with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science.  Prior to entering the Holy Apostles Seminary and College in Cromwell, Connecticut, he became a member of the Carmelite Third Order, with his final profession in August 1986.  Father Elias joined the Franciscans of the Immaculate Friars in 1993, making his first vows in 1995. He finished his theological studies at Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  Father was ordained a deacon in Italy on December 7, 1999 and was assigned to the friary attached to the Basilica of Saint Mary Majors. Father Elias was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on May 27, 2000, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz.  Father Elias served in the friars’ mission in Western Australia from 2000 to 2003 and is currently residing in the Franciscans of the Immaculate Friary in Bloomington, IN where he is Father Guardian.

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You Are Invited To Join:
Mary's Children eNews

An Email Information Network
Click Here To Sign-up Now

Receive Periodic News and Reflections From
Mary's Children Inc.
&
Franciscans Of The Immaculate
At
Mother Of The Redeemer Farm
Bloomington, Indiana

We now have an electronic (internet) eNews system to disseminate information about Mary’s Children in a timelier manner. For those interested in the current activities, schedules and/or changes in schedules of religious services, and announcing such events as the arrival of the Franciscan Sisters, updates on Ruth Ann, and any messages Ruth Ann receives that are to be made public, this will be a very efficient means.

Please note: You may remove yourself from the eNews distribution list at any time.
At the end of each message, there is a means to un-subscribe to the eNews.

Sign-up Now For Mary’s Children Online Information Network

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Mass Intentions & Stipend

Friars of the Immaculate will accept Mass intentions
and celebrate the Mass in the Chapel at the “Farm”.
Please send your request along with stipend to:

Friars of Immaculate,
8210 West State Road 48,
Bloomington, IN 47404

The Friars will be very appreciative.
Thanks for your participation.

Change in Mass stipends

The Bishops of Indiana, starting October 1, 2007,
have changed the Mass stipends to $10.00.
  Please keep this in mind when submitting Mass requests.

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The Following Are Archived News Items

 

Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine
…LaCrosse, Wisconsin

This Event Took Place:
October 28,29,30, 2008

Father Elias Mary Mills F.I. was the Chaplin on the pilgrimage. The bus left Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center at Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Returned to Bloomington on Thursday, October 30th. Bus stopped at appropriate times for meals, both coming and going. The trip was approximately 8 hours driving time.

Cost included: Bus fare and local use of bus while in LaCrosse, Two nights lodging at Best Western Motel, Two Continental breakfasts, One lunch at Shrine on Wednesday, Oct. 29th and bus driver’s gratuity. All other meals will be an additional expense to each person.

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News From Jim Wade
December 2007
View Printable Version Of Jim Wade's Christmas Letter

Dear Friends,

On behalf of Mary’s Children, Inc. and all the many volunteers who help, the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Immaculate, Ruth Ann and I would like to wish you a very Holy and Blessed Christmas and New Year.

As many of you may already know, Br. Rudy Talaga, C.S.C., went to his eternal reward on Sunday, October 21, 2007. Br. Rudy had spent the last 10 years of his life here at the Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center. Br. Rudy served as sacristan at the Sacred Heart Chapel. He came to the “Farm” the year we dedicated the chapel. He set up the sacristy with all the sacred vessels, vestments, etc. in order for us to be able to offer the Holy Mass and other services at the chapel. During that time he touched many lives through his example and dedication and the love he had for Our Lord, the Blessed Mother and the Church in general. He will be missed by all of us.

During the year 2007, the Retreat Center has received a new Father Guardian. Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. has been sent to us as the superior of the Friary and Mother Maria Rapheal, F.I. has been assigned here as the superior of the Convent. We welcomed them! Fr. Michael Gauvreau, F.I., the former Father Guardian and Mother Maria Maximillian, F. I., the superior of the convent were reassigned to another friary or convent within the order.

The Retreat Center continues to offer many excellent retreats on a monthly basis along with working with parishes and other groups wishing to use our facilities. The friars and sisters assist the groups by offering spiritual talks, Holy Mass and confessions as requested. The friars and sisters do many activities with home school families throughout the year as well.

The Franciscans of the Immaculate, led by Fr. Elias, F.I., undertook the tremendous task of offering a symposium titled “Behold Your Mother”—this was an all day conference held at Our Lady of Greenwood Catholic Church in Greenwood, Indiana. The theme of the conference was Mary as Mediatrix, Co-redemptrix and Advocate. Around 1200 people attended this conference which featured some very well known experts on Marian Theology. Many volunteers from the Retreat Center helped Fr. Elias in this endeavor along with many people from the Greenwood parish. A big thanks to all of them.

We look forward to an exciting 2008 here at the Retreat Center. On Sunday, December 2, 2007, an information meeting will be held for people interested in joining the MIM/3rd Order Franciscans. The day will begin in the chapel with Holy Mass followed by an information meeting and ending with a pot luck lunch around 12:00 noon The Sisters of the Immaculate will offer child care during the meeting. Please bring food to share on December 2nd. Meetings for those wishing to join the MIM/3rd order will be held on a monthly basis. Following the same format—Mass, meeting, lunch—child care will be provided each time. Join us for complete information on the 3rd order Franciscans.

In February, a retreat designed for Home School Children as well as all children registered in Public or Parochial schools will be provided at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center. Information will be in the January Newsletter and in e-News messages.

We are very excited that Archbishop Daniel Buechlein O.S.B. will be making an official visit to the Friary/Convent here at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center on Sunday, January 27, 2008. He will celebrate Holy Mass in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. followed by a pot luck lunch in the Dining Hall.

We would be pleased if you would be able to join us on this joyous occasion.

On January 11, 12, 13th , 2008 (Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday till noon) a very special retreat will be given by Doctor Paul Byrne who will provide the Catholic viewpoint when making decisions on “Medical Directives” at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center. The title of the retreat, “Life and Death Matters” (Catholic Morality at the Beginning and Ending Stages of Life) is information especially important if you are/will be responsible or have input on decisions in regards to “Medical Directives”. If you have a position as a guardian, power of attorney, nurse, physician, social director, etc., this will assist you in decisions and advice grounded in the Catholic doctrine. You may register for one, two or three days of the retreat. See retreat information and/or sign up on the web site for e-News.

For all who have supported the “Farm”: Since we’re not sure of exactly what God’s requests will be in 2008, we ask that you keep us in your prayers so that we may continue to do those things “that are requested.” Please remember Brother Rudy and all the religious who have and are sharing their vocation with us. We have successfully completed our buildings, renovations, and are now in a different growth requirement. The Farm has been utilized by a tremendous number of people, organizations, seminarians, Church groups and so on. We have our Franciscan priests, sisters, and minimal lay staff to support as well as the property maintenance, utility expenses, equipment, operational supplies, monthly newsletters. Building and construction is more visible, but proper operation is equally imperative. For all of our faithful supporters, especially those that have committed monetarily each month, we rely upon God in His generosity to reward you as only He can. We promise you that we pray daily for all who have supported the “Farm” through prayer, volunteering or monetarily.

Ruth Ann and I would like to thank each one of you for your continued prayers and financial support for the work being done at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center. We continue to pray daily for you and your families.

May God continue to bless us all!

Jim

With your prayers, help, and financial assistance we will accomplish all the challenges that will be our mission in the next 12 months:

I am willing to do the following over a 12 month period:
___Contribute $_____for support of the monthly message which I receive.
___Contribute $____each month for operational expenses (heat, light, water, maintenance etc
___Would like to contribute $_________for unrestricted support of any/all projects at the Farm

May we help you in any way?
If you would like more information on Retreats, visitation hours, directions, accommodations, religious activities etc. –Call 812-254-4642 ext 200. Leave a message and your call will be returned or you may place your request in the enclosed envelope and someone will contact you.

Our Website is updated each month and you may also sign up for e-news. Go to the web site and under messages, you will be able to enroll in eNews.

If you are receiving more than one copy of the monthly Newsletter, please tell us so that we may eliminate the extra one. (call 812-254-3474 and give us the name, address and zip code.)

If you are receiving a copy of the monthly Newsletter and do not wish to continue, the name is incorrect, or you receive more that one copy, call 812-254-3474 and give us the name, address and zip code. We do not wish to offend anyone with unwanted mail. You are the only one that is able to keep our mailing list accurate. (leave message on answering machine)

Thanks and May God Bless you for your assistance,

Jim Wade

 

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Other Items From The News Archive

New Friar Announced

Fr. Elias Mary Mills F.I., Father Guardian at the Friary, announced that Mother of the Redeemer Farm is scheduled to have another Friar within the next two weeks—Father Joachim Mary, F.I. This will be the third priest serving the Farm.

Fr. Elias Mary Mills F.I., Father Guardian at the Friary, Fr. Joseph Mary ____, and Fr. Joachim Mary , F.I. are the three resident priest at Mother of the Redeemer Farm.

New Appointment At
Mother Of The Redeemer Retreat Center

Fr. Elias Mary Mills F.I. has been named the Father Guardian at the Friary at the Retreat Center. He replaces Fr. Michael Mary Gauvreau F.I. who has been reassigned to the Griswold, Conn. Friary.  Fr. Elias is originally from Nebraska.  We welcome him to the Retreat Center, and he requests your prayers as well.

The Farm Continues To Grow And Change

Friars: Fr. Elias Mary Mills F.I. has been named the Father Guardian at the Friary at the Retreat Center. He replaces Fr. Michael Mary Gauvreau F.I. who has been reassigned to the Griswold, Conn. Friary. Fr. Elias is originally from Nebraska. We welcome him to the Retreat Center, and he requests your prayers as well.

Sisters: Before September 1, 2007 the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate will have 3 women from the U.S. who will be joining them here at the Retreat Center. They will be in the beginning year of discerning a religious vocation with the F.S.I. Please pray for these young ladies as they undertake this tremendous task of serving God.

Confessions: Confessions at the Chapel here at the Farm are available M-F, 5:30-6 p.m., followed by Vespers and Holy Hour 6-7:00 p.m.

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Brother Rudy

Brother Rudy Talaga died October 21, 2007 at 12:40 a.m at the Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, and IN. The wake and rosary was held at Schubert’s Villa Chapel on Tuesday, October 23rd. The funeral Mass was in St. Joseph’s Chapel, Notre Dame, at 3 p.m., Wednesday, October 24th.

Br. Rudy was diagnosed with acute terminal leukemia and returned to Notre Dame to the health care facility of his order. Brother Rudy served the Farm for the past 10 years; many of his friends and acquaintances attended the funeral.

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Franciscan Sisters Of The Immaculate
Arrived At The Farm, September 2006

Mary's Children eNews Archive re: Franciscan Sisters Of The Immaculate

eNews From Mary's Children [September 10, 2006]
Franciscan sisters of the Immaculate installation -- Tuesday September 12th

The inaugural Mass for the Franciscan sisters of the Immaculate will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Mother of the Redeemer Farm on Tuesday, September 12, 2006. Following the Mass, their convent will be blessed and there will be a reception in the dining hall for all those attending. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the Mass, blessing, and reception. If it is convenient, please bring a light dessert for the reception.

Eight Franciscan sisters will be at the inaugural Mass; after October 2nd, four of them will be assigned to the Farm, the others returning to their missions. Mother Superior of the order will be present from Italy and Mother Maximilian who will be Mother of the sisters at the Farm.

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eNews From Mary's Children [September 7, 2006] --Update on Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate. Six Franciscan Sisters will arrive in Bloomington, IN at Mother of
the Redeemer Farm, Thursday, September 7th, 4:30 p.m. and two additional sisters will arrive Saturday, September 9th at 4 p.m.

Their installation Mass will be Tuesday, September 12th. Mother General will set the time when she arrives. We will probably know the time on Friday and will forward that
information as it becomes available. Some of the sisters will leave on September. 14th. Father Peter says more than 4 sisters may remain at the Farm. Mother General will decide that. All are invited and encouraged to attend the Tuesday September 12th
installation as well as the noon Mass on Saturday, September 9, 2006.

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Mary's Children eNews [September 2, 2006] -- Jim Wade announced that 4 sisters of the Franciscans of the Immaculate will be arriving at the Farm to take up residency, probably on Friday, September 8th. Their inaugural Mass will be between September 11-13th. Father Angelo, who is the superior of all the friaries in the United States and Australia for the Franciscans of the Immaculate, will celebrate the Mass and the Mother Superior and Vicar General from Italy will attend. Eight or nine sisters are expected to come for the initiation as well.

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Anniversary at the “Farm”

The Friars completed one year at the Farm on February 19, 2006. Thanks to all the Friars for their vocations and for being here with us. We now welcome the Sisters of the Immaculate.

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About the Newsletter

If you receive duplicate mailings or if you receive the Newsletter and do not wish to continue, call 812-254-3474 and leave message on answering machine. Speak very clearly giving Name, address. Or mail “the mailing label” you wish to discontinue to:

Mary’s Children

PO Box 27
Washington, IN
47501-0027

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Guest House Needs Help!

Help Needed...
If you would like to volunteer some assistance at the Farm, Maggie at the Guest House could use your help in housekeeping, especially after retreats on 3rd week end. The Farm is so constantly busy, that if you have time to contribute, Call Maggie (812 825 4642 ext 200). The work takes a certain amount of training which Maggie will be more than glad to provide.

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Archived News From Jim Wade
The following are "archived" copies of prior "Updates" from Jim Wade.

*****Year End Update 2006****

Status of the “Farm” and Ruth Ann
The “Farm” had a very busy year during 2006. In addition to the monthly retreats sponsored by Mary’s children and the Franciscans of the Immaculate, we hosted many other retreats throughout the year. I will attempt to name a few of those for examples:

The Lafayette, Indiana diocese used our facilities for their Seminarian Retreat in August and December. The retreat center has been the site chosen for several confirmation retreats by parishes in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. We had youth ministers here, and several parishes have utilized the center for private retreats for different groups in the parishes. St. Meinrad’s Seminary students being ordained deacons were here in August for a week long retreat prior to their final year before ordination to the priesthood. The largest undertaking was the hosting of the “Consumed” weekend for high school age students. We had approximately 180 plus young people plus about 40-50 volunteers. This is a retreat put on by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, centered around the Eucharist.

Convent Preparation:
The year also found us busy preparing the original house on the property (our former home) as a convent. The entire house was painted on the inside, ceramic tile placed on all formerly carpeted floors, restoring the hardwood floors that were in the house, and building some walls to make additional sleeping areas for the sisters. All of the work was completed by volunteers. May God Bless Them!

The Duplex. Before we began work on the convent, we had to prepare living quarters for Fr. Norbert and Br. Rudy, CSC, who had lived in the house. One of the houses on the property owned by Mary’s Children, was changed into a duplex for them. We divided the house in the middle with a chapel in between.

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate:
The Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate arrived at the “Farm” in September. There are currently 4 sisters in residence at the convent. As well as getting settled and establishing a new convent, the sisters have also assumed much work at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center. They help clean the Guest House rooms after retreats; they work in the ministry providing the child care/youth retreats. They have helped cook for retreats, helped Br. Rudy with Sacristan duties and cleaning the Chapel and the Retreat Center.

Grateful to Archbishop Daniel Buechlein O.S. B. and Fr. Stefano M. Manelli F.I: We feel extremely blessed by having both the Friars and the Sisters of the Immaculate at the retreat center. We thank Archbishop Daniel Buechlein O.S. B. and Fr. Stefano M. Manelli F.I., the cofounder of the Franciscans of the Immaculate for allowing this to happen.

A message to Ruth Ann: In late 2005, Ruth Ann was told that she would be returning to the Farm and that she was to adopt the Franciscan Spirituality. Early in 2006, she was told she would return the day after Easter, April 17, 2006, to begin this training. She was to attend the 6:30 a.m. Mass the Friars have each day Monday thru Saturday and evening Vespers/Holy Hour, 7 – 8 p.m. in the chapel. She also attends retreats that are given by the Friars. The Blessed Mother further said she, Ruth Ann, was to do anything else Fr. Michael Gauvreau F.I. told her to do, or as the Blessed Mother said it, “Do whatever he tells you.” Monday thru Friday we reside in a house that adjoins the Farm property and on weekends, we return to our home. As the Blessed Mother explains our living arrangements, we are as one attending school away from home and returning to our normal activities for the weekend at home.

OBEDIENCE: There seems to be one word that sums up the requests that are asked of Ruth Ann and that is OBEDIENCE! The Blessed Mother has often said they wish Ruth Ann to be an example to others as to just how important Obedience is to God’s desires for us.
For all who have supported the “Farm”: Since we’re not sure of exactly what the requests will be in 2007, we ask that you keep us in your prayers so that we may continue to do those things “that are requested.” We have successfully completed our buildings, renovations, and are now in a different growth requirement. We have our Franciscan priests, sisters, and minimal lay staff to support as well as the property maintenance, utility expenses, equipment, operational supplies, monthly newsletters. Building and construction is more visible, but proper operation is equally imperative. For all of our faithful supporters, especially those that have committed monetarily each month, we rely upon God in His generosity to reward you as only He can. We promise you that we pray daily for all who have supported the “Farm” through prayer, volunteering or monetarily.

Blessed Mother said: Now that the Friars and Sisters of the Immaculate are in residence at the Farm the Blessed Mother said “all is in place.”

May God continue to bless us all, ....Jim Wade

ALSO....
Check our Website that is updated each month www.maryschildren.com and also you may sign up for e-news. Go to the web site and under messages, you will be able to enroll in e-news.

If you are receiving more than one copy of the monthly Newsletter, please tell us so that we may eliminate the extra one.
(Call 812-254-3474 and give us the name, address and zip code.)

If you are receiving a copy of the monthly Newsletter and do not wish to continue, call 812-254-3474 and give us the name, address and zip code. We do not wish to offend anyone with unwanted mail. (Leave a message on our answering machine).

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*****Mid-Year Update 2006****

Note: October 7th (2006) was a Marian Day of Prayer Jim Wade gave an update on the Farm and Ruth Ann during the Marian Day of Prayer. There have been many changes at the Farm. This was an opportunity to see and visit with the Franciscan Sisters who have established a convent at the Farm.

As of April 17, 2006, Ruth Ann was instructed to return to the Farm for Daily Mass at 6:30 a.m. She was told to adapt the Franciscan Spirituality. Fr. Michael Gauvreau FI, the superior at the Friary located here, now serves as her spiritual director. The Blessed
Mother in giving her the basic guidelines as to what she could do now back at the Farm, has also said in referring to Fr. Michael, "Do whatever he tells you." As a result Ruth Ann attends 6:30 a.m. Mass, Monday-Saturday, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Holy Hour/Vespers Monday Friday and Sunday and any retreats where the Friars serve as the retreat master. All of this the Blessed Mother says is in preparation for the final phase of what Ruth Ann will be expected to do while still on this earth. Recently, the Blessed Mother has asked her to be more reserved while at the Farm. Specifically not to give hugs or participate in idle chatter. She may greet people as they greet her.

The Sisters of the Immaculate have opened a convent at the Farm. There are 4 sisters who will be in residence. The sisters will be helping in the Guest House work, the kitchen/dining room and various other activities, such as working with the children at the 3rd weekend retreats and in the bookstore. The sisters' convent is in the original house on the farm.

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****Christmas 2005 News From Jim Wade****

Blessed Mother’s Requests: The requests of projects at the “Farm” from the Blessed Mother continue to be given to Ruth Ann. In 2005 we completed the Confessional Building (7 confessionals.) Anyone wishing to make contributions to this project please see
"Helping Hand Supporters" under the newsletter section of this website.

Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate have been in residence at the “Farm” since February of 2005. The three priests from the order assigned here are Fr. Michael, F.I., superior of the Friary, Fr. Joseph, F.I. and Fr. Jerome, F.I. Fr. Norbert and Br. Rudy, C.S.C. continue to serve God in their respective vocations.

Archbishop Daniel Buechlein O.S.B. invited both the Friars and the Nuns: We are very appreciative of Archbishop Daniel Buechlein O.S.B. who invited both the Friars and the Nuns to set up a Friary and a convent on the “Farm” property. In early 2006 the Franciscans of the Immaculate will be setting up a convent at the “Farm.” We look forward to the Nuns helping us in various aspects of the ministry at the “Farm.” The Nuns will reside in the residence currently occupied by Fr. Norbert and Br. Rudy. And they will move into a duplex.

The Friars in 2006 will assume a more active role in the monthly retreats offered at the Retreat Center. The three priests assigned here will each be the retreat master for the monthly retreat and Friars from other friaries will be coming for different months throughout the year. We are excited that the Friars have agreed to fulfill that role for the “Farm.” We will have exposure to the many different priests from their order.

The Blessed Mother in a message to Ruth Ann requested to have the Friars invited. The Blessed Mother says, “Now that the Friars are here, all is in place.”

Ruth Ann hasn’t been to the “Farm” since Pentecost Sunday, 2004. At that time Ruth Ann was told she was to be absent from the “Farm.” During the time of these messages it was implied that one day she would be asked to return. In recent months she has been told that in early spring of 2006 she is to return to the “Farm” and adopt the Franciscan Spirituality. Fr. Michael, F.I. has been Ruth Ann’s spiritual director since July of 2005 at the request of the Blessed Mother. The return to the “Farm” will be for Monday through Friday. We will attend the 6:30 a.m. Mass with the Friars each morning and Holy Hour/Vespers each evening from 7 – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday we will reside in the house to the west that adjoins the “Farm”. We have been told by Our Lady to return to our current residence for weekends.

The Blessed Mother has told Ruth Ann that her return to the “Farm” will not be as before —that this time it will be as a “novice” in training. In prayer, when Ruth Ann questions, “Why?” Our Lord and Our Lady respond, “It is a necessary act of obedience and sacrifice because so few people are willing to sacrifice. As a result of this act, God can use it to save souls who would otherwise be lost.” With a statement like that, how could one not continue on with the requests even though we don’t always understand them? They also tell her all of this is in preparation for the final phase of her ministry here on this earth. The Blessed Mother almost always ends her daily messages to Ruth Ann as follows: “Not your will, but God’s will be done!”

We request your prayers for us and our family as we will soon begin to fulfill this next request. Be assured that we pray for all of you who have been touched by God’s graces through the “Farm.

May God continue to bless us all!