Sign of Hope and Renewal
My first tulip recently bloomed. It is a certain sign of hope and renewal; the promise that, even though things are so different right now, God still shows us His gifts of natural beauty!
Mary Loven
Paying it Forward - Literally!
When Juletta Weber recently broke a tooth, she brought the piece with her to an appointment with her long-time dentist. After securing it back in place, he deferred her payment and instead told her to donate the monetary amount to a place in need. "He is such a good and generous man," said Juletta, who followed his direction and sent a check for the amount of the service to Holy Spirit. "I couldn't think of a better use than to give it to the church."
Thomas
[Background: Thomas Merchlewicz is a member of St. Anthony's in his mid-20s. He was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and his courage, faith, and humor inspire many. The video was made by family members from all over the United States. As his mother Char says: "It made us smile, laugh, and cry ... faith in action for supporting Thomas."]
My first tulip recently bloomed. It is a certain sign of hope and renewal; the promise that, even though things are so different right now, God still shows us His gifts of natural beauty!
Mary Loven
Paying it Forward - Literally!
When Juletta Weber recently broke a tooth, she brought the piece with her to an appointment with her long-time dentist. After securing it back in place, he deferred her payment and instead told her to donate the monetary amount to a place in need. "He is such a good and generous man," said Juletta, who followed his direction and sent a check for the amount of the service to Holy Spirit. "I couldn't think of a better use than to give it to the church."
Thomas
[Background: Thomas Merchlewicz is a member of St. Anthony's in his mid-20s. He was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and his courage, faith, and humor inspire many. The video was made by family members from all over the United States. As his mother Char says: "It made us smile, laugh, and cry ... faith in action for supporting Thomas."]
Thank you for your email from the parish. It certain is unusual times for everyone on so many levels. Thomas is doing ok but certainly not feeling great. We are trying to find ways to bring happiness and surround him with what he loves. He loves family and needs them now but the pandemic has kept grandparents, aunts , uncles and cousins at a distance.
After Christmas I prayed so hard to have more time with our family together. The scans right after Christmas showed that could be challenging. Thomas has fought such a brave and courageous battle with patience and perseverance. He has been an inspiration to so many people including myself. He takes things in stride and does not complain or worry. I have learned so much from him.
While the pandemic is an awful unprecedented event in history it has given our family time together that wouldn’t have been possible without it. Mark and I have been blessed to work from home right now while Thomas is at his greatest needs with cancer. Nicole would have struggled being in grand forks while her heart is here with Thomas and the sisters while the cancer is raging. In a strange way God has answered so many of our prayers with the gift of time together.
We are thankful for blessings at every turn and truly live as we are called with celebrating each day we are given. God has put the exact people and events into play for our son and family. We have very grateful hearts even the the pain and suffering.
Thanks for the opportunity to share our story of hope and look forward to hearing yours as well.
Love,
Charlotte and Team Merk
After Christmas I prayed so hard to have more time with our family together. The scans right after Christmas showed that could be challenging. Thomas has fought such a brave and courageous battle with patience and perseverance. He has been an inspiration to so many people including myself. He takes things in stride and does not complain or worry. I have learned so much from him.
While the pandemic is an awful unprecedented event in history it has given our family time together that wouldn’t have been possible without it. Mark and I have been blessed to work from home right now while Thomas is at his greatest needs with cancer. Nicole would have struggled being in grand forks while her heart is here with Thomas and the sisters while the cancer is raging. In a strange way God has answered so many of our prayers with the gift of time together.
We are thankful for blessings at every turn and truly live as we are called with celebrating each day we are given. God has put the exact people and events into play for our son and family. We have very grateful hearts even the the pain and suffering.
Thanks for the opportunity to share our story of hope and look forward to hearing yours as well.
Love,
Charlotte and Team Merk
Here is Cyrilla, through her north window. This is an Easter moment photo: the death of spirit by isolation will not be victorious over this faith-filled lady because, as she so often reminds us, we are never alone when we're safe in the arms of the Good Shepherd. Each day brings new joys with the love and care provided by the truly kind and good staff at Benedict Court. Several years ago when decisions were being made about a new "home" for Mom, multiple apartments were available but, as is nearly always the case in assisted living, decisions need to be made quickly without the luxury of " seeing the future". But God did! And He definitely was in charge, ( as always 😊). He gave her the best room in the house.
She is grateful for our family's lifetime, 70+ years, being part of the faith family of St. Anthony's and all the growth, encouragement, education, support and love that has provided. Thank you!
She is grateful for our family's lifetime, 70+ years, being part of the faith family of St. Anthony's and all the growth, encouragement, education, support and love that has provided. Thank you!
We want to hear from you with your inspiring stories. We would like to share stories of faith, service, kindness, and positive experiences from these past weeks. You can write up a short narrative and email them, or record a brief video and send it to us. We will share them as we are able to inspire one another and keep our community in touch, even though we know it’s not the same as telling the stories over coffee or in the church parking lot. What has God been doing in your life and family? Let us know.
You can submit written stories or photos by email to: hsps@spiritandsaints.org, or you can share a video file through Google Drive at: https://bit.ly/ParisStor or through icloud at: https://bit.ly/icloudParisStor.
Photos can also be shared at either of these links if the file size is too large for email. If you wish to submit a video file, please submit it as an MP4 file.
You can submit written stories or photos by email to: hsps@spiritandsaints.org, or you can share a video file through Google Drive at: https://bit.ly/ParisStor or through icloud at: https://bit.ly/icloudParisStor.
Photos can also be shared at either of these links if the file size is too large for email. If you wish to submit a video file, please submit it as an MP4 file.