Thank You

By Judy Schlueter

Dear Bethesda friends,

Something wonderful happened last Sunday (August 14).  Those of us who serve this Ministry of the Church at every level knew that we were called to honor the inspiration for the program with Daniel Cabanillas and colleagues through offering a full evening reflecting “A Celebration of God’s Mercy”. On the Eve of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother into heaven the spirit seemed to change. Our FUNDERS who worked tirelessly for almost a year, along with our board and ministry members thought we would be recipients of financial/ friendship support and we abundantly were. Yet it seemed to be a larger desire on the part of a God who cannot be outdone in generosity that not only would we be recipients, but also gift-givers of an opportunity to experience His grace, joy and beauty. The Spirit seemed to have embraced us all. Thank you for offering to Him and to us your gifts of self. We are forever grateful.

God bless you,

Bethesda Healing Ministry

Dinner Concert Event This Sunday

Post by Kevin Volz, Written Impact Media Manager and Writer

Bethesda Healing Ministry’s annual dinner and concert benefit will be held at St. Charles Preparatory School this Sunday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m. The event features keynote speaker Bishop Frederick F. Campbell and international tenor Daniel Cabanillas.

Dinner, wine, beer and the concert are complimentary. Freewill offerings will be accepted at the event in support of Bethesda. Both tables and individual seats are still available. To RSVP, call Diana at 614-898-9520 or email ddicesaredavis@aol.com.

This 30-second clip gives you more details about the event, which we are sure you are going to love. Feel free to share our invitation with any family members or friends.

A Beautiful Journey

Post by Kevin Volz, Written Impact Media Manager and Writer

When Judy Schlueter founded Bethesda Healing Ministry in 1993, she wanted to create a community that was not just a quick fix for those searching for post-abortion healing. She wanted a nurturing environment that would give constant love, trust and acceptance to those seeking help. Since its humble beginnings more than 15 years ago, Bethesda Healing Ministry has provided help and support to countless women who struggle with the emotions that develop after having an abortion.

Bethesda’s major challenge is finding ways to help women open up about their post-abortion feelings. Many women are ashamed of their choice and have a fear of others knowing that they are a post-abortion woman. Those involved in the ministry pray for those women taking the first step, those women who no longer go to the ministry and those women who will arrive in the future.

_

Bethesda Healing Ministry is located in the beautiful Five Porticos, a former convent located in Columbus, Ohio. The building feel like home to those who enter its doors; whether it be the smell of a casserole in the oven or reconnecting with old friends, there is always something familiar and comforting to be found at Bethesda.

_

Bethesda is also gifted with wise and compassionate chaplains. The community has strong connections with Bishop Campbell and the Columbus Diocese and the Josephinum, a pontifical college located nearby. The seminarians at the school work with Bethesda to fulfill their yearlong pastoral formation journey. For the seminarians, watching God’s mercy transform lives has a profound impact on their hearts and future sacramental ministry. For the women seeking help, connecting with trustworthy men committed to a year of service to them creates a lasting impression.

_

The good news of Bethesda Healing Ministry has spread across the United States. Last August, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops(USCCB) invited Judy to address its annual Pro-Life Leadership Conference in Houston. Six dioceses from around the country have requested support from the Columbus ministry to start their own Bethesda program.

The ministry has also expanded in central Ohio. A group of spirit-filled women in Scioto County recently launched the first Bethesda satellite ministry “Raphael’s Hands”. With growth comes financial difficulty, but the Lord has provided for Bethesda through the kindness of its donors. The ministry is funded almost entirely by its annual benefit dinner. This year’s event, A Celebration of God’s Mercy, will be held on August 14, 2011.

For more information on this year’s benefit dinner, as well as a link to RSVP for the event, please click here.

A Celebration of God’s Mercy

Post by Kevin Volz, Written Impact Media Manager and Writer

On Sunday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m. Bethesda will be hosting its tenth annual benefit dinner at St. Charles Preparatory School. The Ministry relies almost entirely on the proceeds from the benefit dinner for its operating budget. The purpose of the event is to share the stories of the women and men who have been wounded by abortion and how they found healing and restoration through the Ministry’s compassionate community. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, speakers and a concert. This year’s featured performer is Daniel Cabanillas.

Daniel is a pianist, tenor and organist. He lives in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he works at local colleges and churches. Daniel is an accomplished performer. Some of the organizations he has performed with include:

• The Erie Opera Theater
• The D’Angelo Opera Theater
• The Erie Chamber Orchestra (which selected him as the soloist for their 25^th anniversary concert)

Daniel’s passion lies in liturgical music and singing praise to God. His mission is to spread the word of God to all through his music. Daniel and his wife Emily are the directors of music at St. George’s Catholic Church in Erie and Daniel is also the Director of Liturgical Music at Mercyhurst College’s Christ the King Chapel.

As one of the busiest liturgical singers in the Erie area, we are grateful to have Daniel join us for our tenth benefit dinner. His inspiring lyrics and soaring voice will make the evening truly special for all involved.

Reservations are now being taken for this year’s benefit. To make a reservation, contact Diana at 614-898-9520. You can also send an email to ddicesaredavis@aol.com or email us via our contact page.