Volunteers Give their Hearts to Bethesda Healing Ministry

Frank and Judeen Hartge are Bethesda Healing Board members who are deeply committed to the mission of this ministry.

The birth of their first grandchild in February, 2008 prompted them to get involved with the St. Matthew Parish Respect Life committee.  A homily by Fr. Paul Noble inspired them further as he talked about how abortion won’t end with legislation, but when hearts are changed.

Shortly afterward, they heard a presentation about the psychological impact of abortion from Bethesda Foundress Judy Schlueter. They began praying for the women who were healing and felt drawn to serve this ministry further.

They started by providing food to Bethesda Healing Ministry — as hospitality with the comfort of sharing meals is a tradition at Five Porticos for each gathering.

Judy then asked them to prayerfully consider a Board role — which they gladly accepted.

“It is really nice to share this ministry as a couple,” said Judeen. “And this is a diocesan-wide ministry, so we have met many wonderful people outside of our own parish.”

Frank was a recent Bethesda Dinner Concert co-chair along with Janet Donohue. The event was held in August at St. Charles Preparatory School.

“It was gratifying to see Judy’s vision unfold for this event,” said Frank. “We raised a record amount of money to continue to serve the women and families of Bethesda. We also enjoyed watching people from all different parishes come together for the evening in such a beautiful venue.”

Both Frank and Judeen cite the women’s testimonies as the most captivating moment of the evening. “You could have heard a pin drop,” said Frank.

The Hartges invite you to consider volunteering with Bethesda Healing Ministry.

Bethesda has ongoing needs for food, office, hospitality, landscaping, cleaning and pastoral care services. Please visit www.bethesdahealing.org for more information.

A Board Member’s Perspective

Post by Melissa Braunlin, OSU student, Written Impact intern and SPO missionary.

Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Dave Osborn, who is a member of the Bethesda Healing Ministry board. He gave some great insight into what it’s like to be involved with the ministry and the work they do.

Dave first heard about the ministry through Judy Schlueter, the founder of Bethesda Healing Ministry, at the ministry’s annual fundraiser dinner.

An invitation was extended to Dave to be on the board of the ministry, and after a substantial discernment process and a lot of prayer, he accepted. Dave said that he was very glad to be on the board to assist because he is not a counselor and therefore can’t be on front lines of the ministry.

This is a ministry which is so vital to our culture today. “Forty years of abortions have created the most immeasurable pain in our society and this is a way to find healing,“ said Dave.

A beautiful thing that Dave expressed about the Bethesda Healing Ministry is that it is available to women any time after an abortion. “Whether it’s a week after the abortion or twenty years later, Bethesda is right here for women,” said Dave.

And Bethesda does not only minister to women. The ministry also serves men who have been wounded by abortion and the Bethesda team eagerly welcomes them.

What does Dave enjoy the most about Bethesda Healing Ministry? He appreciates the completeness of the organization. “It’s a Catholic ministry, so we have the fullness of the Sacraments to bring to the healing process.” The ministry also welcomes people of any faith background who are seeking healing after abortion.

Dave would like to encourage Catholics and non-Catholics alike to learn more about the ministry and to spread word of it to others who may be in need of healing. “Picking up the phone for the first time is the hardest step,” said Dave.

Do you have questions about the ministry? We are here to help!

L’Innocence

It is with great joy that we share this very special prayer and the beautiful image of L’Innocence which graces the home of Bethesda Healing Ministry, Five Porticos.

Hold me Mother In your arms, Gently dry my tears, Comfort and console me, Chase away my fears.
Ask your son the healer to hold me in His heart. Shower me with all the love, Your Son the lamb imparts.

Mother of Mercy Help me to trust And know and love your Son, Who leaves the ninety-nine behind To go after … me, the one!

Inviting You to Our August 14 Dinner Concert Event

The theme of the Bethesda Healing Ministry Annual Dinner/Concert Event is a story about one out of three women, and all those who love them — and it is a story we will all want to hear.

No matter the situation or circumstances surrounding a personal abortion experience, even if this experience is in spiritual or emotional isolation, the Father is always there and runs to meet this beloved child, wrap her/him in His arms and throw a party to celebrate his or her return.

Bethesda Healing Ministry works quietly and with great love. How do we describe the ministry when people ask us how they can help? The Bethesda response remains, “It is a miracle of God’s mercy that joy is birthed.”

Without marketing or promotion, the program and work of the Bethesda Healing Ministry is growing around the country. Seven diocese have requested formation support to duplicate what Bethesda offers to women and men seeking acceptance, healing and hope.

Priests and seminarians request that we increase our availability so that more might experience the gift and graces of this ministry. The Bethesda call is growing, numbers are increasing, our needs are great and our hope is bountiful.

Please mark your calendars to join us for ‘A CELEBRATION OF GOD’S MERCY’ Bethesda Healing Ministry Dinner and Concert at St. Charles Preparatory School – on Sunday, August 14, 2011 / 4:00 p.m. This Memorable Event features Keynote offered by Bishop Frederick Campbell and concert in the style of Josh Groban by International Tenor Daniel Cabanillas of Erie, PA.

DINNER, WINE, BEER AND CONCERT ARE COMPLIMENTARY. WE WILL APPEAL FOR YOUR FREEWILL SUPPORT AT THE CLOSE OF THE EVENING.

PLEASE RSVP BY AUGUST 7th Tables and Individual seats available. Call Diana at 898-9520 email: ddicesaredavis@aol.com

St. Padre Pio’s Inspiring Quotes

Here are a few St. Padre Pio beautiful quotes that inspire and remind us to pray every day.

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart.”

“Do you not see the Madonna always beside the tabernacle?”

“The longer the trial to which God subjects you, the greater the goodness in comforting you during the time of the trial and in the exaltation after the combat.”

“Keep close to the Catholic Church at all times, for the Church alone can give you true peace, since she alone possesses Jesus, the true Prince of Peace, in the Blessed Sacrament.”

“Fear not because God is with you.”

“Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.”

“Who can assure us that we will be alive tomorrow? Let us listen to the voice of our conscience, to the voice of the royal prophet: “Today, if you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.” Let us not put off from one moment to another (what we should do) because the (next moment) is not yet ours. “

“Oh, how precious time is! Blessed are those who know how to make good use of it. Oh, if only all could understand how precious time is, undoubtedly everyone would do his best to spend it in a praiseworthy manner!”

“The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of pain.”

Sisters of Life

We were so blessed to have several Sisters of Life join us on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a Retreat with members of the Bethesda Pastoral Team, Board and Volunteers.

The Sisters inspired us with stories, advice, laughter and prayer. Their joy for their community charism of Life is authentic, powerful and moving.

Lord, we ask that you continue to bless the Sisters and their mission of supporting women and families and we thank you for the reminder that friendship, love and support is always a great gift from You, Amen.

Blessed to Serve

My name is Lori Crock and I am new to the mission of Bethesda Healing Ministry.

The Lord, in His most mysterious and beautiful way, connected Judy Schlueter and I at a Friends of the Josephinum meeting a few months ago and we began talking about how my small, mission-oriented marketing team, Written Impact, might help get the word out about this quiet, yet powerful ministry using new media. We have been blessed to serve other Catholic organizations, including the Offices of Vocations and the Diaconate, St. Gabriel Radio and Cristo Rey Columbus.

We are so excited to tell the story of Bethesda Healing Ministry using traditional and new media. Working with the Pastoral Ministry Team, we have started this blog, a Facebook page and YouTube channel and much more is in the works–including materials for the Columbus Catholic Women’s and Men’s conferences.

It is truly a gift for me personally to get involved with this vibrant and important ministry and to get to know the dedicated women and men, guided by Holy Spirit, and with advice and spiritual direction from the Sisters of Life — all who give gentleness and love to women and families healing from abortion.

This quote from Mother Teresa describes what I have experienced in this ministry so far … “Intense love does not measure, it just gives.”

Please prayerfully consider joining our efforts; we welcome your time, talent, treasure and prayers. ~Lori