Fruit of the Spirit is St. Martin's newest featured article in our parish bulletin periodically highlighting personal testimonials about how our ministries and parish community have made a positive impact on the lives of those we touch. We hope these reflections inspire you to participate in ministries that best fit your personal faith journey. If you have a testimonial you;d like to share, please email it to parishoffice@smdpyl.org.
August 18, 2019 Bulletin
One morning last April I set out to speak with the RCIA team about something I was already quite resolved to do, become Catholic. Ironically, I was quite sure that I was going to walk out of my first meeting freshly sprinkled in Holy Water and instantaneously a full-fledged Catholic. Never did I once think that I would be immersing myself in Mass every Sunday, performing several apostolic works, receiving a whole lot of public attention, and living through a set of intensely profound experiences with both equally interesting and selfless people. One of those people was my sponsor, an assigned friend who became a great friend, and by the grace of God, my Godfather.
So while it was nothing that I expected, it was everything that I needed. I am so very proud to be Catholic, because the RCIA at Saint Martin’s showed me what that really means.
May 26, 2019 Bulletin
Through the efforts of the Respect Life and Family Ministry, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church contributes to Casa Teresa, one of the many worthy organizations providing help and support to women and families in need. A recent testimonial from one participant in their program offered the following:
“What I am most thankful to Casa Teresa for is their amazing staff. Walking into this facility ten months ago, I couldn’t picture myself where I am today. Not knowing how to love myself or accept love from anyone else because of my broken self, it kept me away from ever hoping to love. The moment I arrived, I was showered with love and not only that – everyone believed in me, encouraged me and motivated me. Not too long afterwards, I began to love myself and accept love from others. Waking up every day is a reminder of how loved and blessed I am. I am truly thankful for all I receive here at Casa Teresa.”
- Tracey, Transformation 2 program
Lisa, the Chief Executive Officer for this organization, wrote a personal thank you to Father Sy to relay their appreciation while providing this participant testimonial. She added, “Today we have 29 women, 3 children, 13 babies and another due this week. Your gift is a blessing!”
April 28, 2019 Bulletin
Prayers from the Respect Life and Adoration Chapel helped save a Child’s life this week as a young lady came into our clinic for her regular therapy sessions. During her session she advised her therapist that she was pregnant and was planning to have an abortion. The young lady grew up in foster care, group homes and the people around her were not supportive implying to ”just get rid of it”. She already had one abortion that led to depression and several suicidal attempts, however, another abortion appeared to be the only solution this 16 year old could think of. The therapist took swift action and after a prayer request was sent to St. Martin’s Respect Life Ministry, we were able to speak more with this young lady afterwards. Through the intercession of prayer we were able to talk the young lady into holding off on the abortion and coming back on Monday morning to thoroughly review all of her available options. That afternoon another prayer request was sent to our Respect life and Adoration ministries. I know that Jesus in the Eucharist had our backs. The response was truly amazing and by the Grace of God, Monday morning the young lady showed up as she listened intently to all of her options as she ultimately decided to keep her baby! She said she did not know there were pro-life centers that would help her and her baby whom she quickly admitted to be already madly in love with. She left saying “I think God must be watching over me and my baby” God is good! We need to believe in the power of prayer.
March 17, 2019 Bulletin
Today my family and I went on our 4th trip to Skid Row to donate clothes, blankets and food. Each month we go is a very different experience, as you never know what God has planned for you that day. It broke my heart today when I was approached by the same woman 4 times asking for a blanket because her tent had gotten wet from the rain. I couldn't help but notice all her clothes were still damp and all she wanted was something that could keep her warm in this cold weather. Unfortunately, we were out of blankets and sleeping bags by that point so I felt helpless. I tried to look through my car for anything that might help but I had nothing to give. We were able to get her a couple jackets and tops eventually, but she left blanket-less and cold. I thought to myself the whole way home what I could do to help, and I think it would be amazing to have a blanket drive at St. Martin for their needs. If every family just donates 1 blanket, we should be able to hand them out to 3x the amount of people as we did today. I hope and pray we can make this work.” - Angie Hunter