January 26, 2010
May the Lord give you His peace.
I usually don't do the "write-ups" since the other staff members do such a better job articulating the prior event in writing; however, with our recent move I thought I’d share with you how this move came to be as well as how our grand opening went….so here I go....
I'm writing this three days after our big opening at Mary Immaculate and yet I am still in awe and overwhelmed at how faithful, generous, and wonderful God has been with this ministry. We have had some struggling times over the past 3 years in getting this started and keeping it going, yet this past weekend God showed me that through Him and with Him (trusting in the Lord), nothing is impossible. To think that I almost folded and gave up last year out of frustration, impatience, and doubt…Praise God for Br. John-Mary, CFR who told me to not give up and "have faith." So, I did and kept going (even when I wanted to quit). Sure enough...things started changing...good things were happening. The café was growing at our Arlington location and we were blessed with talented musicians, as well as having the Friars lead Holy Hour. Many souls were being touched and transformed. This would not have been possible if it wasn't for the support and help from Fr. Jim Gigliotti, TOR and the members from Immaculata Fraternity SFO at St. Maria Goretti. Thank you!!
End of last year, Fr. Michael Forge at Mary Immaculate graciously invited and opened his parish to us. After prayerfully thinking about the move, I felt this was where God was leading the Shepherd’s Café - especially with our growth and the location of the parish. Not to mention the facility offered for the café at Mary Immaculate. Of course with any “changes”, I had some concerns, fears, worries and nervousness, but “have faith” kept me going and trusted in the Lord. The transition was smooth and the move was easy. Why did I even worry? God blessed us once again with great people such as Fr. Michael and the staff at Mary Immaculate. They have welcomed us with open arms and have gone above and beyond in helping us. God bless them!
I'm writing this three days after our big opening at Mary Immaculate and yet I am still in awe and overwhelmed at how faithful, generous, and wonderful God has been with this ministry. We have had some struggling times over the past 3 years in getting this started and keeping it going, yet this past weekend God showed me that through Him and with Him (trusting in the Lord), nothing is impossible. To think that I almost folded and gave up last year out of frustration, impatience, and doubt…Praise God for Br. John-Mary, CFR who told me to not give up and "have faith." So, I did and kept going (even when I wanted to quit). Sure enough...things started changing...good things were happening. The café was growing at our Arlington location and we were blessed with talented musicians, as well as having the Friars lead Holy Hour. Many souls were being touched and transformed. This would not have been possible if it wasn't for the support and help from Fr. Jim Gigliotti, TOR and the members from Immaculata Fraternity SFO at St. Maria Goretti. Thank you!!
End of last year, Fr. Michael Forge at Mary Immaculate graciously invited and opened his parish to us. After prayerfully thinking about the move, I felt this was where God was leading the Shepherd’s Café - especially with our growth and the location of the parish. Not to mention the facility offered for the café at Mary Immaculate. Of course with any “changes”, I had some concerns, fears, worries and nervousness, but “have faith” kept me going and trusted in the Lord. The transition was smooth and the move was easy. Why did I even worry? God blessed us once again with great people such as Fr. Michael and the staff at Mary Immaculate. They have welcomed us with open arms and have gone above and beyond in helping us. God bless them!
The grand opening at Mary Immaculate was this past Saturday, January 23rd – for those who were there… what a great turn-out!!! This was the largest crowd we have ever had with close to 200 people. Adoration was absolutely beautiful with Jesus present in the Eucharist and the Franciscan Friars drawing us closer to our Lord through prayer, meditation, and music. It was so beautiful to see souls being touched by God. Graces were flowing….oh, how He loves and thirsts for us. I heard so many amazing stories from people who attended Holy Hour that night…wow, God is Good!
Afterwards, we had live performance by Gravity Liberation Front - they were amazing and on FIRE. If you haven’t heard them…go listen to them! Talented and holy men of God leading us in worship through their Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Gospel style music. Everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves mingling with new and old friends. We were blessed to have the Friars, Dominican Novices, Edwin, the parish Seminarian, and Sisters from Our Lady of Charity present promoting their beautiful vocation. In the midst of 200 people, you felt the presence of God because He was the reason why we were there.
The Shepherd’s Café is a place where people can share in their faith, grow in their faith, as well as seek their faith. We hope many will attend our next café scheduled Feb 27th. I hope you will invite a friend so they too can experience God’s love and have a fun holy night out! God bless.
Peace and all good,
Yong
Yong