Who is St. Monica?
A native of North Africa, this fourth century lover of Christ, through her patience and prayers, was able to convert her husband and his mother to the Catholic faith in 370. Her husband died a year later. Her children, Perpetua and Navigius, entered the religious life. St. Augustine was much more difficult as she had to pray for him for 17 years. One priest consoled her by saying, "It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." St. Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose in 387. St. Monica died later that same year on the way back to Africa from Rome. St. Monica is buried in the church of St. Augustine in Rome.
Lord, help us to turn from our sins and to find your loving forgiveness.
Lord, help us to turn from our sins and to find your loving forgiveness.
What is the St. Monica Ministry?
A ministry based on the life of St. Monica, who sought understanding, who prayed intently, and sought the support and consolation of others, in response to the alienation of her son from the Catholic faith.
When does the St. Monica Ministry take place?
Over three sessions
Session 1: Why do so many adults become inactive/indifferent to the faith?
Session 2: Guided meditation through a review of your own life, how has the Lord touched you, and what is the Lord saying to you now, and how are they linked?
Session 3: How do we best support one another? (Group Sharing)
Session 1: Why do so many adults become inactive/indifferent to the faith?
Session 2: Guided meditation through a review of your own life, how has the Lord touched you, and what is the Lord saying to you now, and how are they linked?
Session 3: How do we best support one another? (Group Sharing)
Topics covered in the St. Monica Ministry
- The many reasons why adults, raised in the faith, stop an active practice of the faith.
- Helpful, appropriate responses
- Destructive, inappropriate responses
- Deepened Spirituality: how has and how is the Lord touching my life through this situation?
- Personal growth through a heightened self-knowledge
- New beginnings - seeing myself, my loved ones, life and God differently
- Spiritual exercises in prayer and in faith through the use of the St. Monica text
- New friendships through sharing with others in this ministry.
I would like the St. Monica Ministry at my parish.
If you would like this ministry to be offered at your parish, kindly contact Dr. Buchner ( 410-329-6826) or [email protected], and arrange for a mutually convenient date.
Upon coming to your parish, Dr. Buchner will offer sessions one and two of the ministry. Specifically:
1: Dr. Buchner will offer a presentation explaining " why' and " how" people raised in the faith, can and do become inactive. He'll also note some practical DO's and DONT's , by way of response to inactive loved ones.
2: Following a break, Dr. Buchner will lead a " Spiritual Discernment" reflection, which will assist participants to more clearly see " when" and " how" Our Lord has touched their lives, and what this might suggest in terms of one's response to loved ones. Too, session two will include a reference to Dr. Buchner's book, " The St. Monica Ministry" which includes many spiritual exercises which will facilitate both healing, and on- going discernment of God's activity in one's own life.
3: After a presentation, prayer, and spiritual reading, Dr. Buchner suggests that participants come back together, after 2- 3 weeks following sessions one and two, and , in a spirit of support, affirmation, and encouragement, share with one another insights gleaned from the presentation, prayer, spiritual reading, or all three.
Expenses: Dr. Buchner requests a stipend of $250 plus expenses for this ministry, fee requests are negotiable. On-going consultation, and interaction with other "St. Monica" groups from around the country, are included in this fee. A copy of Dr. Buchner's book "The St. Monica Ministry" will be available to participants for $10. Additional texts written by Dr. Buchner will be helpful resources for those participating in this ministry. Sessions one and two of the St. Monica Ministry can be offered whenever a parish has a 2.5 hour block of time available to assist people with healing, and spiritual growth. So, therefore, this ministry has been, and can continue, to be offered: on a Friday evening; Saturday morning, or Saturday afternoon; Sunday afternoon, after the last Mass or a weeknight if that is best for the people of a particular parish, or area. Please know that hotel/ motel accomodations are not necessary for Dr. Buchner. A stay in the rectory, over overnight as a guest of a parishioner, is most acceptable.
1: Dr. Buchner will offer a presentation explaining " why' and " how" people raised in the faith, can and do become inactive. He'll also note some practical DO's and DONT's , by way of response to inactive loved ones.
2: Following a break, Dr. Buchner will lead a " Spiritual Discernment" reflection, which will assist participants to more clearly see " when" and " how" Our Lord has touched their lives, and what this might suggest in terms of one's response to loved ones. Too, session two will include a reference to Dr. Buchner's book, " The St. Monica Ministry" which includes many spiritual exercises which will facilitate both healing, and on- going discernment of God's activity in one's own life.
3: After a presentation, prayer, and spiritual reading, Dr. Buchner suggests that participants come back together, after 2- 3 weeks following sessions one and two, and , in a spirit of support, affirmation, and encouragement, share with one another insights gleaned from the presentation, prayer, spiritual reading, or all three.
Expenses: Dr. Buchner requests a stipend of $250 plus expenses for this ministry, fee requests are negotiable. On-going consultation, and interaction with other "St. Monica" groups from around the country, are included in this fee. A copy of Dr. Buchner's book "The St. Monica Ministry" will be available to participants for $10. Additional texts written by Dr. Buchner will be helpful resources for those participating in this ministry. Sessions one and two of the St. Monica Ministry can be offered whenever a parish has a 2.5 hour block of time available to assist people with healing, and spiritual growth. So, therefore, this ministry has been, and can continue, to be offered: on a Friday evening; Saturday morning, or Saturday afternoon; Sunday afternoon, after the last Mass or a weeknight if that is best for the people of a particular parish, or area. Please know that hotel/ motel accomodations are not necessary for Dr. Buchner. A stay in the rectory, over overnight as a guest of a parishioner, is most acceptable.