News from Good News Ministries:
- Demonstrating Mercy In Difficult Situations
- News From the Founder: An Excitingly Unique Idea
- New video: God’s help for caregivers (Paula’s story)
- Plus great links to great content!
Demonstrating Mercy in Difficult Situations
I vividly remember sitting on the beach doing the “required summer reading” of Dead Man Walking during vacation a few weeks before high school began in the fall of 1999. As paradoxical as that may seem, learning about death row inmates who were rarely able to see the light of day while basking in the sunshine – it was an incredibly formative moment in my life. It impacted my faith and lit a fire within me to pray for the guilty on death row.
The Death Penalty in the United States has been front and center in the news this past week with the failed execution of Christa Gail Pike in Tennessee, and I feel it is important to address it from the Catholic perspective.
On September 30th, the State of Tennessee administered Christa two lethal doses of pentobarbital for her role in the killing of Colleen Slemmer in January 1995. Due to complications during the execution procedure, Christa survived the attempt, was rushed to the hospital, and as of yesterday was conscious, talking, eating, and walking. This has never happened before in the American justice system.
In the past week, lawyers, the media, witnesses, pundits, politicians, activists, and Colleen’s family have tried to make sense of the failed execution attempt. There is a lot of speculation and many opinions about what should happen. However, most of the emotionally fueled coverage and commentary has failed to address the human dignity of both the victim, Colleen Slemmer, and condemned inmate Christa Pike.
In 2018, Pope Francis revised paragraph 2267 of the Catechism to clarify the Church’s position on Capital Punishment. I encourage you to read the revision in its entirety. But simply the Catholic Church teaches that those guilty of serious crimes have a God-given dignity that should not be prematurely extinguished by the state and it works to end capital punishment worldwide.
So what can we do? Most of us do not have the perspective of the victims family, but we can listen to their pain, demonstrate empathy and remind them that only Jesus can offer a peace the world and state-sanctioned executioners cannot give. We can also pray for those on death row, ask God to help them feel remorse for their horrific crimes and seek His forgiveness and mercy.
This week I ask you to join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Colleen Slemmer, Colleen’s Family, condemned inmate Christa Pike, and the many lawyers and judges working on this unprecedented legal case. It is my hope that by our collective prayers for this situation, the perfect justice and unfathomable mercy of God will be revealed and convict more hearts of the dignity of life so we can work to protect it from conception until natural death.
May God continue to bless you and your families. Come, Holy Spirit!
News from the Founder:
An Excitingly Unique Idea
What if a video course could be turned into an interactive book?
That’s the idea that came to me one morning as I prayed for the upcoming conference in Milwaukee. I’ve written a book on Jesus (My Soul Shall Be Healed), on the Father (The Father’s Heart: Meet the Real Abba Father), and now it’s time for something on the Holy Spirit.
I’ve never seen a video book before. Have you? I’m so excited to do this!
Each of the three books lead you through a video course of short videos with reflection questions and space to write your thoughts. QR codes will take you to each episode.
These books are keepsake quality and make great gifts (reminder: Christmas is coming fast).
Look for them on my Amazon author page. Or at the publisher’s website.
Join GNM in Milwaukee!
Join me and GNM Director Bill Snyder and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee October 24 & 25 at Mary, Mother of the Church Pastoral Center (3501 S. Lake Drive St. Francis, WI 53225).
The weekend conference will include Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well on Saturday and Living Catholicism in the Modern World on Sunday. Choose one or both days. The event will feature inspiring presentations, prayer ministry, and uplifting praise and worship music. To register and learn more, visit ccrmilwaukee.org/events.
We’ve Got a New Video for You!
God’s help for caregivers: Paula’s story
Sometimes faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting God enough to take the next step.
When Paula Veloso Babadi and her sisters were caring for their mother during home hospice, they faced difficult decisions, exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty.
They didn’t know what would happen next.
So they prayed, looked for the door God was opening, and took “the next loving thing.”
If you’re caring for someone you love and wondering, “How do I know what God wants me to do?” or if you know someone who is, this video is a must-see.
Watch youtu.be/FG3KYm3Po2I
Good News Prayer Room:
Use our collection of Catholic prayers designed with your needs in mind. They will give you hope and a stronger connection to God’s love and support. What do you need prayers for today?
Visit gnm.org/prayers.
Post your prayer requests @ gnm.org/post-a-prayer.
Good News WordBytes:
WANT MORE FAITH and HOPE in TROUBLED TIMES? WE’RE HERE for YOU! Choose from a variety of topics on our website of Catholic Faith-building articles. What do you need today?
Visit wordbytes.org.
God bless you!
Every morning, I lift up in prayer everyone who helps Good News Ministries in any way (donors, volunteers, prayer supporters, etc.) and all the prayer requests posted on our site. What can I cover in prayer for you? Post your prayer request.
How else can the team and I serve you today? Visit our homepage.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Your servant in Christ,
Bill Snyder, Executive Director
Good News Ministries
gnm.org
Find this and past issues at gnm.org/newsletter. Please share what will minister to others.
Please share this with others by inviting them to visit this page. You may also print this for your personal use and you may share the print-out with others. [bws_pdfprint display='print']
A free PDF document of this is available your own personal use.
Daily Prayers with the Saints
Lessons from the Blessed Mother
Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well
How to Win Victories in Spiritual Warfare