Co-founder of Good News Ministries
June 20, 1955 – February 5, 2024
How God introduced me to the man I would marry
by Terry Modica
Ralph and I were high school sweethearts. We met in Public Speaking Class. At that time in our pre-evangelized lives, it was impossible to even imagine that someday we’d be teaching evangelization schools, preaching in parish missions, and directing retreats. But God imagined it! He began preparing us for Good News Ministries more than 20 years before it began! The year: 1972. I was a Protestant traveling a path away from Jesus as I messed around with the occult, and Ralph was a Catholic who rarely attended Mass.
Two months after we shyly worked up the courage to say hello to each other, we knew we were in love. I told him that I would only marry someone who shared my spiritual beliefs, so he joined me in my Presbyterian church services. I gave him a copy of an easy-to-read bible (paraphrased to read like a story), and then he fell in love with Jesus, too.
We married on November 28, 1975, in my church. Less than two years later, the Lord led us to the Catholic Church. (My conversion story is on the website; see “Terry’s Testimony” halfway down gnm.org/who-is-terry-modica/.) We’ve been serving the Lord side by side ever since. However, only a few people know him as my partner in Good News Ministries, as essential to the growth of this ministry as I’ve been.
A message from Ralph Modica
[December 11, 2014] As I reflect on the fact that it was 20 years ago this January (2015) when the Lord called Terry and me to found Good News Ministries of Tampa Bay, what comes to mind is one of my favorite quotes:
“From our union with Christ, each one of the lay faithful derive the right and duty to be apostles. In the Church there is diversity of ministry, but oneness of mission. The laity, in accordance with their state of life, live in the world and are called by God to exercise their apostolates in the world, like leaven, with the ardor of the spirit of Christ.” (From The Decree on Apostolate of the Laity, Vatican Council II.)
You might ask, as I did a little over 20 years ago: “Who me? An apostle?” Yes — YOU! No matter what your station or role in life, YOU are an apostle! Called by Christ Himself!
Those whom I’ve been honored to speak with in person know that I often preach and teach about the “silent evangelists” who are all around us. Most of the laity (99% of us) are not directly involved in obvious religious activity or ministry. You and I are called to be witnesses, yes — evangelists, often “silent”, to the world around us.
In the early days of Good News Ministries, Terry and I taught as a husband-wife team of Catholic evangelists. As the ministry grew and grew larger, I stepped back “behind the scenes” as an everyday evangelist in the world while supporting Terry’s efforts at nurturing the on-line, world-wide Good News Ministries.
For nearly ten years, we we relied on my income, sacrificing much financially, so that Good News Ministries could be developed to reach the many, many people around the entire world. Terry could have taken a secular job to help support our family and put our two children through college, but both of us firmly believed in what God had commissioned us to build. For His part, God has NEVER let us go hungry or let our physical or financial needs go unmet. Whatever generosity we gave towards God’s work simply cannot outdo God’s generosity toward us! Believe it and live it!
Today, the huge Good News Ministries website — which is so crucial for worldwide outreach — continues to serve as an effective tool for “making disciples of all nations”. Where we are being called to build next is in multi-media ministry so that we can attract to the Faith even more seekers, especially the very video-oriented young adults who are not in church.
We need YOUR help to continue the good work that God has begun. If you have recently donated to help support Good News Ministries, Terry and I thank you and ask God’s greatest blessings upon you. If you’ve not realized your importance as a benefactor yet, or if it’s been a while since you contributed to God’s work through Good News Ministries, I most humbly ask you to consider sending a donation at this urgent time so we can finish making our website accessible to more people, spreading and strengthening the Catholic faith through Good News Ministries.
Many reading this would like to but cannot help in this way: We ask you for your prayer support.
May God’s Abundant Blessings be upon you and all your loved ones! You are all in Terry’s and my prayers each and every day.
In Christ,
Ralph Modica
A free PDF document of this is available for your own personal use.
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Daily Prayers with the Saints
Dear terry,
Praying for you to recover from the grief of the demise of Ralph. May Jesus and Mother Mary be with you in this time of struggle. Now I’m going to recite the divine mercy chaplet for your mom Pam and for you. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Dear Terry : My condolences regarding your loss ….. May your husband’s, Ralph’s soul & all the souls in Purgatory rest in God’s Peace & may Perpetual Light shine upon all ….
God Bless & Comfort you during your time of mourning….
I am so sorry, Terry….love and many prayers.
Thank you for sharing this very special time with us. My prayers, thoughts and well wishes are with you and your family.
God bless and keep you close.
El Señor le conceda descanso eterno y te llene de su paz.
May the Lord grant him eternal rest and fill you with His peace.
Oh Terry,
My heart is so with you as you grieve the loss of your dear Ralph. Please know that I am praying for you as you carry on now without him. It seems you had a good life together and will have many wonderful memories to be with you in times of loneliness.
Sending prayers, love and hugs.
Blessings be upon you Terry. May the angels attend to Ralph as he learns this new way of living. Peace always.
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing on to heaven. May his spirit rest in peace. May the Holy Spirit guide your daily walk without your beloved spouse by your side
Have a blessed day!
Terry,
I was breathless reading the news of the departure of your very beloved Ralph; especially because I had read days before that he was recovering.
In this situation, I know there are no words that can console you, but I do want to tell you that Ralph and you are in my prayers. Many blessings, and may the good Jesus fill the hole that Ralph left in your life when he returned to our Father’s home.
Dear Terry,
Thank you for your letter to us. I am shocked, sad, and in tears.
Be assured of my prayers and offerings of Holy Masses for you and Ralph, and of course, the GNM team, family members, friends and readers. God bless you all.
God will provide, praise God!
In The Heart of The Immaculata.
I’m so sorry for you loss! You will be in my prayers. May perpetual light shine on Ralph!
My heartfelt condolences to Terry and family, and to the staff of Good News Ministries. May the soul of Ralph, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
My prayers are with you all. I too lost my husband Glenn after 55 years together. God will give you the strength you need to keep going. On the anniversary of Glenn’s passing in June, I will celebrate his third birthday in everlasting life with the Lord. God will bring you peace.
I’m so sorry, Terry! My deepest condolences. I’ll keep praying for you, your ministry and for Ralph’s soul. May he be in the peace of the Lord!
Dear Terry,
I am offering prayers for the repose of Ralph’s soul. May he rest in peace! You are in my thoughts as I am writing this e-mail, praying that you may be comforted at the thought that the Good Lord and Mama Mary are embracing you at this time of grief.
Praying for Ralph’s soul and Terry and her family during this very sad time.
So sorry to hear about Ralph. Our sympathies and prayers are with Terry and all of you.
Please accept my deepest and sincerest condolences in the passing of Ralph Modica. May the Lord open the gates of Heaven for him. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace with the hosts of angels and saints and may the LORD shine His Perpetual Light on him. I also pray that the Lord grants comfort and strength to the bereaved family, most especially to Terry. This I humbly pray in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.
My condolences to the family. Blessings.
Hi Terry, My sincere condolences and prayers. May Ralph enter the gates of heaven and may you be comforted in your time of loss.
Hi Terry! I like to express my condolences on the passing of your husband Ralph. He was a special person who gave his life to God so he could make this world a better place. I always look forward to your emails and I know Ralph played a part in making this happen. May God keep you safe in his loving arms as you go through this most difficult time. Ralph will be with you always.
Que Dios conceda al Señor Ralph el descanso eterno en su Reino, no tenga en cuenta sus pecados, si no el tamaño de su Fe, que solo Dios conoció. Mi pésame por el dolor de su ausencia, lo hago extensivo a la señora Terry, sus hijos y a todo los colaboradores de Reflexiones de las Buenas Nuevas.
May God grant Mr. Ralph eternal rest in His Kingdom, not taking into account his sins, but the size of his Faith, which only God knew. My condolences for the pain of his absence, I extend them to Mrs. Terry, their children, and all the collaborators of Good News Reflections.
Please be assured of my mass intention. Thanking God for using him as his channel of grace. May he rest in peace.
Siento mucho la pérdida de Ralph Módica. Les acompaño en su luto. Ofrezco oraciones por su alma. ¡Terry gran abrazo!
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of Ralph Modica. I stand with you in your mourning. I offer prayers for his soul. Big hug to Terry!
Dear Mrs. Terry and Family, on behalf of my family in the Philippines, I extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. While I’m a Mormon (member of the LDS church), I have been deeply moved and inspired by your messages for over a decade now. My earliest recollection dates back to November 2008, and your words have continued to resonate with me ever since.
With sincere sympathy,
James
My deepest condolences, Ms. Terry. Eternal light shine upon Ralph, Lord! Eternal rest grant unto Ralph, Lord! May Ralph’s soul rest in peace! AMEN.
Dear Terry: Upon reading your daily reflections I found out the terrible news of the passing of your husband Ralph. Terry Ana and I are deeply sorry for your loss. He is in his heavenly home now. May God bless you and give you strength to continue bringing us and the world your Good News reflections. I will pray for the peaceful passing of Ralph. May the Father, His son Jesus, The Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother be with you today and always. Amen.
So sorry for you loss. Of course I will pray.
One with you in your hour of grief Sister Terry. May the soul of your beloved Ralph rest in God’s eternal Embrace!! Praying you & your family stay strong & find solace in Mama Mary’s loving arms!
Oh Terry! I am so sorry for your loss. You have been through so much. Know that all the Good News Ministries subscribers hold you in their thoughts and prayers. I know that your dear Ralph is in a good place and happy with our Lord. How could he not be? Both of you have put so much into bringing people to God I’m sure the reward is and will be great. God Bless you. My prayers are with you and your family as well as praying for Ralph’s soul. Love you.
Hi Terry , I am so sorry to hear about Ralph. My deepest condolences to you and your family. God Bless.
I am with you and family prayer. May he rise with Christ on the Resurrection.
Condolences to you n family.
May the perpetual light shine upon Ralph n may eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. Amen
God Bless you – love and condolences.
Bless you Terry, for all you do and the lives you touch and heal on a daily basis. We extend our heartfelt condolences regarding your beloved Ralph. Let us all take comfort in the truth that he is with our Lord and the Angels now.
Terry, sorry to hear of your husband passing.
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father to David. Sending you many hugs and prayers.
Dear Terry and GNM family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Ralph I’m sending prayers for strength and comfort during these difficult times. May his soul rest in peace. God bless you.
Dear Ralph pray for us.God Bless all this good work.Regards Mariastella Of Malta.
Terry, I want to send you my sincere condolences on the passing of your precious Ralph. I have requested a mass in his name at St Mary’s. Catholic Church in Tampa. I will let you know the date and time. Again my heart aches for your loss and have prayed that God have mercy on his soul, forgive him his earthly sins and give him kind admittance into his heavenly kingdom. Our prayers are with you and your family!
Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for the loss of a great child of God Ralph Modica! May he continue to touch people’s hearts in the bosom of our Lord Almighty and his soul eternally Rest In Peace in God’s Kingdom. Praying for God’s comfort to the whole family, friends and staff of Good News. In Jesus’ great name, Amen!
Dear Terry, I was shocked by the news of Ralph’s passing, although the news of his colon surgery warned me that all wasn;t well for him physically. I add my prayers to the myriads of others’ in your time of loss: that our Father will comfort you and give restoration time, while showing the way forward. I thank God for Graciela and the team and pray protection on them as they continue to minister. I pray for Kathy, as she, too, mourns his passing.
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Yes, God is good, and he is in heaven with my husband Keith Casey. May God bless you and give you the strength to continue with Good News Ministries. I remember when we were in our first bible study, and we were from many different catholic churches. At that time were shared and learned much together.
Dear Terry, My deepest condolences to the demise of your husband. Sorry if this email is late. You must be grieving a lot since his departure was sudden. But we believe that God’s plan is the best! I will pray for you, his soul and your ministry. Do not worry as our heavenly mother will guide you. God bless.
Dear Terry, I am sorry to know Ralph passed away this week. For many years I have been reading about the wonderful love between you and him. I am sure that this love will continue forever. I send you my condolences and prayers.
When I read that Ralph had surgery which removed his colon, my first thought was, “How can a person survive without a colon?” And then I just saw your notice that Ralph passed away, and feel sad that he went through such a hard time and is no longer by your side. Bless you, Terry, for all you do. I send my sympathy and prayers.
Deepest condolences to Terry, the whole family and the GNM staff. May God’s eternal light shine upon Ralph, and may his soul rest in peace.
Sending my deepest sympathy to Teri, friends, family and the entire team of GNM. Asking God to give everyone all that you need during this difficult time. We have never met in person, we are one in the Spirit. May Ralph rest in peace with our Loving God. Amen.
Dear Terry
you and Ralph have been my morning beginnings for many years. You both have such a beautiful story and have given so much to all. God is showering him with blessings. I know he will be missed. God has secured him in your heart forever.
God Bless!
Lou
Dear Terry:
Upon reading your daily reflections I found out the terrible news of the passing of your husband Ralph. Terry Ana and I are deeply sorry for your loss. He is in his heavenly home now. May God bless you and give you strength to continue bringing us and the world your Good News reflections. I will pray for the peaceful passing of Ralph. May the Father, His son Jesus, The Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother be with you today and always. Amen 🙏🏻
Helio and Ana Garcia