FROM THE HEART

A Continuing Newsletter for the Order of AIHM

December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

A message from our Prior on first Vespers of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception:

Brothers and Sisters,

The sun has set and we begin the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception! Happy Feast day! This is our primary devotion to our Blessed Mother. We remember that God showered her with the Grace necessary to fulfill God's will for her and thus gives us the Grace to live our baptismal and religious life as God has willed for us as well. She is mother, sister, and fellow disciple to us. She is the model of a grace filled Gospel life. She trusted in God's covenant and promise. May we have such courage, too, as we make ready for the coming of Our Lord!

My Mass tomorrow is for all of us that we recognize and trust in God's Grace in our lives to bear fruit as we witness the Augustinian flavor of the Gospel to all put into our path. God's love can accomplish ALL in our lives.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Joseph Augustine+, AIHM

November: Month of All Souls

As Augustinians we remember the directive of our Holy Mother, Saint Monica, as recorded by her son in his Confessions, "care not where you rest this body but remember me at the altar of God."

We join our Brother Friar, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, patron of the holy souls in Purgatory, in praying for all those whom we love who have gone to continue their journey with Christ in the Kingdom of God coming.

Please send requests for prayers or Masses to Fr. Joseph (jmennaaihm@aol.com) or Bp. Tim (stmikeandsttim@yahoo.com). We are honored to fulfill this ministry of prayer for our beloved deceased who live on in Christ.

Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Outfest 2009

On Sunday, October 11, St. Mary of Grace parish, which is under the pastoral care of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, had a table at Outfest 2009. It was a wonderful day with good weather and lots of fun. We met many friendly people, gave away rosaries and copies of the Gospel of John, and introduced people to our parish community. As we were cleaning up for the day, we were interviewed for a short story. You'll see us around the 1-minute timepoint in the video.

Justice Ministry

On September 19, The Delaware County Times published an article by Fr. Joseph Augustine, AIHM. The text is also below. The Order of Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is committed to the peace and justice of God's Kingdom as presented in the Gospel.

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Christians should help heal health care in U.S.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

By FATHER JOSEPH AUGUSTINE MENNA

Times Guest Columnist

In the debate that is occurring in our country today regarding health care and health insurance reform, the usual loud and frequent voice of Christian leadership seems to be missing. But this issue, more than some in recent years, is demanding of the attention of all those responsible for leadership in the Christian communities.

Jesus himself spent much of his ministry healing the sick and comforting those in pain. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 25, Jesus says that those who comfort the sick are among the just who will enter eternal life. And, Jesus makes it very clear that we, in fact, are our brother’s keeper.

In the Jewish rabbinical tradition there is a teaching that the measurement of a society’s moral and political strength in light of the covenant relationship with God can be seen in how well they care for, treat, and include those who are on the margins of the society. In fact, it is believed that when Israel was most faithful to this teaching she was strong against all foes, but when greed and ambition took away from the community care of those on the margins, all of the society suffered weakness and she fell to her enemies.

As the details of legislation are worked out over the next weeks, there should be some principals that guide the passions, energies, and ministry of Christians in this regard:

Respect and civility. Questions can not be answered if no one is listening, or enabled to listen. The tactics of shouting and belittling others at meetings should never be encouraged, and is not Christian.

Hope trumps fear. A message based on fear is not one that is Christian. Nowhere in the proposed legislation are there any provisions for government monies for abortion, death panels for the elderly or sick, or plans for rationed care based on age or ability. Those who preach only fear are preaching a false gospel, often for their own political gain.

Christians have an obligation to inform their conscience. Read the legislation. Go to the White House Web site, contact the AARP, the AMA and other informed groups to find the truth. Listen to more than just one source.

Stay focused on the important moral issues:

-Coverage for all Americans;

-Care given based on need, not cost of treatment or amount of coverage;

-No prejudices against pre-existing conditions or caps on coverage;

-Transferability of coverage;

-Decisions made by patients and health care professionals not insurance companies; and finally,

-Measures that ensure real regulation or competition to keep costs reasonable, and corporate and executive greed in check.

Recently on the news, someone stated that health care is not a right, but a privilege. Once again, nothing can be further from the Christian moral perspective of life’s dignity. Health care is a common good derived from the benefits of God’s gifts: Nature, intelligence, and reason and thus is a right for all.

Christians need to remember that we are a religion based on “socialist” ideas. In Acts we read that the early Christian community was of one mind and heart and they each turned in their possessions for common distribution by the apostles to all according to need. Socialism is not a dirty word. Medicare/cade, Social Security, and unemployment insurance are among socialist programs in our democratic, American republic with a capital driven economy.

How well does our society care for those on the margins? How are we comforting the sick? Is our society morally and politically strong or are we on the brink of our great decline, like that of Rome, which fell to greed 15 centuries ago?

The answer to those questions might very well be linked to what we do in this very small window of opportunity regarding real health care and insurance reform. Christians need to respond and be included in how we answer those questions with informed consciences.

The (Very Rev.) Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, is pastor of St. Mary of Grace Independent Catholic Church in Media.

AIHM General Chapter 2009: Renewing Our Lives as a Community

From August 28 through August 30, the Order gathered for our General Chapter in West Chester, PA. General Chapter is held every 4 years. During this time we elect our Prior General, our General Council, and vote on proposed changes to our Constitutions, which will govern the life of the Order until the next General Chapter. The weekend was marked by prayer, joyful community, the reception of a novice, and the renewal of vows of the professed.

At Solemn Vespers of the Triduum of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received Shane Nicholas as a novice of the Order. Shane will spend the year studying the Rule and Statues of the Order and the writings of St. Augustine.

At the Holy Eucharist of the feast of Our Holy Father, Augustine, Friars Joseph Augustine, John Bartholomew, Shari Marie, and Lyngine Dominique-Marie renewed their vows. In recognition that God calls us to constant conversion and to freely respond to God's Grace in our lives, professed members of the AIHM renew their vows every year.

I am happy to announce that the Order has elected Friar Joseph Augustine to serve as Prior General. Friars John Batholomew and Lyngine Dominique-Marie have been installed as the General Council and will serve as counselors to the Prior General.

The Order now joyfully serves in Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Click here for photos of the 2009 AIHM General Chapter

Receive the cincture of Our Mother of Consolation, Friar Shane Nicholas.

2009 AIHM General Chapter

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord for God's Grace!

I am happy to let you all know that Shane Neese has completed the application process and postulancy and has been accepted to the Novitiate to begin at Chapter in August!

Shane's novitiate will begin at the annual Chapter in August at First Vespers of Our Holy Father Augustine when he will be clothed in the cincture of Our Mother of Consolation.

Please keep Shane in your prayers as he begins this next step with us.

Welcome and Congratulations to our new Postulant!

I am happy to inform you that our candidate, Shane Neese, has petitioned for postulancy. Friar Joseph, our Prior General, has extended him a welcome into the Postulancy formation program on behalf of the Order after the recommendation of the Council. Shane is a rosary maker and feels called to a special vocation of intercessory prayer. He lives in Tennessee with several animals, including cats and a goose!

Please pray for him as he discerns with us. We walk this journey together, one in mind and heart unto God.

Christmas Chapter 2009

Mother Nature forced us to rely on modern technology for our Christmas Chapter this year. So, we spent Saturday, January 10th, on a teleconference call, but still managed to share our lives in fraternal conversation and laughter, take care of important business, and end with prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours nearly two hours later.

We continue to celebrate our 15th Anniversary this year. Friar Shari continues to make Augustinian Coronas (rosaries) of Our Mother of Consolation. Look for a page on this site soon to purchase these wonderful sacramentals and information on how to use them in prayer, thanks to Friar Lyngine.

Update: Please click here for more information about the Augustinian Corona.

Friar Joseph is formulating a retreat day program to offer locally regarding personality prayer and spirituality types, and Friar John is reaching out to Independent Catholics in the New York region. So, we are all busy, but prayer is the bedrock of our lives and we continue to invite all in need to share their prayer requests with us.

Happy season of Our God's Incarnation and Epiphany!

AIHM Annual Chapter 2008: God's Grace in Our Lives

God's Grace has been so abundant upon our AIHM community. As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary year, we have been blessed with new growth. From August 22 through August 24, the Order gathered for their Annual Chapter and Retreat in West Chester, PA. The weekend was marked by prayer, joyful community, the reception of a novice, and the First Profession of sisters in the AIHM!

At Solemn Vespers of the Triduum of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received Valorie Louis-Marie as a novice of the Order. Valorie will spend the year studying the Rule and Statues of the Order and the writings of St. Augustine.

At the Holy Eucharist of the feast of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received the First Profession of Sisters Shari Marie and Lyngine Dominique-Marie, AIHM. Sisters Shari Marie and Lyngine Dominique-Marie are the first female professed members of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and we rejoice at this historic and blessed occasion for our Sisters and the Order. Also, that morning Joseph Augustine, AIHM and John Bartholomew, AIHM renewed their vows. In recognition that God calls us to constant conversion and to freely respond to God's Grace in our lives, professed members of the AIHM renew their vows every year.

I am happy to announce that the Order now has a full General Council. Friars John Batholomew and Lyngine Dominique-Marie have been installed as counselors to the Prior General.

Congratulations and God's blessings. God bless Sandra, our newest cleric in the Independent Catholic Christian Church, and all who helped to make the Annual Chapter one of the best ever.

The Order now joyfully serves in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, North Carolina, and Missouri.

Click here for photos of the 2008 AIHM Annual Chapter

Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Happy 15th Anniversary to the AIHM Order!!!!

"O sweet Jesus, live Thou in me, and let the living coal of thy love glow within my spirit and blaze up into a perfect fire; let it burn forever upon the altar of my heart; let it give warmth to my inmost parts; let it flame up in the secret places of my soul. In the day of my consummation let me be found consumed by Thee, who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen."

August 15, 2008, the Feast of the Assumption, marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Order of Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

God has taken the Order many places and several people have come and gone, including one of the founders, but the Order has remained and grown to serve the people of God with the Augustinian spirit of Grace, Community, Charity, and Prayer.

Please offer a prayer of thanks to God today with and for us all in the AIHM.

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord...
God has done great things for me,
Holy is the name of our God."

Grace, Blessings, and Growth in June

It is my great joy and pleasure to announce that our two novice sisters, Shari Marie Myers, AIHM and Lyngine Dominique-Marie Calizo, AIHM have had their petition accepted by Chapter vote to proceed towards their First Profession of Vows in the Order.

Their public First Profession of Vows will occur at the Solemn Mass in celebration of the Solemnity of St. Augustine to be observed on Sunday, August 24 at the Temanos Center in West Chester, PA. All the of Order and Church are invited to attend.

Valorie Machin has petitioned the Order for acceptance to the Novitiate. I am happy to announce that her petition has been accepted and she has been invited to be received as a novice and will be clothed with the Cincture of Our Mother of Consolation at First Vespers of St. Augustine, August 23, 2007.

Jay Dafflitto, a candidate for Oblate membership, has discerned to seek membership as a professed friar of the Order. He has begun his postulancy and will work with the formation team in deeper discernment.

This August will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the AIHM Order with great gratitude to God for all the Grace bestowed upon us, especially this growth, not just in numbers but serious quality of religious. These new members are great testaments to the legacy of mysticism and apostolic service of our Holy Father and Mother, Augustine and Monica.

We rejoice on this principal of Augustinian Marian feasts for the work of God's Grace in our lives and our Order. Our souls proclaim God's greatness, Holy is the Lord God of Abraham and Sarah!

Our Lady of Grace, blessed are you in God's favor!

St. Augustine, pray for us.

Happy Anniversary, Fr. Joseph!
With Grateful and Joyful Hearts We Celebrate!

Three years ago on June 4, Friar Joseph Michael Augustine Menna, was ordained as a priest in service to God and God's people. The Order celebrates and rejoices with him on this special day. Fr. Joseph is a founding member of the AIHM and currently serves as Prior General. He ministers as pastor of St. Mary of Grace Parish in Media, PA.

St. Rita's Feast...Spring Chapter 2008

On 17 May 2008, the Order gathered for its Spring Chapter and celebrated the Feast of St. Rita at the home Bp. Tim. During Mass, Fr. Chris Ambrose was received joyfully as an Oblate of the AIHM. The day was then spent visiting the National Shrine of St. Rita followed by an evening of dinner and fellowship.

Click here for pictures of Chris Ambrose's reception as an Oblate brother

Click here for pictures of the visit to St. Rita's Shrine

New Life and Growth in Early Spring

Congratulations to our New Oblates and New Postulant!!!!!

Wonderful news to share with you by God's Grace to our community!

Our brother, Father Chris Tessone, has discerned through his novitiate time, that Oblate membership is where God is calling him. We are blessed to have Chris in our community and we are happy that he has been accepted as an Oblate of the Order. Chris will continue to lead our prayer ministry. Congratulations Reverend Christopher Ambrose Tessone, AIHM, Obl.

Next, let us all rejoice that we have a new postulant, Valorie Machin, who has begun serious discernment with us. She is from Springfield MO, and has recently been baptized and confirmed in our Catholic faith. She has a great love for prayer and is greatly inspired by our Holy Father Augustine. In fact, she took the name Augustine as her confirmation namesake. Let us all pray for her now and unite with her in our journey in the Gospel.

And finally, we have another candidate with us, Jay Dafflitto, from Iowa, who has begun his formation toward Oblate membership. Jay is a veteran of catholic teaching ministry for nearly twenty years making a transition now. He is also new to our Independent Catholic movement. Please offer him your help and prayers.

Welcome to our new brothers and sister on this journey!

+ The AIHM Community invites you to a deeper Lent +

Visit the link below for some spiritual resources for this season of the Great Fast:

http://www.forministry.com/USPAINDPTSMOGN/LentenSpiritualDevotions.dsp

Christmas Chapter 2008....Baptism and Blessings

On January 12, at the AIHM Christmas Chapter, Fr. Joseph baptized Gabriel Nyce into the Body of Christ and the Communion of Saints. Gabriel's mother and father (Becki and George Nyce), his God parents, and their extended family shared in the celebration and the commitment to help Gabriel grow in love and light in the Christian faith. We were all so happy to celebrate this new life in the Church with Gabriel, his mother and father, God parents, and family.

God Grant Gabriel many happy, healthy, and blessed years!

Fr. Joseph baptizes Gabriel

Gabriel is presented to Yahweh as a new member of the Communion of Saints in the Church.

Welcome, Gabriel!

We Remember...Fall Chapter 2007

On 27 October 2007, the members and friends of the Order gathered to remember our deceased benefactors at Mass. We then had a wonderful time exploring Augustinian history and spirituality at Villanova University, visiting St. Thomas of Villanova Church, St. Mary's Hall (the old formation/seminary), and the cemetery where one of our missionary Independent Catholic Bishops is buried. Following our tradition, members and friends of the Order gathered to share a meal at the end of the day.

Click here for pictures of the day

AIHM's at St. Thomas of Villanova Church

AIHM Annual Chapter 2007: Blessings, Growth, and New Life

From August 24 through August 26, the Order gathered for their Annual Chapter and Retreat in West Chester, PA. The weekend was marked by prayer, joyful community, the reception of three novices, and the First Profession of a brother!

At Solemn Vespers of the Triduum of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received Shari Marie, Lyngine Dominique-Marie, and Christopher Ambrose as novices of the Order. The novices will spend the year studying the Rule and Statues of the Order and the writings of St. Augustine.

At the Holy Eucharist of the feast of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, received the First Profession of Brother John Bartholomew Scott, AIHM. Br. John Bartholomew is the first non-founding professed member of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and we rejoice at this historic and blessed occassion for Br. John Bartholomew and the Order.

The Order now joyfully serves in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Click here for photos from the 2007 AIHM Annual Chapter

Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and friends

Happy 14th Anniversary to the AIHM Order!!!!

"Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!"

August 15, 2007, marks the fourteenth anniversary of the founding of the Order of Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Fourteen years ago, on Assumption Day, 1993, Charles Tobin and Joseph Augustine made their first profession to deepen their Baptismal covenant in the Gospel life according the the Rule of St. Augustine and the Statutes of the Augustinians of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

God has taken the Order many places and several people have come and gone, including one of the founders, but the Order has remained and grown to serve the people of God with the Augustinian spirit of Grace, Community, Charity, and Prayer.

Please offer a prayer of thanks to God today with and for us all in the AIHM.

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord...
God has done great things for me,
Holy is the name of our God."

++++++++++++++++++++++++

On August 19, 2007 at the parish Mass, on behalf of the Order and the Parish of St. Mary of Grace and in honor of the 14th Anniversary of the Order's Founding, Fr. Joseph Augustine presented His Grace, Bishop Timothy Cravens, AIHM Obl. and our Protecting Bishop with a new Mitre that was made to match the White/Gold Easter Vestments that were donated by Brother Thomas of the Dominicans of Penance and their seamstress Wanda.

Grace and Blessings in June

It is with great joy and in gratitude for God's Grace that I announce to you the following notices regarding those in formation with the Order.

(Venerable) Brother John Bartholomew Scott, AIHM has been approved by Chapter for his first profession of Vows. Brother will make first profession and be clothed in the habit of the Order at Eucharist for the Solemnity of Our Holy Father Augustine, Sunday, August 26 at 11 AM at the Temanos Retreat Center in West Chester, PA.

The following postulants have been approved by the Prior General and Council for acceptance to the Novitiate and clothing with the Cincture of Our Mother of Consolation at First Vespers of St. Augustine, August 25, 2007.

Shari Myers
Lyngine Calizo
Chris Tessone +

We rejoice on this principal of Augustinian Marian feasts for the work of God's Grace in our lives and our Order. Our souls proclaim God's greatness, Holy is the Lord God of Abraham and Sarah!

Our Lady of Grace and Our Sister, St. Rita, blessed are you in God's favor!

St. Augustine, pray for us.

Love and Conversion...Easter 2007

On 12 May 2007, the Order gathered, as is traditional, for its celebration of Easter, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Augustine, and the Feast of Our Mother of Consolation with its Spring Chapter at the home of Casey, an oblate of the Order, and his partner David. The day was marked by Mass at Casey and David's home, dinner at a local restaurant, and a walk down the river for recreation.

Pictures from the Easter Chapter 2007

Heartfelt Celebrations Melt the Winter's Icy Cold

Congratulations Father Joseph

Father Joseph completed his Master of Science in Education degree this month from Walden University. Joseph Augustine has been in education ministry for nearly two decades and will use his new degree to further his ministry of education and human development.

Congratulations New Postulants

The Order is humbled and blessed to welcome three new postulants to our community. Please pray for Shari Myers, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Father Christopher Tessone from Durham, North Carolina, and Lyngine Calizo from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Please offer your prayers for our new brother and sisters as they begin their journey with us to deepen their baptism in the Lord.

Bishop Timothy hosted the Postulants, Shari, Chris, and Lyngine, for a formation day and celebration of St. Joseph's feast.

The Word made manifest in our very lives...Christmas 2007

On the Feast of Epiphany, 6 January 2007, the Order gathered, as is traditional, for its celebration of the Incarnation with its Winter Chapter. The day was marked by Mass at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, dinner at a local restaurant, and a movie at Fr. Joseph's for recreation. Christ truly was made in the flesh for us as we again welcomed new life to our AIHM family.

Fr. Seraphim McCune from Bryan Texas was received as an Oblate brother, making his promises and receiving the Augustinian cincture. Fr. Seraphim ministers St. Jude and St. Anthony Mission in Texas and is also a husband and father. In addition, a new candidate began the application process for Novitiate, Shari Myers, a mother and excellent cook, from Harrisburg Pa.

Pictures from the Christmas Chapter

First Baptism Ministered by the Order

Fr. Joseph Augustine presided over the baptism of Daniel Noah Carter-Smith on Sunday, December 17, 2006 at St. Mary of Grace Parish in Media, PA, a parochial ministry of the Order. Some pictures of the blessed event are below. The parish and family celebrated the sacrament with a candelight Advent Liturgy.

Fr. Joseph presents Daniel Noah, newly baptised, to Yahweh at the altar.

Bishopt Timothy with an ever growing flock to shepherd.

November: Month of All Souls

Our Catholic Tradition calls us to a Spiritual Work of Mercy this month. As we bring our Liturgical Year to an end we remember the end of our cycle of life as well. We are called to pray for all our loved ones who have entered their new life with Christ. We remember, especially, on November 14, the birth to new life one year ago of our benefactor, Dorothy Menna.

May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. AMEN!

Eternal memory, blessed and eternal memory!

AIHM Annual Chapter 2006 a Great Blessing

From August 25 through August 27, the Order gathered for their Annual Chapter and Retreat in Haverford, PA. The weekend was marked by prayer, joyful community, the reception of a novice, and the ordination of a deacon!

At Solemn Vespers of the Triduum of Our Holy Father, Augustine, The Very Reverend Father Joseph Augustine Menna, AIHM, Prior General of the Order, recieved The Venerable Brother John Bartholomew Scott, AIHM, as the second novice of the Order. John will spend the year at his hermitage of St. Francis in Corning , NY studying the Rule and Statues of the Order and the writings of St. Augustine.

The Order rejoices now to be serving in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Virginia.

At the Holy Eucharist of the feast of Our Mother Monica, The Most Reverend Timothy Michael Cravens, AIHM Obl., Presiding Bishop of the Independent Catholic Christian Church, and our Protecting Bishop, ordained The Reverend Mr. Bryan Maribanian to the Sacred Order of Deacons.

Father Joseph Augustine, Prior General, clothes Br. John Bartholomew, novice, with the Cincture of Our Mother of Consolation.

Summer Chapter: New Growth

At our Summer Chapter and Community Day, held in Havre de Grace, MD this past June, the Order was blessed to welcome new life to the community.

Casey Anno was welcomed and received as an Oblate brother. Casey makes a home with his partner David in Havre de Grace and serves on the deacon council and in the choir of his local UCC Church. A very talented musician, and gentle spirit, Casey enriches the community greatly. God is good!

Also, John Scott was received as a postulant of the Order at our Chapter in Maryland. John lives in New York State and is a minister and advocate for persons with HIV/AIDS and a nurse. Our prayers and support are with him as he embarks on his formation journey with the community.

St. Mary of Grace Parish Finds New Home

On May 7, 2006, the AIHM Parish of St. Mary of Grace, found a new home with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County. The UUCDC graciously shares sacred space with the parish at their site on Rose Tree Road, just past the intersection of PA 352 with US 1.

St. Mary of Grace Parish is an inclusive independent Catholic Parish, staffed by the Order of AIHM in the Independent Catholic Christian Church. Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 6 PM. All are welcome and included!

www.inclusivecatholics.org