2022 Fall Family Link

Letter from the President

Dear Friend,

It is humbling to be appointed as President of Holy Cross Family Ministries It is also an honor to reach out and introduce myself to collaborators such as yourself who have offered much time, resources, and most importantly, prayers to this vital organization for families.

Let me take this time to share a little bit about myself. I have been a Holy Cross priest for 17 years and recently served as a corporate member on the board of directors at Holy Cross Family Ministries for the last five years. I have also witnessed firsthand the powerful and transformative impact your generosity has on families through my prior pastoral role as Regional Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries in East Africa for seven years Thank you for helping Holy Cross Family Ministries to be the leading ministry in digital and in person mission outreach to enhance the prayer life of families

Many people have often asked me the question, why should we pray the Rosary every day in our home and I always respond with the inspiring story of Father Peyton. Venerable Patrick Peyton, in his genius, envisioned family prayer as the tool for healing, renewing, and strengthening families and boldly said, “The Rosary has saved the world in the past, and it will save the world again by saving the family.” The answer is simple, at the very center of the Rosary is a message of repentance, a message of conversion, a message of holiness, and an experience of peace that the world cannot give us

Within the pages of this Family Link newsletter, you will find further evidence of the impact and need for daily family prayer You’ll get a glimpse of what is happening these days, as we joyously press forward in our mission, inviting families to new life and a fresh relationship with God through the praying of the Rosary

It is my greatest hope that what you read will inspire you to pray fervently and renew your support of Holy Cross Family Ministries so we can continue to minister to God’s people around the world.

Sincerely, Father Fred Jenga, C S C President

Holy Cross Family Ministries

FRONT COVER IMAGE: Clarence Gilyard Jr. (center) and the rest of the cast perform a live radio play during the Family Theater Productions’ 75th Anniversary.

Holy Cross Family Ministries Announces New President

Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., a priest of the Congregation for 17 years, has been announced President of Holy Cross Family Ministries Before being appointed as the new president, Father Fred served as a corporate member on the board of directors for 5 years He also served in a pastoral role as Regional Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries in East Africa for seven years where he helped lay the foundation for the dynamic growth in ministry outreach to families and youth.

He introduced digital and in person mission events to help families pray and grow spiritually. He built several teams of lay people, teams that have helped the ministry grow in East Africa. He also creatively educated and helped the members of Holy Cross in East Africa to learn about and embrace the ministry as an important part of the Congregation’s efforts

The first Peyton Prayer Guild Chapters for children were formed under Father Jenga’s leadership He developed a program that brought children in schools and parishes together to learn the Rosary, pray for their families, and learn about the life of Father Patrick Peyton. This program has grown and now thousands of children are participating.

Father Jenga has multiple degrees in Communications, including from San Francisco

State University, Makerere University, Kampala, as well as a Bachelor of Theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Philosophy from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome Father Jenga recently completed a Doctorate in Communication from the University of Texas. He is an active researcher in the area of Communications and Religion, and he has published and presented several papers at academic conferences.

Father Jenga was born in Uganda, where he grew up on the banks of the River Nile and Lake Victoria, in the Ugandan district of Jinja. Father Jenga speaks several languages, including his ethnic language, Lusoga, as well as Luganda, Rutooro, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda.

LEFT: Members of the Peyton Prayer Guild Chapter for children in East Africa, a prayer initiative started by Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C. RIGHT: Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chapel at the Father Peyton Center in North Easton, MA.

Family Theater Productions Celebrates 75 Years

Family Theater Productions, a family and faith based media production company in Hollywood, California, commemorated its 75th anniversary celebration at the Historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on April 27, 2022

“Anything that lasts 75 years, I think is an achievement, and Father Peyton’s humble beginnings rooted in prayer sets an incredible example of faith and trust in God,” said Father David Guffey, C.S.C., National Director of Family Theater Productions. “The 75th anniversary is also a tribute to the ways that Hollywood and entertainment have changed. We started in print, then went to radio, then television and film, and now social media, video and apps. Faith and family have been a part of this history in exciting ways. There’s a lot to celebrate and look forward to as we commemorate the founding this year ”

Family Theater Productions was founded by Father Patrick Peyton, C S C in 1947 Father Peyton dedicated his life to using mass media to spread devotion to the Blessed Mother through the Rosary and encouraging family prayer. His first nationwide broadcast was Mother’s Day 1945 and it featured Bing Crosby. Father Peyton would later work with Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Loretta Young, and so many other celebrities who collaborated with him and Family Theater Productions to produce compelling and award winning content.

Family Theater Productions also worked behind the scenes on a pastoral level in Hollywood these past 75 years, acting as the vetting organization for scripts that involved Catholic or faith matters and in personal matters of discernment

Family Theater Productions has walked with many in the film industry who were discerning the will of God in their lives,” said Father Guffey. “Some stayed in the

industry and others left and used their talents elsewhere. It’s a part of the work we have done that is truly hidden from the world but that only God understands and has placed us in these positions to support people who need it.”

Headquartered on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Family Theater Productions strives to create media that inspires, entertains, and informs. Its latest productions include the award winning documentaries PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON and THE HOUSE THAT ROB BUILT.

LEFT: A bird's eye view of the FTP 75th Anniversary Gala at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel RIGHT: Actress Diana Dorempz, co host of FTP's Spanish language series 'Lente Católico.' BOTTOM: (L R) Steve and Cathy Crear, Paul Sczudo, Cathy Downes, Felicia Bradley, Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson, Felipe Sanchez.

Father Peyton Family Day

The Museum of Family Prayer was delighted to honor Father Peyton this spring with the First Annual Father Peyton Family Day We invited families from all over to come and pray the Rosary, crown Mary, and enjoy some outdoor games Although it was a hot day, we were blessed with many families who were excited to continue their relationship with the Rosary and learn more about Venerable Patrick Peyton.

After the prayer and crowning, families came into the museum for our new scavenger hunt to learn

all about the history of prayer, the life of Father Peyton, and how to integrate prayer into their daily lives Families then enjoyed ice cream on our Rosary Path while they played games and connected with other Catholic families A great day all around, we cannot wait until next year!

The First Annual Father Peyton Family Day at the Museum of Family Prayer was an event filled with our favorite things family, faith, and fun.

Testimony of Prayer Answered

By Patricia Hughes, Father Peyton Prayer Guild Member

I was introduced to Father Peyton’s story in 2005, after attending a Father Peyton Prayer Guild chapter meeting, while living in Pittsburgh I was intrigued by the story of an Irish priest, devoted to the Rosary, coming to America. Having been raised by an Irish immigrant mother, who was also devoted to the Rosary, made me especially akin to Father Peyton’s story.

I instantly considered him a powerful source of intercessory prayer and found all I could on his life and legacy through various documentary materials published by Family Theater Productions. I showed his wonderfully produced presentations on the Mysteries of the Rosary to my CCD students, which were a powerful aid in introducing the Rosary to young minds

Keeping Father Peyton’s name close in prayer over the years, my mother and I prayed to him especially in 2016, while my niece, Erica and her husband, AJ, were expecting their first child. Mom and I prayed the Rosary countless times, interceding to Father Peyton, to obtain the favor of them having a healthy baby.

When the time came, the long awaited news arrived that a healthy baby boy was safely delivered Not knowing about the prayers to Father Peyton, or even about his story, his parents sent the word out to the family that the baby boy’s name would be Peyton William!

We will be eternally grateful to Father Peyton’s intercession. He has continued to lead other members of the family to the Rosary, who were especially inspired, after viewing the documentary, PRAY: The Story of Patrick Peyton in 2020, shortly after my dear mom passed. Since then, our family and extended family conduct a multi state conference call every month to pray the Rosary together.

Thank you, Father Peyton Trusting in your message, “The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together ”

Photo of Peyton William.

128 Family Counselors Trained in India

In 2017, when we first began our basic course in family counseling skills at the Father Peyton Family Institute in India, we couldn’t image that we would begin our tenth cycle of the basic counseling course in 2022 During the past five years, we have had 128 participants go through this course successfully

They are taught the techniques in counseling, steps and skills for family therapy and other therapies which help in one ’ s understanding of self and others. This tenth group consisted of 12 participants, also known as “the 12 apostles” by Father Arul Raj Gali, C.S.C., Director of the Father Peyton Family Institute.

Topics covered during the course that the participants found most helpful included emotional and behavioral health, personality types, improving self esteem, the role of assertiveness, and developing relational potentials in the family Activities, exercises, group discussions, practice sessions, case studies, and personal therapy of six sessions each were part of the course During personal therapy, the participants were given an opportunity to share their personal struggles and this in itself brought healing to many, for which they were very grateful.

Initially most of our participants took up this course with the intention of helping others, but they ended up helping themselves Self awareness and self acceptance were the core learning leading to self growth We are grateful to the Father Peyton Family Institute and Father Arul for making this course possible and pray that we will reach out and serve others through this ministry.

RIGHT: Family counseling course in session at the Father Peyton Family Institute in India BOTTOM: Members of the tenth cycle of family counseling course participants

The Four Parts of the Family

By Father Ruben Gomes, C.S.C., Director of Bangladesh Ministry Center

1 Working with Family Members When family members work together, they can balance one another's strengths and weaknesses, and strengthen the bonds between them. The emotions and relationships of children can be positively impacted by parents who work together.

2. Playing with Family Members. When families are having fun together, they will lighten up and communicate in a more relaxed manner. The sharing of inside jokes and the creating of happy memories that come from playing together as a family is one of the most beneficial things we can do for our family's well being. Family fun brings joy and light heartedness to the home, reduces stress helps heal grudges and relationship strife, promotes family bonds, and supports healthy child development

3. Talking with Family Members. Shared daily activities form strong, emotional ties between families Whether it's your favorite hobby, sport, book, movie, or other activity, share it with fellow family members It encourages positive behavior The more time you spend with your children, the more chances you have to foster an open communication environment.

4. Praying with Family Members. Venerable Patrick Peyton said that, “The family that prays together stays together.” By praying, family members can address problems or stress they face, as well as reduce tensions in their relationships. The power of prayer helps family members bond with one another and form a sense of family unity. We build unity and intimacy through prayer. This is not only with the person to whom we pray but also with the people we communicate with and those for whom we pray A couple can improve their relationship and home life by praying together

Families gathered for a Rosary prayer event in Bangladesh

Message from the Vice Postulator & Guild Director

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

All of us at Holy Cross Family Ministries, along with our steadfast supporters and collaborators, joyfully celebrated the 75th anniversary of Father Patrick Peyton's founding of Family Theater Productions in Hollywood, California this past spring. As Father Peyton intended, Family Theater Productions' mission is to "build upon the work (ministry) of Family Rosary to promote family prayer through the use of mass media, beginning with radio, progressing to film and television," and now digital means as well.

At the beginning of his priestly ministry, Father Peyton sought to promote family Rosary prayer through traditional means: parish missions, letters, and homilies However, he was inspired by the success of his 1945 Mother's Day Rosary Prayer national radio broadcast to go beyond the traditional approach.

And so, he traveled to Hollywood, California, seeking to build upon that experience of reaching millions of people through the use of mass media. Father Peyton, new to the United States and recently ordained, did not possess the training and contacts in the field of mass media. Imagine the faith it would take to embark on such a venture!

For me, this embodies Father Peyton's complete commitment to fulfilling his promise to Our Lord and Blessed Mother In addition to his fidelity to this promise, Father Peyton displayed God's grace, building upon his human nature We have often heard of Father Peyton's natural shyness. But, Father Peyton felt that whenever he was doing the will of God, that both God and Mary would direct him and give him the words, thoughts, and yes, courage.

What about us? How has Father Peyton's life inspired you to take a chance and share God's message through Father Peyton's appeal for families to pray together, especially the family Rosary? I can say that Father Peyton has been with me as I spoke to groups, did radio interviews, and sought to share his inspiring and faith filled life and message with people like you

As we look forward to the future of Family Theater Productions as an integral part of Holy Cross Family Ministries and the Cause of Venerable Patrick Peyton advancing toward beatification and canonization, let us draw inspiration from the holiness and virtue of Father Peyton. May we be inspired to creatively share Father Peyton's message of family Rosary prayer and seize the opportunities when presented to encourage others to join us!

In Jesus and Mary,

Father David S. Marcham Vice Postulator & Guild Director

Prayer Requests from Families Around the World

Let us pray for you and your loved ones. The Rosary and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass are offered Monday through Friday for your intentions at The Father Peyton Center in North Easton, Massachusetts. Complete the prayer request form below and return it in the enclosed envelope. Please also consider taking a moment to pray for the intentions below sent to Family Rosary from families around the world.

“Please pray for my family, especially for my son, John, who has a problem in his left leg, and limps while walking ” Afzaal, Pakistan

“Please pray for my daughter Ellen that she will find a suitable house to rent locally, for herself, her son, and 3 young foster children ” John, Ireland

“Heavenly Father, I pray you protect myself and my children ” Nicoletta, United States

My brother Denis disappeared, please pray for him to come back home safely ” Leonida, Kenya

“Please pray for my wife Alicia, she needs surgery to remove the blood clots in both her legs please pray for provision for the hospital and the tests and scans ” James, Australia

Prayer for the Beatification of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.

Dear Jesus, Father Peyton devoted his priestly life to strengthening the families of the world by calling them to pray together every day, especially the Rosary His message is as important for us now as it was during his life on earth. We beg you, therefore, to hasten the day of his beatification so that your faithful people everywhere will remember his message that The Family That Prays Together Stays Together, will imitate him in his devotion to your Mother and ours, and will be inspired by his holy life to draw ever closer to you with childlike confidence and love. Amen.

DETACH HERE AND MAIL TODAY

Please include the following special intention, through the intercession of Venerable Patrick Peyton, in the daily Rosary and Mass at The Father Peyton Center.

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518 Washington St. North Easton, MA 02356

Rosaries for the World Update

Thanks to the generous contributions from our benefactors and the hundreds of hours contributed by our dedicated Rosary Maker volunteers, Holy Cross Family Ministries distributed more than 207,000 Rosaries around the world from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022

Thank you for bringing to life Venerable Patrick Peyton’s vision of “weaving a web of Rosaries around the world ”

The Family Link newsletter is published by Holy Cross Family Ministries for friends and donors of our ministry. Thank you for being a part of our family.

Our Mission

A family of Catholic ministries that inspires, promotes and fosters the prayer life and spiritual well being of families throughout the world

Our Vision

Holy Cross Family Ministries strives to be a respected and reliable catalyst for inspiration, support and dynamic content on family life through a focus on spirituality and prayer, especially the Rosary.

Ways to Give ONLINE

Please visit HCFM.org BY MAIL

Please use the enclosed envelope and make your check payable to “Holy Cross Family Ministries ” BY PHONE

Please call 508 238 4095

Gifts of Stock or IRAs

Please call 508 884 6734

Planned Giving

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518 Washington St North Easton, MA 02356 1200 800 299 PRAY (7729) HCFM org

"THE

THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER" VENERABLE PATRICK PEYTON