2023 Summer Family Link

Our Mission Holy Cross Family Ministries

Family Rosary

A wealth a free digital resources to help you pray as a family.

FamilyRosary.org

Family Theater Productions

Serving families with media that entertains, inspires and educates.

FamilyTheater.org

Catholic Mom

Online community connecting, encouraging, and supporting Catholic women.

CatholicMom.com

Musuem of Family Prayer

Contemporary museum in North Easton, MA, providing a unique, interactive, experience of prayer for the family and offers online resources when you can't visit in person.

MusuemOfFamilyPrayer.org

Father Peyton Prayer Guild

A worldwide prayer group committed to praying for the canonization of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., a future "Saint for Family Prayer."

FatherPeyton.org

The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life

Ongoing contemporary research and development for Church leaders to help Catholic families live out their vocation.

PeytonFamilyInstitute.org

The family that prays together stays together.

-VENERABLE PATRICK PEYTON

Holy Cross Family Ministries is a family of Catholic ministries that inspires, promotes and fosters the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world. HCFM.org

FAMILY LINK

Page 3 - Our Global Mission

By Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C.,

President

Page 4 - Father Patrick Peyton:

The International Promoter of Family Prayer

By Father Rick Gribble,

C.S.C., Contributing Author

Page 5 - Our Global Reach

Page 7 - The Future of Our Mission

By Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., International Director

Page 9 - The Father Peyton Prayer Guild in the Philippines

By Father David S Marcham, Vice Postulator & Guild Director

Page 10 - Benefactor Spotlight

Children's Rosary Rally in East Africa

Front Cover Image: Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., praying with families in Kenya, 1955

Our Global Mission

By Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., Ph.D, President

“Millions, literally millions of people are always ready to help Our Blessed Mother They belong to every race, ever nation, every class, every walk in life, every level of prosperity and property, outside the Catholic Church as well as inside ”

- Father Patrick Peyton, “All for Her”

Father Peyton, our founder, set our mission on a path that has been global from the start. He saw the great need and knew that prayer and a devotion to Mary our Blessed Mother was the way to the cross, and that “the cross was our only hope.” Today with 27 Ministry Centers, in 17 countries spanning 5 continents, we are proof that he was right. And while his mission was always global in vision, it was put into action on a very local and more importantly at a very individual level.

One story I can share with you about his global, yet local impact, is my own Born and raised in a small village in Uganda; it was here that I served for seven years and formed the first Peyton Prayer Guild Chapter for children which now serves over 1,000 children And I am just one example of the many priests and brothers who serve internationally because of our Global Mission work that was begun by Father Peyton and where now thousands of families benefit.

It is because of this that we thought it was important to create a Global Mission Edition of Family Link which highlights the substantial and important work being done around the globe that could not happen without your support. It is our hope that you will learn about our global story that began from the earliest days and has developed into one of the largest global missions devoted to the spiritual development of Catholic families around the world

We hope that it inspires you as it does us, and we hope that it makes you aware of how critical it is for the mothers, fathers, grandparents, and

children we work with, and more importantly the thousands more we need to reach. The challenge is truly great, but the opportunity to serve the church and our Lord Jesus Christ is greater, and this is where the good news lies.

We often hear about the challenges for Catholics, but throughout this issue of our Family Link you will come to realize that Catholicism is thriving in so many places around the world Here you will hear a message of optimism, of faith, of hope and of love beckoning a call to all Catholics to help. In my first year, I visited Peru, the Philippines, Ghana, Bangladesh, India, and Uganda's mission offices and spoke with hundreds of Catholics from dozens of countries. It has been a reminder that throughout all the world’s diversity, we are one family, and I can share with you that your brothers and sisters throughout all our Centers are praying alongside you.

Please enjoy this issue of Family Link and know that you are part of something very special

Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., President, visiting with a family at one of our Ministry Centers in Asia.

Father Patrick Peyton: The International Promoter of Family Prayer

By Father Rick Gribble, C.S.C., Ph.D

From the late 1940s to the mid-1960s the throngs of people who came to hear the inspirational message of Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., grew almost exponentially. Beginning in Canada in 1948 and continuing to every continent, including areas where Roman Catholics were few, and concluding in South America, Father Peyton brought his simple yet profound message, “The family that prays together stays together ” Crowds grew from capacities of a few thousand in a Canadian park to a hundred thousand in European soccer stadiums to over two million people crowded into city streets and squares in Brazil and the Philippines. Father Peyton’s unsophisticated yet heartfelt message captivated audiences everywhere. Today, in a world torn asunder by political strife, social discord, war and violence, his message might be more relevant than ever.

Father Peyton’s ministry began on radio and continued in television specials, but it found its apex in his international Rosary crusades. Convinced that his cure from tuberculosis during his seminary days was through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he dedicated his life to being her champion As he once said, “I am Mary’s slave ” For him, the greatest manifestation of this promise was promoting the efficacy of family prayer, especially through the Rosary

He set a goal for a million people to sign a pledge that they would pray the family Rosary together daily. He reached his goal in short order, but then he continued and set higher standards. Never satisfied with basic success in his ministry, Father Peyton always drove himself and the men and women with whom he worked to a fever pitch, but always toward the common goal of bringing families together through prayer.

Catholics in the United States remember Father Peyton most prominently for his radio show, “Family Theater of the Air,” and numerous halfhour television specials, but the international community knows him from his Rosary Crusades. When the Crusade came to a local area there was much preliminary work done, including the production of literature, parish meetings, and school workshops The culmination of the Crusade was the arrival of Father Peyton who would deliver his powerful message of the need for prayer, based on his own experience, both as a youth in Ireland and as a priest.

Father Peyton’s message continues today in the work of Holy Cross Family Ministries. The world today badly needs his message, one of familial integrity centered on the basic Christian concept of prayer. Hopefully, the world will hear his message and learn its truth.

Father Rick Gribble, C S C , taught at Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts for 27 years in the Department of Religious Studies and Theology His specific area of expertise is American Catholic History. He is an accomplished author of 40 books including "American Apostle of the Family Rosary: The Life of Patrick J Peyton, C S C , " and over 450 articles in religious history and spirituality He is the official biographer of Father Patrick Peyton, C S C

Global Reach

Ministering to families in 17 countries through 27 Minist

What We Do

Prayer Programs for Marriage and Family Life

Healing for Families

Family Prayer Days

Counseling and Guidance

Marriage Seminars

Home Visitation

Family Cinema

Vow Renewal

Marriage Preparation Program

Parish & Diocese Outreach

Prayerful Media

Radio Programs

Social Media Posts – Facebook, YouTube, Instagram

Publicity Events

Family Life Magazine

Videography & Photography

Prayer Programs for Children and Youth

School Outreach

Youth Forums

Chapters of the Father Peyton Prayer Guild

Parish/Community Outreach

Retreats

Rosary Rallies

Church Alive Episodes

Formation Talks

Power Talks

Ongoing Video Contest project

Try Prayer! It Works! Contest

Families gather for a Rosary procession at one of HCFM's Ministry Centers in East Africa

Americas

Brazil

Canada

Chile

Haiti

Mexico

Peru

United States

Uruguay

Where We Are

Europe

France

Ireland

Africa

Ghana

Kenya

Tanzania

Uganda

Asia

Bangladesh

India

Philippines

A World at Prayer is a World at Peace.

-VENERABLE PATRICK PEYTON

Family attending a retreat at The Father Peyton Family Institute in Peru

The Future of Our Mission

By Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., Ph.D, International Director

As the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM), I am delighted to update you on our current state and plans for our global mission

Our organization focuses on expanding our reach and impact in communities in 17 countries worldwide, and recently we began sharing resources in Australia We continue collaborating with local organizations and churches to promote and strengthen family life, particularly in underprivileged and marginalized communities.

We are inspired by the legacy of our founder, Father Patrick Peyton, who believed in the power of family prayer to keep families together. We are committed to ensuring that his lessons and examples are passed on to future generations.

Our focus for the past six months was the following:

In Africa, our primary goal was to foster an efficient and sustainable HCFM ministry We have transitioned from local ministry centers to one nationwide ministry center, which has altered the reality of programming, management, teaming, communication, and resources in all four countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ghana. We have identified many notable accomplishments through

Family Life and Marriage Ministry, Youth Ministry, Children Ministry, Media Ministry, and Peyton Prayer Guilds, as well as significant challenges We are working on better implementation of programming, enhanced outreach and engagement, and coordination of personnel, resource management, and internal communications Father Fred and I recently visited Uganda and met with the entire team and the province leadership. We also decided to develop a branding book for each country with a consultant from the Philippines.

In Asia, our primary goal was rebuilding, rebranding, and relaunching the mission. We have completed the construction of the Peyton Institute for Families in Asia (PIF) (Bengaluru), the Peyton Center in Tamil Nadu, and the Peyton Center in Bangladesh. We have taken many steps in all these centers to rebrand, renovate, and relaunch the mission with new initiatives These include the "Church Alive" episode, weekly homilies, formation talks, power talks, ongoing video contest projects, and the Try Prayer! It Works! Contest

In the Philippines, we have also developed a new brand book with the support of a local consultant and guidance from the Marketing Department, which can be used as a model for other centers. We continue implementing quality programs based on the brand book, including nationwide video contests, hiring media agencies and talents, expanding contacts with dioceses, and organizing a Family Rosary Crusade General Assembly. These efforts have helped to rediscover the presence of Family Rosary Crusade in the lives of the people of the Philippines, redefine the identity, and relaunch the mission with renewed focus

Another striking example of effective programming comes from the PIF in Bengaluru We offer certificate courses in family counseling skills,

Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., presenting an award to a family in the Philippines for the Try Prayer! It Works! Contest.

Healing the Inner Child, and post-graduate level training in family therapy. The Institute is exploring new possibilities to expand its course offerings and reach a wider audience. One initiative currently underway is the development of online courses, which would allow people worldwide to access our programs and benefit from our expertise in family therapy Additionally, we are looking into partnerships with other organizations to provide training and resources in related areas such as mental health, child development, and social work Our goal is to continue to grow and evolve as a center for excellence in family therapy and related fields.

In the Americas, our primary goal was to ensure an efficient, effective, and sustainable organization. As a result, I visited several countries, met with team members, congregational leaders, and bishops, and identified significant accomplishments and challenges. The local leadership of the Congregation of Holy Cross has shown a greater openness to embrace HCFM as part of their ministry. There have been new appointments for leadership positions in Brazil and Chile and a new opening for the ministry in Montreal, Canada In response to challenges, HCFM has implemented an evaluation of programming, enhanced outreach and engagement through social media, and improved coordination of personnel, resource management, and internal communications.

In Europe, our primary goal is to stabilize our work in France and Ireland. They have accepted the challenge to regain permission to maintain a tent at Lourdes, France and plan to restructure organizational leadership in Ireland. Father Fred and I met with the Provincial Father Paul Valentin,

C.S.C., to discuss the possibilities of continuing the ministry in France.

In Australia, our primary goal was to share the existing HCFM resources with our Holy Cross Parish in the Diocese of Adelaide. As a result, we began sharing resources such as the Global Campaign programs, Catholic Mom Sunday resources, Catholic Central videos for faith formation, Try Prayer! It Works! Contest, and the Peyton Prayer Guild Prayer Program with them Both parties found the resources helpful for the parish and schools

Moving forward, HCFM plans to expand the ministry center in Montreal, explore possibilities for continuing the ministry in Lourdes, encourage Mission Centers to prepare their own brand books, visit, assess, and provide leadership to Ministry Centers, network and collaborate with the International Confederation of Christian Family Movements (ICCFM) and other similar organizations worldwide, and update technology by developing an app for the HCFM International community The organization plans to support its Centers in these efforts with the guidance and collaboration of its partners

In conclusion, we are excited about the possibilities for growth, innovation, and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our work to promote and strengthen family life worldwide. We are grateful for your continued support and partnership and welcome any ideas and recommendations for program improvements, fundraising strategies, or other actions to support the mission.

The signing of the Memorandum of Collaboration with the International Confederation of Christian Family Movements and HCFM

The Father Peyton Prayer Guild in the Philippines

By Father David S. Marcham, Vice Postulator & Guild Director

Father Patrick Peyton, C S C , possessed a firm conviction that God had healed him from tuberculosis with the aid of Our Blessed Mother’s intercession when he was gravely ill as a seminarian In response to this miraculous turn of events, Father Peyton sought to repay the Blessed Mother for her assistance in this Divine healing. What followed was a mission to families around the world that would change the lives of countless people and their families.

I would like to share one significant example of how devotion to Father Peyton’s ministry and Cause for Sainthood took root and blossomed. In the Philippines, the first Family Rosary Crusade unit (F R C ) was established in 1947 It began with a parish priest giving a photo of the Blessed Mother to a young mother and teacher The photo was from Father Peyton, and below it was written: “Be an apostle of Our Lady of the Rosary Spare no effort of Mind or Body or Heart to make the Rosary Every-day in Every Family Circle.” Mrs. Lily Soriano Pujol would take this message to heart and make it come alive in her classroom and then her parish.

Father Peyton would then come and lead the first Rosary Rally in 1951 at the request of the Dominican Fathers. This would lead to a nationwide Rally in 1959 that drew 1.5 million people to Luneta Park. With the preparation for and participation in each Rally, more people became involved in parish-based F.R.C. units. From 1951-1985, Father Peyton led 18 Rosary Rallies with a total attendance of 6 4 million people Over these years, and to this date, Father Peyton’s message that “The Family That Prays Together Stays Together” took hold and, when combined with the love of the Blessed Mother, resulted in radio and television programs that encouraged and informed the faithful in the Philippines.

Today, these efforts continue through the National Family Rosary Center, led by Father Wilson Thoppilan, C.S.C., along with Mission Director, Father James (Jimmy) Mathew, C.S.C., and assisted by their colleagues. The F.R.C. units typically meet monthly on the first Saturday at their home parish. Members gather at dawn for a procession in honor of “Mama” Mary that leads to the Holy Mass and prayer of the Rosary in which some units pray for the Beatification and intercession of Venerable Patrick Peyton As Mission Director, Father Mathew has made it a priority to visit these units each month. Both he and Father Wilson encourage members, and when needed, introduce prayers of intercession and Beatification/Canonization.

Thanks to Father Patrick Peyton’s missions to the Philippines, many souls have received and implemented the family Rosary into their lives What began as a desire to repay Our Blessed Mother and Our Lord, Jesus, continues to bear fruit in the many islands of the Philippines In return, many seek to share the life and ministry of Venerable Patrick Peyton both locally and worldwide through praying for his intercession and for his Beatification/Canonization.

Father David S. Marcham with members of the Father Peyton Prayer Guild in the Philippines.

Benefactor Spotlight

The Sarita Kenedy East Foundation and the Grace family have provided critical, often life-saving aid to some of the poorest families we serve in Peru for over 30 years. The Sarita Kenedy East Foundation has been a loyal and steadfast partner in the work of Father Peyton, Father David Farrell, and the Holy Cross missionaries in Canto Grande, Peru

The Sarita Kenedy East Foundation has been instrumental in advancing our programming at the Father Peyton Family Institute (INFAM), serving one of Lima's most densely populated and impoverished suburbs We are grateful for their steadfast support which provides opportunities for families to grow in faith, hope, and basic human, Christian, and family values

The following testimony comes from one of the families served by INFAM. Teresa, who lives in Piura, Peru, shared with our team that praying the Rosary with the INFAM’s online community during the pandemic has helped her family cope with this overwhelming situation we are all experiencing.

“The Rosary has helped us overcome the loss of my brother due to the pandemic It has helped us avoid falling into despair and accepting God’s will It is now customary for us to pray the Holy Rosary every day together. Thank you for your spiritual support and encouragement."

In Memoriam

This is just one example of a family the Sarita Kenedy East Foundation has help to build up in Peru INFAM improves the lives of thousands annually through marriage enrichment programs, substance abuse and domestic violence counseling, adult leadership courses, senior support groups, afterschool youth programs, sacramental retreats, and more.

Holy Cross Family Ministries is grateful to the Sarita Kenedy East Foundation’s many years of partnership and we pray that our Blessed Mother Mary will keep the Grace family and all those at the Sarita Kenedy East Foundation close to her Divine Son, Jesus.

James P. Kelly (1940-2023)

Holy Cross Family Ministries offers our deepest condolences to the family of James “Jimmy” P. Kelly, a beloved friend and supporter of our ministry, who passed away in April. He was a man of great faith and all who had the pleasure of knowing James knew he always carried a Rosary with him. In the early 1990s, when Father Peyton needed help with his “Rosaries for Russia” campaign, James worked tirelessly to secure 1 million Rosaries for families This global Rosary campaign continues today as our Rosaries for the World program which provides Rosaries to families across the globe continuing Father Peyton’s message of “The family that prays together stays together ” Please join us in praying for the eternal rest of James Kelly

Father Peyton shaking hands with Peter Grace at an event celebrating 20 years of Family Theater Productions

The Future of Family Prayer

Venerable Patrick Peyton’s mission lives on and flourishes today because of friends like you

Together our efforts have healed broken marriages, brought hope to the sick, strengthened family bonds, and helped many rediscover their faith in confronting life's challenges throughout our 27 Ministry Centers in 17 countries.

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 508 238 4095

Planned Giving

Please call 508 238 4095

518 Washington St North Easton, MA 02356-1200

800-299-PRAY (7729)

HCFM.org

518 Washington St , North Easton, MA 02356

Families gather for the annual Rosary Festival at The Father Peyton Center in North Easton, Massachusetts