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Posted October 13th, 2009 | Events

I met the BMOC – Big Man On Campus: Fr. Eric Bowman, pastor of St. Jude Parish in West Cincinnati, Ohio.

He has a BIG heart and love for his people of his parish. We met in World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia where I was doing some talks. We were in the same venue and after hearing my “schpeal,” he booked me to come and speak at his parish for a three day mission. It’s unusual that I was available to give a three day mission. These days, I’m only available to come out for 1-2 day talks on the weekends only.

But since it’s Fall Break for the Seminarians at the Mount, I was available to give some extended talks. And, with any opportunity to do parish work, I jumped at it! As usual, I met great families at these events.

Each night, I presented talks about the Saints, the Blessed Mother, and the Eucharist. Each night, I had the chance to meet some of the parishioners and hear their stories. It’s great to hear parents say, “my kids told me they actually wanted to go to the mission!” It’s great to see the church so full each night! There were not just with “regular mission participants”, but entire families coming to these evenings of prayer.

That’s the style of presentations that I give: FAMILY MISSIONS! I challenge people to pray the Rosary as a family, to go to Eucharistic Adoration, to develop a love for the saints, and to pray at least 5 times a day! This one family actually took me up on the offer and are praying regularly 5 times each day: morning prayer, night prayer, and 3 grace before each meal – breakfast, lunch, dinner! (shameless plug!)

Since I’m working full time in the seminary, I don’t always get the chance to spend time with families, except when I get invited to these events. Can you tell, I really miss parish work! But, I know I’m called to work at the seminary at this stage of my priesthood. And, yes, I like working with seminarians too. But, I especially miss seeing young families with babies! No seminarian has a smile like this!

And after every talk, the very dedicated “hospitality committee” put out a beautiful spread of FOOD for the people! Yes, I miss that too!

To all of the awesome families at St. Jude’s parish in Cincinnati, and to the pastor and staff, THANK YOU for the hospitality and invitation to come be with your parish family for a few days! Keep up the good work of spreading the faith! With Fr. Eric, the literal BMOC, you’re definitely in good hands!

Posted in Events | 3 Comments

3 Responses to “St. Jude’s B.M.O.C.”

Father Leo,
its been a LONG time since my husband and I were able to go out with our little girls (we met you!) and have such a meaningful time reconnecting with God. I am especially devoted to Mother Mary who guides my way on this most challenging task of raising two soon to be three little ones at our age after raising our three bio children. When I was 6, we started our school mornings in Church. I vividly remember praying so fervently to Mary that it seemed the statue started moving as if she was talking to me!

Your message about the devil may not have been fully heard by some but it is so true. Once we decided to adopt we felt the pure wrath of evil, the devil came at us through my own family. My Mom and siblings disowned us and were so hateful. We just continued to pray for them yet kept on our mission to help God’s children. Now, they are mostly okay with us except one sister who still causes me great pain.

Thank you for the words of enthusiasm, support and advice on how to protect ourselves while still seeking JOY in our faith! God has called us to minister to his children who in turn bring us God’s JOY in all they do!

If you are ever in town, we offer you our home. Bless you and all you do!
Dave, Marie, Brianna & Braelyn
waiting to bring home Chase Frederick
Posted by Fr. Leo on October 13th, 2009 at 6:47 pm.
Fr. Leo,
THANKS for a wonderful and informative parish mission. Our entire family (children are 13 and under) felt it was very meaningful and thoroughly enjoyed it at the same time!
We appreciate your mission and are very grateful that you were able to join us here in Bridgetown.
Next, you’ll be visiting my Aunt Kay in Rhode Island, so please be sure to say hi!
Maurer family
Posted by Linda Maurer on October 13th, 2009 at 7:15 pm.
Fr. Leo,

My children, ages 2,5, and 9 couldn’t contain their excitment when daddy called from his business trip tonight. When I got on the phone my husband said “Wow, this priest must really be amazing to keep the attention of our three young ones.” Your style of “Mission” is so refreshing. It is great to have a spiritual event outside of Mass that the whole family can grow from and be refreshed in. May God continue to bless your ministry beyond your imagination.
Kim
P.S. As soon as Dominic got outside he said, “I like Fr. Leo and I like Jesus!” and he kept giggling.
Posted by Kim Abele on October 13th, 2009 at 7:26 pm.

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