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MINISTRY INFORMATION AND UPDATES
I hope this newsletter finds you all well. I know it has been a very long time since we have updated the web site and sent out a newsletter. There are several reasons for that which I will explain; however, first I want to thank all of you for your prayers and always be assured of ours.
It has always been the charism of this ministry to not complain and “offer everything up”. I personally do not like to reveal any problems, just stay focused on Our Lady’s plan for this ministry; however, I have been advised by our board members and some of our benefactors that I really need to clarify some things that have affected this ministry in the last nine months.
We have a refund policy that has taken care of all legal refunds for all of twenty years. It states:
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS A Booking may be canceled but must be made in writing by either party. Refunds are returned upon the booking of another person to replace the refundable person on this pilgrimage PRIOR TO LAST 30 DAYS.
We are a very small ministry, not a big company. As with any reservations, deposits have to be made bills have to be paid. This policy was written by an attorney, not unlike all other tour companies. With us it simply means that as soon as another person signs up, the monies already on deposit will stay there and the new deposit is refunded for the cancellation. Also, we have had to reschedule upon occasion and this same policy is used. For example, 5 refunds were given for the Green Valley Youth Group last year according to the policy.
There was some confusion with the November pilgrimage being rescheduled as it was said “I did not sign it”. This is our policy and is in bold red letters right under where you sign up on every brochure that is printed for every pilgrimage. It is stated on the website on every pilgrimage as well. It does not have to be signed. I will tell you that as one lady was impatient and went to channel 4, she has received a full refund even though no one signed up to replace her.
As this ministry has always stood for the truth it became very obvious that we were right. You cannot believe the media. I have to say that I refused to talk to them. I told them I would not tell our side of the events, or what led to them. That would mean I would have had to break confidences and refer to problems with the diocese. I chose to say I would stand on my 20 year reputation and they could say whatever they liked.
We have been in business for 20 years and have not had to endure the level of attack from the media and/or the Diocese before. I am so grateful to our benefactors that have seen us through the fact that now two of our Priests have been unable to go on two advertised and scheduled pilgrimages which caused an overwhelming deficit to our finances; however, they are looking forward to 2016 when they can go. Actually, the support and prayers are so appreciated most especially by several people that have traveled with us 4 and 5 times like Joe, Lucy and Obdulia.
We are very grateful to Our Lady that we are regrouping and planning our 2015-16 pilgrimages. It is really miraculous that we have survived and I am sure they will be better as we see her plan for the future. We will be finding new ways to advertise due to the fact that we are no longer in the Diocese of Tucson Vision Newspaper. We would appreciate your help in spreading the word about them. There is a flyer attached to the newsletter that can be printed if you wish.
Please pray with me for our Priests and Religious. We are dedicated to providing services and pilgrimages to aide them in their Priesthood. I have been told so many times that 1. They could not afford to go on these pilgrimages themselves and 2. Never question my vocation to take them as there is an obvious change in their spiritual life which they can share with their parishioners.
One update: Raul Gonzales is our new Secretary effective January 1, 2015. We have three new board members: Maria Gonzales, Delia Wood and Kelly Trujillo-Kane.
The next newsletter will tell about the miracles that have happened as we focus on the fact that “nothing can happen unless God allows it” and “you can never out give God”.
Now update for the Pilgrimages:
For 2015 we have the following:
EGYPT, SINAI & THE HOLY LAND. We will visit the church of SAINT Mary of Jesus Crucified. Our prayers answered as she is to be canonized on May 17, 2015. She is a powerful intercessor for this ministry.
August 18 to September 2, 2015.
November 8 to 20, 2015.
February 6 through 20, 2016. First ever ALL Spanish Pilgrimage.
STJ 500 (500 YEAR OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA’S BIRTH)
LOURDES, SPAIN AND FATIMA
October 04 through 20, 2015
Includes Lisbon, Salamanca, St. Teresa of Avila Feast day, St. John of the Cross, Miracle at Santarem and much more.
2016 Pilgrimages:
Date to be announced by our Priest: ITALY AND MEDJUGORJE. We will be adding a couple surprise places to be announced on this favorite pilgrimage. We have a list already starting so please call if you would like to put your name on the list.
FATIMA, LOURDES, AND ROME. Date will be announced by Priest. We have a list starting for this one also.
God Bless You.
Gayle
Assist us, Lord, by the merits of your foster father, St. Joseph, spouse of your most Holy Mother. May his help gain for us what our own efforts cannot. This we ask through You who live and reign with God the Father in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God, for all ages. AMEN
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