Letters From the Cross February 2013

The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio Network

101.7 FM BUFFALO“Proclaiming the fullness of Truth with clarity and charity.”

1

GOD’S TRANSFORMING LOVE by Johnnette BenkovicThroughout the centuries, holy souls have sought to express the ineffable experience of God’s love. St. Augustine spoke of it in his Confessions and his words have resonated in countless hearts throughout the centuries: “Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! ...You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness.

You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.”

One soul described to me its first taste of divine love in haunting words: “For years, its mystery eluded me like fog dissipating through fingers seeking to grasp it. And then, in an eternal moment, inscrutability gave way. Light broke through. Shadows fled. Doubt departed. And I saw. Longing flooded my being; I thirsted for Him. All was made new.”

Both of these descriptions indicate the transforming power of God’s love: it brings healing, restoration, renewal, new life, and union with God. St. Bernard writes that “The Word visits certain souls as a physician bringing salves and salutary ointments ...Other souls He visits as a loving spouse, kissing and embracing them and binding them to Himself by the splendor and tenderness of His ineffable unifying love...”

As we make progress in our spiritual life, we find that these two ways of visitation are often bound together in our soul at the same time, both expressions of God’s gift of total self-donation to us, both perfecting us and leading us to a deeper union with Him.

Consider this woman’s story. She recalls a particular moment in her life when the two of these movements came in a singular instant. “I had just meditated on a particular passage of Scripture and was earnestly seeking what the Lord was saying to me through it,” she writes. “Interiorly, I was very aware of His presence and I knew He was about a work of grace. I was inundated with the sweetness of His divine love. I sensed Him telling me He was healing me of a great hurt and beginning a process of restoration within me. He seemed to say He was making new a certain area of my being (2 Cor. 5:17; Rev. 21:5). I was struck by His tenderness and the delicate way He revealed His love and executed His ministry. Tears stung my eyes as I acknowledged the gift I was receiving. It was a poignant moment, not the first and not to be the last. Both healing and divine love came with one touch.”

Healing, restoration, renewal, new life, union. It was precisely for this that the Word was Made Flesh and dwelt among us. And it is this we see throughout the life of Jesus. He touches and people are healed. He touches and people are set free. He

touches and new life begins. St. John writes, “For God so loved the world that He sent His only-begotten Son that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life” (3:15). The whole purpose of the redemption was for man – you and me - to know the love of God in a demonstrable way. To experience it. To taste it. To be moved by it. To be liberated through it. Every time we look at a crucifix we see the full measure God goes to prove it to us. What could shout louder than the very Love of God hanging on a cross?

As we enter into this Lenten Season, know that God desires for you to experience His divine love. He wants to draw you into a deepening union with Him. To do so, He wants to heal you of any maladies of the spirit, wounds of heart, afflictions of the soul that prevent you from receiving the fullness of His divine life. He wants you to know true liberation, true freedom, true happiness. Even now He is pouring His love upon you. It is as real as the air you are breathing; more so, because the breath of God knows no boundary. It fills the whole of you and lasts for all eternity. It is His desire that St. Augustine’s cry may be your own, “You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you.”

Johnnette S. Benkovic is Founder and President of Living His Life Abundantly® International, Inc., Executive Producer of EWTN’s The Abundant Life, and the host of the radio show, Women of Grace Live. She is a popular conference speaker and is the author of a number of books and magazine articles. This article was written specifically for The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio Network, Copyright ©, 2013, All Rights Reserved.

How to Pray with Scripture:Union with God and the healing He brings come via prayer and the Sacraments. Here’s a handy acronym to help you remember how to pray using Sacred Scripture. This formula is based on Lectio-Divina, an ancient form of Catholic prayer. Lectio-Divina simply means “holy reading.” You may want to record your insights.

P Pray to the Holy Spirit asking Him to inspire you in your time of prayer.R Read a passage from Scripture. The daily readings are excellent for this.A Ask three questions pondering your answers in your heart: 1. What is happening in this passage? 2. What does it mean contextually? 3. What is God saying specifically to you through this passage?Y Yield to God’s word to you through an act of the will, and make a resolution regarding it. At the end of the day, check yourself on your resolution. To what extent did you follow through and how did you see God’s grace operative?

2

Have you heard the news? We are pleased to announce another blessing that God has granted to us: our newest station, 88.3 FM in Oil City, PA!

You should know that all of the necessary capital start-up funds were generously donated to us by one single individual. God

stirred his heart as we spoke with him, and he responded; giving to God by way of supporting our mission of proclaiming the Truth through the airwaves.

Catholic radio is one of the best evangelization tools of our time. This new station will allow 250,000 more people in the north-western portion of Pennsylvania to tune in to solid, quality Catholic programming.

We also want to thank you, all of our donors, for helping us do the same in your own neighborhood. Because of your generosity, both of our last two fund drives have been successful. What a thrill it was to announce, “We made our goal!” We could not have done it without you.

God is providing exactly what we need; no more and no less. In this way, He challenges us monthly, weekly, daily, to depend on Him for His provision. He calls us to focus and trust in Him, rather than on wealth or conveniences. This keeps us on our knees, but that is exactly where He wants us.

All that we do is for Him, and all through His grace, often provided through the generosity of our listeners. In that way, you all have a share in our mission, allowing us to continue the humble work that God is asking us to do, and we are so grateful.

I have received a number of phone calls and emails expressing enthusiasm about our upcoming billboard campaign. We are currently working on a design and waiting on the necessary financial backing to move forward. We appreciate your continued support in this. God willing, our goal is to have

the billboards up in your community by May or June.

We have been called to make God’s Word available through the airwaves. The more billboards there are, the more frequently the message will be seen, and the more people will know where to tune in to hear that Word. Studies show that the average person needs to see a message seven times before responding.

We would like to increase the opportunity for reaching new listeners by placing billboards so that everyone will be aware of this great resource available.

Catholic radio is for everyone: for the “churched” and the “un-churched;” for “saints” and “sinners;” for all who wish to listen. Together, we will reach more souls for Christ.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: NEW STATION IN OIL CITY, PA by Jim Wright

“What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” (Matthew 10: 27)

Did you know that you receive this newsletter complimentary as a result of your donation? Anyone is eligible to receive the newsletter by email. If you would prefer to receive our e-newsletter, please let us know by writing to nlanglois@thestationofthecross.com.

3

This new series of articles will highlight a staff member each month to help you understand the inner workings of your Catholic radio station family.

In many of our markets you might know me as the moderator of Calling All Catholics, heard live weekdays from 4 pm- 5 pm ET. But as director of radio production for seven Catholic

radio stations, most of my daily work focuses on other tasks.

I maintain the programming logs for each station’s on-air computer and update them for EWTN specials and local live events we broadcast.

Programming questions come to me from all of our markets. I also field some of the engineering inquiries, as well as provide assistance for our iCatholicRadio mobile app.

I have a hand in updating our station Web sites and create most of the status updates you see on our Facebook page. Many of the spots you hear in between programs, I wrote, recorded, edited, mixed, and scheduled to play.

In regard to Calling All Catholics, I schedule the priest hosts and call screeners, setup and run the board during the show and upload the podcasts.

In Boston, you hear The Good Catholic Life at 4 pm weekdays. While the program is produced at the Pastoral Center for the Archdiocese of Boston, I am responsible for making sure the show reaches your radios through our computer programming log. The same goes for the live events we air with the assistance of the Archdiocese of Boston and the CatholicTV Network.

My position at The Station of the Cross is an incredible blessing, as I am able to meet and work with so many awesome people and organizations, including the dioceses in which we serve, St. Luke Productions, Renewal Ministries, the CatholicTV Network, and countless more.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH: GINA ZANICKY, DIRECTOR OF RADIO PRODUCTION MORE THAN JUST GREAT RADIO

Are you aware of the wonderful benefits of our Web site?

Not only can you listen live to our station Web stream, you can also click on our interactive programming grid to learn more about the individual programs that air. We also offer podcasts of our local programming and conference talks that you can listen to whenever it is convenient to you.

Do you have a Catholic event you would like publicized? Click on the Submit Event tab to get the information to us and we will put it on our Community Calendar and air it on the radio.

In need of prayers? Tell us about your prayer requests.

Participate in our weekly survey, find past issues of our newsletters, or click on the slide show to find out about current news for the network.

Whether you need a bumper sticker or are curious about the most up-to-date Catholic news, our Web site has many great features for you. It’s all just a click away.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013Come enjoy some fellowship, networking and encouragement with other Catholic professionals seeking to faithfully live their vocation in the world. All men and women are welcome. The next event is at The Buffalo Club (388 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202). The dress code at this location is business professional (coat and tie). No jeans. Doors open at 7:30 AM. Registration is $20 per person and is used entirely for the cost of the breakfast. The event officially begins at 7:45 AM. Keynote speaker is Anthony Pivarunas, obstetrician & gynecologist (OB/GYN) with 19 years of experience at Catholic Health System/Sisters of Charity Hospital in The Specialty Center for Women, and Residency Program Director and Chairman of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Sisters Hospital.

To register please call Nicolette at 1-877-888-6279 or visit www.wlof.net

“Like the Church, the family ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted, and from which the Gospel radiates to other families and to the whole of society...” (Bl. Pope John Paul II)

From the time our children are born, we make sure they eat right and get enough sleep. We

teach them their A, B, C’s and send them to school to get a good education. We sign them up for soccer or dance class so they will be physically fit, learn teamwork, and have fun. We arrange “play groups,” monitor their friendships, and teach them how to get along with others.

These are valid and necessary responsibilities as parents. We take deliberate steps to watch over our children’s physical, intellectual, and social growth. Yet, along with these aspects of their well-being, do we take just as much care to nurture our children’s spiritual growth? As we care for their body, mind, and emotional well-being, it is even more important to care for their soul.

In his 1981 Apostolic Exhortation, Familiaris Consortio, The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World, Bl. John Paul II quotes the Second Vatican Council in saying (36):

Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. For it devolves on parents to create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence for God and others that a well-rounded personal and social development will be fostered among the children. Hence, the family is the first school of those social virtues which every society needs.

This “education” goes beyond teaching them to read and write, and even beyond teaching them right from wrong. It includes a concerted effort to pass along the heritage of our faith; that which was passed down to us in the Church from Jesus to the Apostles, and to each successive generation down to our generation. It includes the cultivation of love of God and a desire to grow in holiness. Our faith must be taught and lived in our families to pass along to the next generation, much like we pass down our favorite holiday and cultural traditions.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).

Parents are the child’s first teacher, and teaching involves active, repeated communication to relay a message until it is learned. Regularly teaching our children prayers, practices, and traditions as they grow is as necessary as teaching them to brush their teeth or drive a car.

Children also learn by example, picking up language and behavior in the little things we do, whether we are conscious of it or not. If we remain aware of our role in both purposeful and natural situations, children learn that our faith is not just something we do; it is part of who we are.

Thus, our faith becomes the foundation for daily decisions we make. All of our choices of activities, entertainment, reading material, attire, etc. should be filtered through questions such as, “Does this make sense for a Christian?” “Would it offend our Lord?” “Does this bring me closer to God or further away?”

These are the ways we model a “living faith” to our children; a faith that permeates our life and reflects a love for God that would rather appear “unpopular” to the world around us than offend Him. Here are some practical suggestions for parents to carry this out:

• Attend Mass as a family – weekly at least• Attend confession regularly – especially when needed• Go to Catholic places and events – Adoration chapel, shrine, special Masses, etc.• Set up a Catholic environment – pictures, crucifixes, toys, books, etc.• Choose media that reflects your faith - music, movies, magazines, video games, apps, etc.• Have daily conversations about faith - use “teachable moments”• Link the “head” with the “heart” – cultivate both a knowledge and love of God• Serve together – help at your parish, a food pantry, an outreach ministry, etc.• Set the tone – do it out of love for God, not out of obligation • Be good examples – don’t just preach it, live it• Continue to grow as they grow – read, learn, listen to Catholic radio• Pray, Pray, Pray – pray with your children and for your children; never underestimate the power of prayer• Be Not Afraid – “Heroic Catholic families will only come from heroic Catholic parents” (Fr. Robert J. Fox).

What an awesome privilege we have as parents to educate our children, especially about our faith. In so doing, we fulfill our right and our duty to lead our children – and our grandchildren - to heaven. In this Year of Faith especially, may we be ever mindful of this calling and make true steps to do even more.

“And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Debbie Daigler is the Administrative Assistant at The Station of the Cross. She has four daughters, ranging in ages 12-21. She can be reached at debbied@thestationofthecross.com.

PASSING ON THE FAITH WITHIN THE FAMILY by Debbie Daigler

“The family is placed at the center of the great struggle between good and evil, between life and death, between love and all that is opposed to love... Be strong, with the strength of God.” (Bl. John Paul II, Letter to Families)

4

5

PROGRAMMING 101.7 FM WLOF THE STATION OF THE CROSS FEBRUARY 2013

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

12 MIDNIGHTThreshold of Hope The Best of The Journey Home

EWTN Live (Encore)12:30 AM

1:00 AM The Journey HomeRight Here Right Now (Encore)

1:30 AM (Encore)

2:00 AM The Great Adventure

Mornings with Mother (Encore)Sunday Night Prime

(Encore)2:30 AM

3:00 AMQuiet Waters Holy Hour

3:30 AM

4:00 AM The World Over (Encore)

Catholic Answers Live (Encore of previous day’s Hour 1)Life on the Rock

(Encore)4:30 AM

5:00 AM Defending Life Chaplet of Divine Mercy in Song/Reflections (Fr. Leo Clifford) The Choices We Face

5:30 AM Holy Rosary with Mother Angelica and the Nuns of OLAM

6:00 AM Faith and CultureCatholic Answers Live (Encore of previous day’s Hour 2) Threshold of Hope

6:30 AM Crossing the Goal

7:00 AM Father Justin Rosary Hour The Journey Home (Encore)7:30 AM Czestochowa Novena

8:00 AM

8:30 AM

9:00 AM with Teresa Tomeo 1-877-573-7825 • info@teresatomeo.com

The Great Adventure Bible Study (Jeff Cavins)9:30 AM EWTN Bookmark

10:00 AM Christ is the Answer with Fr. John Riccardo

Mornings with MotherThe World Over

(Encore)10:30 AM

11:00 AM Divine Mercy in My Soul

info@dmims.net 1-877-998-7884 • info@womenofgrace.comRight Here Right

Now (Encore)11:30 AM

12 NOONSt. Stanislaus Parish Right Here Right Now (Encore)

Epic: Church History12:30 PM

1:00 PM Archbishop Sheen Life is worth Living with Dr. Ray Guarendi and Dr. Coleen Mast

1-877-573-7825The Doctor Is In

(Encore)1:30 PM American Catholic Radio

2:00 PM The World Over (Encore)

Register Radio Catholic Answers

Live (Encore)2:30 PM Blessed 2 Play

3:00 PMQuiet Waters Holy Hour

Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Mercy Times3:30 PM

4:00 PM Register RadioConference Talks

4:30 PM Blessed 2 Play

5:00 PM The Journey Home(Encore)

Vocation Boom Radio5:30 PM

6:00 PM Life and Money

6:30 PM Holy Rosary Defending Life

7:00 PMWeb of Faith 2.0

Holy Rosary with Bishop Richard Malone & Food for the Journey with Sr. Ann Shields Holy Rosary

7:30 PM Daily Mass from St. Joseph Cathedral (recorded in the morning) Truth & Life Audio Bible

8:00 PMSunday Night Prime

Divine Mercy in My Soul

info@dmims.netLife on the Rock Celtic Connections

8:30 PM

9:00 PM Holy Rosary with Fr. Kevin Scallon and DanaMercy Times

Holy Rosary with Fr. Kevin Scallon and Dana

9:30 PM Truth & Life Audio Bible EWTN Bookmark EWTN Bookmark Vatican Insider

10:00 PMTop of the Week Open Line (Encore of today’s program)

Father Larry Richards10:30 PM

11:00 PM Super SaintsVernerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

St. Joseph Radio (Encore)11:30 PM Family Theater Classic Radio

programs are subject to change : call toll free: 877-888-6279 : www.wlof.net bold = live program

WLOF BUFFALO 101.7 FMwww.wlof.net

THE STATION OF THE CROSSCATHOLIC RADIO NETWORK

HOLY FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS6325 SHERIDAN DRIVE

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221

1-877-888-6279

6

OVERVIEW FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

The first two and a half weeks of February fall within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time which is represented by the liturgical color green. The remaining days of February are the beginning of Lent. The liturgical color changes to purple — a symbol of penance, mortification, and the sorrow of a contrite heart.

THE HOLY FAMILY – MODEL FOR OUR FAMILIES

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family. The Holy Family models for us what family life should exemplify. It is a school of

virtue for both parents and children. There we find God, and learn how to connect with God and with others. The family is where love is freely given without self-interest. It is where we learn to love, to pray and to practice the gift of charity. Pope John Paul II has said, “The family, more than any other human reality, is the place in which the person is

loved for himself and in which he learns to live the sincere gift of self” (Nov. 27, 2002).

We should ask ourselves if our own families model that of the Holy Family. We need to be open to God’s grace to value the positive and to accept our mistakes — and to be willing to rectify them. Living so intimately within the

family nucleus naturally gives rise to unpleasant situations where someone is apt to be offended. St. Paul knew this when he told us to “bear with and forgive one another.” The health of our family

may depend on how quickly we learn to forgive.

(Excerpts from CatholicCulture.org)

Holy Father’s Intentions February 2013General:

That migrant families, especially the mothers, may be supported and accompanied in their difficulties.

Missionary: That the peoples at war and in conflict may lead the way in building a

peaceful future.

FEBRUARY FEAST DAYS2. The Presentation of the Lord 5. St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

6. St. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs8. St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita

11. Our Lady of Lourdes13. Ash Wednesday

14. Ss. Cyril, Monk and Methodius, Bishop17. First Sunday of Lent

21. St. Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church22. The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle23. St. Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

24. Second Sunday of Lent

IN FEBRUARY’S ISSUE:• Johnnette Reflects on Divine Love • Women’s Day of Reflection• Catholic Professionals Breakfast• Behind the Scenes• Passing the Faith to the Family