Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation

Mass to close the tribunal for the alleged miracle positio

2011-12-13T08:29:00.001-06:00

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC puts on Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Pectoral Cross before Mass. The Cross was gifted to him by Sr. Marlene Brownett, SHCJ

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC signs his name to the official documents before they have to be placed in the box for sealing and shipment to Rome as Patricia Gibson, Chancellor looks on.

Msgr. Jason Gray who headed the tribunal into the inquiry of the alleged miracle, Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, and Msgr. James Kruse, Board Member of the Foundation who helped with interviewing the witnesses examine the box and seal carefully.

Msgr. Gray looks on as Bishop Daniel Jenky holds his finger in place so Msgr. Deptula can tie the official knot.

Bishop Jenky prays and watches as Msgr. Gray and Msgr. Deptula carefully melt the wax for the official seal.

Bishop Jenky stamps the wax with the official seal.

Bishop Jenky holds the box up for a round of applause as The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation completes one more step for the Cause of Sheen’s Beatification and Canonization.

Patricia Gibson, Chancellor for the Catholic Diocese of Peoria looks on from the podium where she read the official statement along with Dr. Louis Varela, Board Member who helped with the interviewing of the witnesses and 2^nd from the right Fr. Andrew Apostoli, Vice Postulator of the Cause as Bishop Jenky leads a prayer for the sending of the Alleged Miracle Positio.

Little James Fulton is held up by his mother for a standing ovation at the end of Mass.

Msgr. Jason Gray holds one of the sealed boxes while standing with James Fulton and his family.

Archbishop Sheen’s Pectoral Cross and Ciborium make it back to the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Museum which is located in the Catholic Diocese of Peoria diocesan center.

2011-11-17T09:28:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends of Sheen,

These are exciting times and we have some GREAT Sheen events coming up. All are welcome to attend personally or spiritually. As you know we have been working very hard on investigation into the alleged miracle. A special thanks to Msgr. Jason Gray, Msgr. James Kruse and Dr. Louis Varela for conducting all the interviews and working so hard on the paperwork. Do to their hard work we will have a special Mass to close the investigation tribunal on December 11, 2011 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception here in Peoria. All are welcome to come and be a part of this special occasion. The Mass will start at 10:30am.

Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria

(Archbishop Fulton Sheen was ordained here)

Also coming up, with a special thanks to Gerri Kearns for arranging things, we will have a special weekend with Archbishop Fulton Sheen on EWTN. Please feel free to attend the EWTN Mass in person or watch on television. The Mass will be Dec 9th and will be for Archbishop Sheen anniversary of his death. Mass to be celebrated by Fr Andrew Apostoli with the Franciscan Friars of the Eternal Word will air live at EWTN Chapel. (7:00 a.m. CST, 8:00 a.m. EST)

EWTN Chapel

5817 Old Leeds Road

Irondale, AL. 35210

Dec 11. Sunday Night Prime host Fr Benedict Groeschel will discuss the Archbishop Sheen documentary and status of Cause of Canonization with guests Msgr. Stanley Deptula and Fr. Andrew Apostoli at 7:00pm EST (6pm CST).

Dec 11. Archbishop Fulton J Sheen, Servant of All movie will be shown on EWTN at 8:00 pm EST (7PM CST)

Daily Mass from EWTN Chapel and Sunday Night Prime also air live on satellite radio

Reference EWTN website for additional info tv/radio schedules

EWTN website www.ewtn.com

I hope that you can watch, attend or listen to some of these events. Please keep all of the above in your prayers as we truly hope to share the life of Archbishop Sheen and the Cause for his canonization with others.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Msgr. Stanley Deptula

Executive Director

WARTIME PRAYER BOOKS

2011-09-30T11:35:00.003-05:00

May the Lord give you his peace!

The call to defend one’s country is certainly a vocation of great honor and responsibility. Indeed, the very nature of their military vocation calls our soldiers to daily sacrifice, and many have paid the ultimate price by giving their lives while fulfilling this service for God and Country. Certainly Archbishop Sheen understood the important role a soldier has in our society, and he was happy to show his support for the men and women serving in the armed forces.

The Archbishop was quite aware that along with the physical dangers that soldiers face, there are also very real spiritual battles that are unique to a soldier’s profession. It was in response to these needs that in 1943, he wrote his prayer book for soldiers entitled The Armor of God, which was reprinted as the Wartime Prayer Book. The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation has distributed over 200,000 of these books to our soldiers stationed all over the world. I am convinced that the prayers and reflections of Archbishop Sheen are just as relevant today as they were over 60 years ago. I know that the Wartime Prayer Book has brought guidance, inspiration and peace of soul to tens of thousands of troops who have received them over the years. One of the most exciting blessings that has come about through this campaign is that non-Catholic members of our military are asking for copies of the Wartime Prayer Book as well.

Your help has made all the difference in the past, but there continues to be so many more men and women who need our support. Our ability to meet these high volume requests is dependent on you, our faithful donors. For example in May we sent 9000 books overseas and they are already out of books and in need of more. We urgently need your help to reach out to our service men and women. By giving these men and women a copy of the Wartime Prayer Book, we show our appreciation for all that they do and for the sacrifices they make. Will you help us arm our young men and women in the military with a powerful weapon for their daily spiritual battles?

“I am not fighting for freedom from something; but for freedom for something: the glorious freedom to call my soul my own and then to save it in cooperation with God’s grace.” (Quoted from Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Wartime Prayer Book)

May God reward your generosity,

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.
Vice Postulator
Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation

$40.00 sends 10 books to our soldiers and $400.00 sends 100 books. You may mail in a check to the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation or Click here to donate on-line DONATE

Novena September 12-20

2011-08-23T08:32:00.001-05:00

For the Novena of Praise and Petition, Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation and many other priest-friends of the Cause will be offering nine days of Masses from September 12-20th (Sept 20th is the anniversary of Abp. Sheen’s ordination to the priesthood). These Masses will be offered in thanksgiving for the good work the Lord has already done, as well as to ask His continued blessing on the Cause. Also all those who mailed in intentions, those intentions will be placed on the altar during the Masses. Please join us in our novena by praying the canonization prayer, which can be found here, on each day of the novena. If you have not mailed in your petition yet please do before September 12th. Thank you and as Archbishop Fulton Sheen would say, "God Love you".

Fulton Sheen a Day of Reflection with Fr. Andrew Apostoli

2011-07-05T12:58:00.000-05:00

Saturday August 20, 2011

at the Irish American Heritage Center

4626 N. Knox Ave.,

Chicago, Illinois

A day of reflection on the life and works of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

presented by

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR

Vice-Postulator of the Cause for Canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Full day event including a full buffet lunch, a movie

presentations by Fr. Andrew, question and answer period,

Holy Hour with Benediction and Holy Mass.

cost of event is $55.00

For more information please

Email: stpiochicago@yahoo.com

Phone: 312-282-0751

Must register for this event

Mass of Thanksgiving Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

2011-06-10T17:43:00.001-05:00

Mass of Thanksgiving for Archbishop Fulton Sheen

After the presentation of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Positio to Pope Benedict XVI by Bishop Daniel Jenky, Bishop of Peoria, Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura gave the homily at a Mass of Thanksgiving. This is the text from that homily:

CAUSE OF BEATIFICATION AND CANONIZATION

OF THE SERVANT OF GOD ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN

MASS OF THANKSGIVING

MEMORIAL OF POPE SAINT GREGORY VII

CHURCH OF SAINT ANN, VATICAN CITY STATE

MAY 25, 2011

Acts 15:1-5

Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

Jn 15:1-8

HOMILY

Praised be Jesus Christ, now and for ever!

Our hearts are filled with gratitude today for the important progress made in the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Daniel Jenky, Bishop of Peoria, the home diocese of the Servant of God, has today presented to our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, the Positio Super Virtutibus et Fama Sanctitatis, that is, the detailed and documented account both of the heroic exercise of the theological and cardinal virtues by the Servant of God Archbishop Sheen, and of his reputation of holiness of life. The preparation of the account is the fruit of years of the thorough and critical study of the life of the Servant of God and of the devotion to him, since his death on December 9, 1979, so that the cause of his beatification and canonization may be based on the most solid of foundations. In thanking God for the progress of the Cause, we ask Him to continue to bless Bishop Jenky and all who are working with him, so that Archbishop Sheen may be raised to the honor of the altars.

Our joy, today, has its ultimate source in the reality of our life in Christ, which He announces to us, in the Gospel, with the simple words: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (Jn 15:5). As disciples of Christ, we truly participate in His divine life. Living in us, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Our Lord produces in us the fruits of a holy life, fruits which endure unto eternal life, fruits which we, on our own, could never produce. Before the many challenges and discouragements which we face as disciples of Christ, Our Lord speaks words to us which are as reassuring as they are clear: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you” (Jn 15:7). Knowing the challenges and discouragements which we face as His disciples, Our Lord pours forth from His glorious pierced Heart into our fearful and confused hearts the grace to go forward, with courage, in our daily living, placing our hearts totally into His Sacred Heart, in which they never fail to find abundant and unceasing healing and strength.

The life of the Servant of God Archbishop Sheen shows forth to us the great reality of our life in Christ and of our daily salvation in Him. Writing about the difference in the response of Saint Peter and of Judas to their betrayal of Our Lord, the Servant of God referred to the look of Our Lord, the Second Look, which brought to Saint Peter healing and strength. Writing about his own life, the Servant of God observed:

And so there was in my life and also in the life of every priest, a Second Look, and despite any failings or any discouragement as we measure our finitude against His Infinity, the love of the Lord continues. One of the beautiful hymns of St. Ambrose invites us to beg Christ for the gentle look which merits His continuing love: Jesu, labantes respice, Et nos videndo corrige. “Jesus, look on us when we are succumbing, for Your look sets us right again” (Fulton J. Sheen, Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1993, pp. 342-343).

The Servant of God concludes his reflection, acknowledging that he found the goodness of God to Him, most of all, in the mystery of the Cross, in the mystery of the outpouring of Christ’s life for us in pure and selfless love, in the mystery in which we are called to share. He concluded:

It could very well be that the goodness of God in my behalf has been manifested not only in the gift of Christian parents, unusual opportunities for education and on and on; the greatest gift of all may have been His summons to the Cross, where I found His continuing self-disclosure (Ibid., p. 350).

The heroic sanctity of the Servant of God teaches us that carrying the Cross with Christ, completing in our lives, in the words of Saint Paul, “what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,” we know, in the most perfect manner possible, how real is the great gift of the life which we, the branches, have in Christ, the Vine (Col 1:24; cf. Ibid., pp. 348-349).

We witness the same great fruits of the grace of Christ in the life of Pope Saint Gregory VII, whose memory we celebrate today. Succeeding to the Chair of Peter, in the 11th Century, one of the most turbulent times in the life of the Church, the monk Hildebrand did not fear to take up the Cross with Christ, in order to purify the Church of so much corruption within and to fortify her against so many enemies from without. Eventually, those who opposed Pope Gregory VII forced him into exile. Dying on this day in 1085, he forgave his many enemies. “I have loved righteousness and hated iniquity”, he declared with his last breath, “that is why I die in exile” (Herbert Thurston, S.J., and Donald Attwater, ed., Butler’s Lives of the Saints Complete Edition, New York: P.J. Kenedy & Sons, 1956, Vol. II, p. 388). Commenting on his heroic virtue and on his human faults, one biographer declared that “his life was devoted to the cleansing and fortifying of the Church, because it was God’s Church and should be the abode of charity and justice upon earth” (Ibid., p. 388).

Both Pope Saint Gregory VII and the Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen witnessed many attacks upon Christ and His Mystical Body, the Church, during their lives and especially at the end of their lives. Both of them, notwithstanding great suffering, with joy and peace, took up the Cross with Christ, poured out their lives, with Christ, in pure and selfless love of Him and of His holy Church. As we thank God today for the heroic sanctity of Pope Saint Gregory VII and of the Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, let us pray for the grace to take up, with Christ, each day anew, the heavy burden of the Cross, so that God may be glorified in all things and His immeasurable and unceasing love may reach every human heart.

Let us now lift up our hearts to the glorious pierced Heart of Jesus through His Eucharistic Sacrifice. Placing our hearts totally within His Most Sacred Heart, let us take up, with Him, the Cross, pouring out our lives, as He pours out His Life, in pure and selfless love. With Mary Immaculate, let us place our hearts completely into the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as did Pope Saint Gregory VII and the Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, so that they may be purified and strengthened for our mission in our homes and in our neighborhoods, in the Church and in the world.

Heart of Jesus, King and Center of all hearts, have mercy on us.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America and Star of the New Evangelization, pray for us.

Pope Saint Gregory VII, pray for us.

Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us.

Raymond Leo Cardinal BURKE

Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis

Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura

The Directors Corner

2011-05-17T13:13:00.002-05:00

Please view our new video page on youtube

Msgr. Stanley Deptula

Excecutive Director

Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation

will keep us updated on all the latest news from

the foundation. In this video clip listen to our

exciting news about the Foundation President

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC

who will hand in the Fulton Sheen Positio

to Pope Benedict XVI in Rome

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Novena to end on Fulton Sheen's Birthday May 8th.

2011-04-28T17:14:00.000-05:00

“In each child, God whispers a new secret to the world; adds a new dimension of immortality to creation” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

God whispered a wonderful love story to the world through Fulton J. Sheen so let us whisper prayers back to Him. This is a 9 day novena with the prayer for canonization at the bottom of this page. As all of us are “Treasures in Clay” the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation invites you to join us in a journey reflecting upon the wonderful life of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen through a novena beginning on April 30th and ending on May 8th, Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s birthday. Please join us in praying for the cause of his canonization while reflecting upon his life. After each quote and prayer we will pray the Prayer for his Canonization, The Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory be to the Father. May this journey bring you closer to God through the Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

DAY 1 “How God will judge my life I know not, but I trust he will see me with mercy and compassion. I am only certain there will be three surprises in Heaven. First of all, I will see some people whom I never expected to see. Second, there will be a number whom I expect who will not be there. And - even relying on God’s mercy - the biggest surprise of all may be that I will be there. When the record of any human life is set down, there are three pairs of eyes who see it in a different light. 1. As I see it. 2. As others see it. 3. As God sees it.“ Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord help us to focus on You as Fulton Sheen did so that we may be humble when looking upon ourselves, so that others will see You when they look upon us, and so we can see our lives as You see it.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 2 “Protestants, Jews and Catholics have God, morality, and religion in common. In the name of God, let us - Jews, Protestants, and Catholics - do two things: 1. Realize that an attack upon one is an attack upon all, since we are all one in God; it is not tolerance we need, but charity; not forbearance but love. 2. Begin doing something about religion, and the least we can do is say our prayers; to implore God’s blessings upon the world and our country; to thank Him for his blessings; and to become illumined in the fullness of His truth. There is entirely too much talk about religion and not enough action.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord Fulton Sheen reached out to people of every religion. Help us to see others as You see them and to focus on what we have in common instead of our differences.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 3 “In every friendship hearts grow and entwine themselves together, so that the two hearts seem to make only one heart with only a common thought. That is why separation is so painful; it is not so much two hearts separating, but one being torn asunder. “ Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord help me to see you in others like Fulton Sheen did so I can become one with them as we will all be one in heaven. Help me to realize that separation from You means an empty heart for me.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 4 “The great tragedy of life is not so much what men have suffered, but what they have missed. And what greater tragedy is there than to miss the peace of sin forgiven? There is not a man living who, if he willed it, could not enjoy the spiritual food and drink which God serves to all who ask.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord Fulton Sheen led so many to peace of soul by introducing them to your forgiveness. Help us to share your gift of peace to others by introducing them to Your true loving forgiveness and gift of confession. Help us to learn to ask for the food and drink we truly need.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 5 “All love on this earth involves choice. When, for example, a young man expresses his love to a young woman and asks her to become his wife, he is not just making an affirmation of love; he is also negating his love for anyone else. In that one act by which he chooses her, he rejects all that is not her. There is no other real way in which to prove we love a thing than by choosing it in preference to something else. Word and sighs of love may be, and often are, expressions of egotism or passion; but deeds are proofs of love. We can prove we love our Lord only by choosing Him in preference to anything else.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord Fulton Sheen loved you above all things. Help us to choose to put you first in our lives so we can learn what true love is.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 6 “Burning the candle at both ends for God’s sake may be foolishness to the world, but it is a profitable Christian exercise for so much better the light! Only one thing in life matters: Being found worthy of the Light of the World in the hour of His visitation. We need have no undue fear for our health if we work hard for the Kingdom of God; God will take care of our health if we take care of His cause. In any case, it is better to burn out than to rust out.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord, even when tired and sick Fulton Sheen worked unceasingly for your cause. Help us to learn how to tirelessly work for You through Fulton Sheen. Help us to know that there is no rest unless it is in You.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 7 “Mary is not only mother of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but she is also our mother, and this is not by a title of courtesy, not by legal fiction, not by a mere figure of speech, but by the right of bringing us forth in sorrow at the foot of the cross…. Mary, by sacrifice and obedience, regained for us the title, Mother of the living. What a destiny to have the Mother of God as my Mother and Jesus as my brother.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord, Fulton Sheen learned obedience at the school of Mary. He had such a great relationship with her. He knew that when he went before the judgment seat of Christ You would say “I heard My mother speak of you.” Help us to better know Mary so we may gain insight into such great obedience, love, faith and hope.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 8 “If we followed the same rules for health that we do about religion, we would all be bedridden. It is not enough to talk about the necessity of health; we must do something practical about it - for example, eat, exercise, and rest. So it is with religion. We must nourish ourselves with the truths of God, exercise our spiritual muscles in prayer, mortify ourselves of those things which are harmful to the soul, and be just as scrupulous in avoiding moral evil as we are in avoiding physical evil.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord Fulton Sheen did not ask others to go to confession or visit our Lord an hour a day without doing it himself. He practiced what he preached. Guard us from hypocrisy and help us to lead others to you through our actions.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

DAY 9 “The better we become, the less conscious we are of our goodness. If anyone admits to being a saint, he is close to being a devil. Jean Jacques Rousseau believed that of all men, he was the most perfect, but he had so many cracks in his soul that he abandoned his children after their birth. The more saintly we become, the less conscious we are of being holy. A child is cute so long as he does not know that he is cute. As soon as he thinks he is, he turns into a brat. True goodness is unconscious.” Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Lord Fulton Sheen always thought of himself as an unworthy servant and never thought himself a saint. Help us to be humble in our service and to realize as Fulton Sheen realized that all good works come from You.

Prayer of Canonization, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

PRAYER FOR CANONIZATION:

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your Will, for the glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Big step in the Cause for Canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

2011-04-15T17:58:00.000-05:00

It is with great joy that The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation announces that The Positio, bound in a white silk cover which summarizes the life and holiness of the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be presented to Pope Benedict XVI by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC of Peoria, Illinois on May 25, 2011 at the end of the pope’s weekly general audience.

The Positio, or position paper, will be filed formally with the Congregation for Saints’ Causes as the initial step in the Vatican’s process to determine whether Archbishop Sheen should be beatified and canonized.

Born in El Paso, Illinois and raised in Peoria, Archbishop Sheen was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in 1919. Bishop Jenky became the Bishop of Competence and sponsor of the Cause in 2002. Now as President of the Archbishop Sheen Foundation he continues to oversee the Cause.

Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation reported that, “once the Congregation for Saints’ Causes officially approves the Positio they will begin the investigation into an alleged healing. The Foundation believes the healing is a miracle granted through the late Archbishop’s intercession”.

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, Vice Postulator for the Cause noted that, “America is in need of a Saint like Archbishop Sheen. He brought so many people closer to Christ during his life here on earth and continues to do so even today through his many writings, television and radio shows”.

Those to accompany Bishop Jenky in the presentation will be Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR, Vice Postulator of the Cause of Archbishop Sheen, Msgr. Richard Soseman, Foreign Liaison of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation, Dr. Louis Varela, chairman of the Board of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation and Maria Alicia Varela, Board Member of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All" movie showing

2011-03-24T09:32:00.000-05:00

THE TABLET Forum Series Presents:

ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN

Comments by: FR ANDREW APOSTOLI, CFR

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All" movie showing

followed by a talk on the life of Fulton Sheen by

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR

Date: Thursday April 14th, 2011

Time: 7 PM

Location: Immaculate Conception Center, 7200 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, NY

Cost: Tickets are free but limited and can be obtained by sending an email to ewilkinson@diobrook.org

2011-03-15T17:03:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken Feb 23rd by Daryl Wilson Photography and furnished by The Catholic Post. Bishop Daniel Jenky, CSC of Peoria visits 3rd grade students at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Peoria Heights, IL and passed out comic books about the life of Archbishop Fulton Sheen and rosaries designed by Sheen to encourage prayers for the missions. Bishop Jenky pointed out that Fulton Sheen was a Catholic School student in Peoria and encouraged all present to be saints.

Americans on the Road to Sainthood

2011-03-11T09:21:00.001-06:00

22nd Annual Lenten Lecture

Dr. Louis & Mrs. Alice Varela

Date: March 23, 2011
Time: 7:30PM to 9:30PM

Location: University of St. Thomas, Scanlan Room, Jerabeck Center

Address: 4000 Mt. Vernon, Houston, Texas

Contact: 713-525-3582

Sponsored by: Theology Department

Cost: Free and open to the public

Dr. Louis & Mrs. Alice Varela will present the third Lenten Lecture about "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen"

This year's theme, "Americans on the Road to Sainthood," follows a discussion of the canonization process with examinations of several Americans whose causes of sanctification are now being promoted. It is hoped that members of the community will be inspired by these heroes of the faith and experience personal growth in the Lord's Kingdom.

Click here for more information: The University of St. Thomas

SHEEN CAUSE PROGRESSES IN ROME - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

2011-02-15T09:46:00.000-06:00

Your gift last year allowed the work of the Roman Postulator, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi to continue, nearly to completion. Tens of thousands of dollars were raised to ad-vance the work of the Positio —the multi-volume, multi-thousand page document outlining the reason why we believe that Fulton Sheen should be declared a blessed and saint of the Catholic Church. This document is nearly ready to go to print. Cop-ies of these volumes will then be reviewed by the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of the Saints — and then onto the Holy Father.
Your financial gifts in 2011 will allow Dr. Ambrosi to finish the Positio (printing costs alone are incredibly expensive!). Your generosity then will enable our Postulator to begin the canonical review of the alleged miracle which will be presented to the Pope for his judgment. Your gift makes this Cause possible!
Your gift also makes possible the Foundation’s work of evangelization through Archbishop Sheen’s life and work. Through our regular newsletters, holy cards, documentary DVD, and our new COMIC BOOK, you can help Fulton Sheen to preach the Gospel in today’s world.
Last year, you helped to bring Fulton Sheen’s priestly spirituality to the 5,000 semi-narians studying to be priests in the United States. Copies of Sheen’s book The Priest is Not His Own were sent to the seminaries as part of the Year for Priests cele-bration. Thank you for being a true friend of Archbishop Sheen!
Your prayers, sacrifices and financial generosity directly makes possible the work to advance the Cause for the Canonization of Archbishop Sheen, and to lead others to Christ through Sheen’s life and legacy.

A Note from Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation
Thank you for your generous and dedicated support for the cause to see Archbishop Sheen declared a saint of the Catholic Church. Your prayers and financial gifts make the advancement of the cause possible. You are personally part of this historic and spiritual work. Besides the exciting progress of our Postulator in Rome, your gift and prayers also advance the work of the Foundation to lead others to Christ through Sheen’s life and message.
In the past few years, you have helped bring thousands of Sheen’s Wartime Prayer books to our servicemen and women. Many military chaplains have sent deeply moving notes about how much this little book means to our military personnel. Your generosity also helped to make Fulton Sheen part of the formation of our future priests. Every seminarian studying for US dioceses and religious orders was sent a copy of Sheen’s classic The Priest is Not His Own in 2010.
The months ahead promise to be just as exciting. After the review by the Cardinals, Bishops and theologians of the Congregation of the Causes of the Saints, the documentation for the beatification should be presented to the Pope in 2011. And new outreach efforts are being planned to bring Sheen’s message to the younger generation.
You may have heard that the Foundation had asked for the work in Rome to be paused while some important questions get worked out regarding the hoped-for transfer of Archbishop Sheen’s tomb to the Cathedral in Peoria. These questions remain, but at the end of January, Bishop Jenky, president of the Foundation, expressed the unwavering commitment of the Foundation to continuing the important work of the Cause. The Cause is moving ahead. As executive director, I am deeply humbled to serve God and His Church in this process of canonization — and I am so happy to have each of you as co-workers in the Cause.
May God bless you for your generosity!

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, president of the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation

2011-01-27T10:13:00.000-06:00

For Immediate Release

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, president of the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation, happily announces that the Foundation has resumed its efforts to advance the cause for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification and canonization. In November 2010, Bishop Jenky initiated a pause in the eight year effort to promote the cause for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification due to questions with the Archdiocese of New York regarding Archbishop Sheen’s mortal remains.
The Sheen Foundation has been the promoter of the cause since it was officially opened in 2002 and centralized its operations in Peoria, IL in 2007. As Bishop of Peoria, Bishop Jenky presided over the diocesan investigation into the life and sanctity of Fulton Sheen, who was born, raised, and ordained a priest in the Diocese of Peoria. Over the years, the Sheen Foundation and its work to advance the cause for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification has become a world wide movement, attracting the support of Cardinals, bishops, clergy, religious, missionaries and lay faithful from around the globe.
After further consultation, and having heard the desire of the faithful to see the cause advance, Bishop Jenky, as president of the Sheen Foundation, is happy to work with the postulator in Rome and is hopeful that the cause will advance quickly. Msgr. Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Sheen Foundation, added “I am so happy to see the Foundation’s leadership continue in Peoria. Sheen was born in Peoria. His cause for sainthood was begun in Peoria. And I look forward to seeing this good work completed in Peoria.” For more information about the Sheen Foundation and the cause for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification, please visit ArchbishopSheenCause.org or call the Foundation offices – 309-671-1550.

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All" movie showing

2011-01-24T11:36:00.000-06:00

Assumption College for Sisters

350 Bernardsville Rd.

Mendham, NJ

Sunday, January 30th

2:30 pm

(snow date is Feb 13th)

Host: Carmel Tintle

Special Guests & stars of the film will answer questions after movie:

Dr. Yolanda Holliger (relative of Archbishop Sheen)

Sr. Marlene Brownett, SHCJ

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All" movie showing

2011-01-19T10:59:00.000-06:00

March 15, 2010

The Palace Theater

17 West Market St.

Corning, NY 14830

Doors open at 6:30pm

Movie starts at 7pm

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All"

2010-12-07T14:10:00.001-06:00

now available for purchase:
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Servant of All

This film about one of the most influential voices of the 20th century is sure to make a great gift. Millions were inspired by the way he lived and by witnessing his personal relationship with God. "Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All" introduces this beloved priest to a new generation. His messages remain relevant and powerful today. He lives on in the memories of those whose lives he forever changed. If you wish to purchase this movie you may do so by mailing a check for $20.00 to:

Archbishop Sheen Foundation

419 NE Madison Ave.

Peoria, IL 61603

Or if you wish to pay by credit card please call: 877-71SHEEN.

Any questions please email us at: fultonsheen@catholic.org

To view the trailer please visit: sheenfilm.org

Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All movie showing

2010-12-02T13:19:00.000-06:00

SATURDAY DECEMBER 4th, 2010 At 6:30PM
Location: Holy Trinity, 711 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL
Archbishop Fulton Sheen books and DVD's will be on sale before and after the Movie
Archbishop Fulton Sheen's daily chalice from the museum will also be on desplay.
SPREAD THE WORD AND JOIN US FOR THIS FABULOUS MOVIE ABOUT THE LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN.

Life is Worth Living Christmas Gala - 2010

2010-10-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

"JMJ"

Life is Worth Living Christmas Gala - 2010

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen - Servant of All

Join the celebration of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's Life, Sponsored by the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation, Texas Chapter for the Canonization of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Friday, December 10, 2010 - From 6:30 p.m. to midnight

Master of ceremonies: Fr. Johnathan Morris (Fox news contributor)

Place: Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, Texas 77056

Entertainment: Walter Suhr & Mango Punch

Live and Silent Auctions

For Information: Carlos Garcia 832-721-8244 or Irma Garcia: irmaboli@aol.com

Ticket Price: $150.00 - Black Tie Optional

Special Room Rate 713-961-9300 - Group name: Life is Worth Living - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

If you cannot join us at the Gala but wish to sponsor or participate by making a contribution, please click here

http://www.archbishopsheencause.org/donate-to-the-cause

The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation is a non-profit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Tax I.D. 37-1411870

Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All movie showing

2010-10-11T16:26:00.002-05:00

Church of St. Thomas More "The Rochester Room"
65 East 89th (Between Park & Madison Avenues)
New York, NY

Monday, October 18th, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Servant of All movie showing light refreshments and commentary by Fr. Andrew Apostoli following film.

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All" movie showing NY

2010-09-22T09:14:00.001-05:00

St. Malachy's The Actors Chapel

239 W. 49th St., New York, NY

Monday October 4th at 6PM

ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN SERVANT OF ALL

Joyce Randolph the last surviving cast member of THE HONEYMOONERS whose legendary star Jackie Gleason one of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's close friends, has agreed to do introductions before the movie showing of "Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All". She will introduce Msgr. John Kozar the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States who will introduce the movie. Special Invited Guests who will also be in attendance Include members of the Archbishop's Family and Friends: Rev. Msgr. Hilary Franco, Sr. Marlene Brownett, Joan Sheen Cunningham, Lo Anne Mayer, Dr. Yolanda Holliger, Monica A. Yehle. Contact: Suzanne Katusin: 212-489-1340 for further information about the event. This event was put together by actress and long time friend of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Vivian Sherwood.

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All" movie showing

2010-08-30T06:54:00.001-05:00

"Archbishop Fulton Sheen Servant of All movie showing.
September 30th, 2010 at 7PM
College of St. Elizabeth
2 Convent Road
Morristown, NJ
Annunciation Center

Becoming an Apostle for the Cause

2010-07-26T14:19:00.001-05:00

The first time that I saw Archbishop Sheen, he was a bishop, he was much older than I, and he was in black and white. Unfortunately, I was not alive at any point during the life of Archbishop Sheen, but I have the ability to see the full force of this great man's teachings from beyond his own life. The first time I saw Bishop Sheen on Life is Worth Living, I think I turned it off, to be completely honest. I was wondering what such an old black and white show was doing on television, as much as I'm sure my friends would wonder why a 20 something would be watching EWTN. However, in the Christian life, as Archbishop Sheen and all the saints have pointed out, redemption plays a major role. So it was, that eventually I sat through an episode of Life is Worth Living, enthralled by the simple images on t.v., and the theatrical bishop who would put the truths of the Faith so simply.

Some time in between my first and second watching of Archbishop Sheen, I must have felt a strange attraction to the name, much like I did to St. John of the Cross, St, Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Damian of Molokai. I say that because for Christmas one year, I purchased for my mother a copy of The World's First Love, and gave it to her. My mother is not a religious reader, and I don't know what came over me, but it was just an impulse buy, something that she soon gave back to me because it was not her cup of tea!

There are many ways to the heart of a man. Like a fire, which requires fuel in the form of something to burn, and fuel in the form of oxygen, I think the flame of the Holy Spirit within each of us uses many types of fuel. First, and foremost, is the tug of the heart, those feelings we have from birth, the longing for a mother's embrace, the need for a bottle, the desire for warmth. There is also the drive of the intellect. This area, I think, is where Archbishop Sheen first ignited for me passions towards our God. His arguments were logical, philosophical, and theological to my eager college mind. The passion behind it, driven most assuredly by the Holy Spirit, was more for me a way to keep things "interesting." It was not exactly a Damascus Road moment for my passion for Christ, it was more of a Mount of the Beatitudes moment. There was nothing overly dramatic, except of course the Archbishop, but it was a steady and building way of looking at the faith from a different perspective that built upon itself.

Over time I would read snippets of His Excellency's writings, and watch Life is Worth Living, and at the time I was really getting into these things, Fr. Ryan Humphries, a priest in my diocese, released on radio and podcast a series called Life is Still Worth Living, an homage to Archbishop Sheen. This common interest springing up seemed to confirm for me that I was following someone who was, in the best terms I could think of, "really cool." Eventually I decided to read a book by Archbishop Sheen, and I don't remember which one it was, but as soon as I was finished with that one, I went online to order another book, and ended up ordering eight.
I read The Priest is Not His Own, and this book has become my favorite. Even as a layman, I saw the virtue and passions of the priesthood. It helped me to appreciate my priests around me even more, but, on a personal level, it taught me that even the "priesthood of the baptised" has a role in the Sacrifice of the Cross. I digress.
In another confirmation of my devotion to Archbishop Sheen, earlier this year I saw an advertisement for a new documentary, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: A Servant of All, and clicked on the link. It asked for people to host screenings, and I looked into it, and it cost money! I, being the frugal person that I am (read: cheap), had seen very interesting movies before that were looking for people to host screenings, but I had always ignored them after seeing the price. For some reason, when I read the Sheen film's suggestions, "perfect for Knights of Columbus" jumped out at me. Being a Knight, I went to my council and asked them if I could use the hall for the screening, they approved and I was suddenly hosting a screening!
Shortly after the screening I was asked to join the Advisory Board of the Sheen Foundation, I accepted, and Bishop Jenky appointed me to the board while I was on a pilgrimage in Europe. I had asked for some holy cards for Archbishop Sheen, and set about distributing them as I met English speaking Pilgrims in Lisieux, Tours, Lourdes, Ars, Rome and Assisi. At the end of the Pallium Mass, my last day in Rome, I had about a dozen prayer cards left out of the original 50. I struck up a conversation with a few women on pilgrimage with Archbishop Wenski of Miami, mentioned the name of Fulton Sheen, and all of a sudden I lost control of the conversation as they began to rattle off all of their memories of Life is Worth Living, or other things related to Sheen. It turns out, one of them was from Rochester, and remembered the Archbishop from his time there. On a side note, I had never met more people from the Rochester area as I did in Europe.
So, now I continue to work for the Cause of Archbishop Sheen in Louisiana, and hopefully grow in knowledge enough to adequately represent him to those I meet.

Stephen Zaborowski, Advisory Council for the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation

What we do for Love

2010-07-21T20:21:00.001-05:00

Archbishop Sheen once said, “…It does not take much time to make us saints—it only takes much love.”

These words are certainly true. The cause for Archbishop Sheen’s sainthood was officially opened by the Diocese of Peoria in 2002. In 2008, the diocesan phase of the cause was completed and 22 volumes of testimony were sent to Rome. As we approach year 8 of the cause, I reflect back on the countless hours of work put in by Msgr. Richard Soseman, our former Episcopal delegate, our Bishop, Daniel Jenky, his staff, the staff of the Foundation, the many volunteers we have around the country and the world, and our Postulator in Rome, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi and his staff. These wonderful people have dedicated time, finances, and prayer to this Cause.

While I know that the cause would not be where it is today without the hard work and hours of dedication, I know that the ultimate source of the progress is LOVE. The love of those working on the cause—the love they have for Bishop Sheen, for those he’s touched, for the Church, for the communion of saints, and for our Lord.

Of course, we must not think that this cause is solely about those working on it. We know that above all this cause is about the man who changed the world for Christ, Archbishop Sheen. The love that Archbishop Sheen had for Our Lord, His Church, and His children is what made him a candidate for sainthood. Archbishop Sheen shared his love with all those he met. He reached out to the hungry, the homeless and the sick, to sinners and saints, never hesitating to do whatever he could for those who asked (and even those who didn’t).

It is this love that has inspired so many to return to their faith, to join the Church, and to truly believe that life is worth living.

Let us never forget to do all things out of LOVE. St. Therese of Lisieux said, “love is in the details.” In all the little things we do, even simply handing someone a Bishop Sheen Holy Card, let us do it with great love in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

- Msgr. Stanley Deptula, Executive Director of the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation

EWTN mentions "Servant of All" film on website

2010-07-12T15:25:00.002-05:00

We are excited that EWTN has posted a news story about "Servant of All" on their website.

New film on Archbishop Sheen coming to US screens

Archbishop Sheen is returning to the screen—this time, as a candidate for sainthood, and as the subject of the new film "Servant of All." The film, which documents the beloved evangelist's early rural upbringing and rise to international fame as a television and radio personality, will begin screening in cities across America this month. The documentary was produced by the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation to promote the archbishop's cause for canonization, and to showcase Sheen's personal virtues and evangelistic message for a new generation of viewers.
In association with CatholicScreenings.com, the Sheen Foundation has arranged seven screenings of "Servant of All" later this month --in California, Colorado, Indiana and New Jersey-- and is making arrangements to show the film in other cities across the U.S. throughout 2010.
The possible canonization of the archbishop, whose cause was launched in 2002, represents a milestone for the Church in the U.S., as no American-born member of the episcopate has yet been declared a saint.
Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R., an official advocate of Sheen's cause for sainthood, thinks his legacy is more crucial now than ever before. "We can't let his voice go silent," Fr. Apostoli said on the official website for the movie. "There's too much at stake."
Information on the first screenings of "Servant of All" can be found at CatholicScreenings.com, along with details on how those interested can bring the film to their town.

Jensen Beach Film Screening Engages New ‘Apostles’ And Celebrates Old Encounters

2010-06-29T10:17:00.001-05:00

On Thursday evening June 24, 2010 a fifth screening of Servant of All took place in the latest south Florida parish to embrace Sheen’s cause for sainthood – St. Martin de Porres in Jensen Beach.

Upon the original screening event that took place in April 2010 at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, the enthusiasm for Sheen and the new documentary on the life of the man of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been contagious. I keep asking our Lord, “why is Sheen so popular in south Florida?” and I swear I keep hearing, “because the New Yorkers of Sheen’s day have taken over Florida!” This makes perfect sense. Whatever the case, Sheen has an open door in the Sunshine State and the impact is real.

Bishop Barbarito, shepherd of the Diocese of Palm Beach, said of the film, “The life and teachings of this great communicator, so popular and influential in the lives of many of the faithful, are once again being discovered by a new generation of Catholics.”

At this latest screening, I was thrilled to see a young mother with her two young children, that “new generation” of Catholics. I greeted them in my introduction and told them that I was about their age when Sheen passed from this life to the next, and also did not “grow” up with Sheen per se – but encouraged them to be attentive to what they hear, because by their very presence they were being called into fellowship with a great saint in the making.

Another woman called into fellowship with Sheen at a young age is a woman named Jane Flanagan – when she learned about the screening at St. Martin’s, she cut out the little parish bulletin announcement and placed it on her nightstand and kept it there as a reminder until this anticipated night’s arrival. Sheen became a point of grace in her life when she was just 14 years of age, and her life changed forever.

Jane’s dad Robert Eisenreich was a good Lutheran man, married to her faithful Catholic mother. Jane’s dad Robert was a hardworking middle class man and provided Catholic education for Jane, an only child. Like most Americans, the Eisenreich family watched Sheen’s dynamic weekly television programs and couldn’t help but be touched. Secretly, Jane’s dad decided he would surprise his wife after all this time and embark on a journey to become a Roman Catholic. Robert Eisenreich approached a parish priest one night at a midtown Manhattan Catholic parish rectory and eagerly asked if the priest would instruct him in the faith. The priest was too busy eating dinner. Undeterred, Jane’s dad decided he would write a letter to none other than the famous Bishop Sheen requesting that he would instruct him in the faith. Why not?

When Bishop Sheen wrote Robert Eisenreich and invited him to meet weekly at the Bishop’s residence in Manhattan to be instructed in the teachings of the Catholic faith, he surprised his wife with the letter Sheen wrote to him on her birthday that December, Jane said her mother’s reaction was so emotional, it was a little scary, she had never seen her mother react that way and wasn’t sure what was happening.

The night of this film screening in Jensen Beach, I met Jane before the film began. Jane was, and is, a particular reminder, of Sheen’s certain charism for convert-making. And each time I myself see the compelling film Servant of All, there is a new thread in the documentary that stands out in a unique way to show me the very many ways that Sheen is operative as an intercessor for the Church, for us.

This night, after talking to Jane and hearing her personal testimony, I saw, in a new way, the detail of a woman who contacted Sheen because her husband had been away from the Catholic Church for many, many years.

Not long after Sheen got involved, the man went to Confession and began to return to the Sacraments. If Sheen operated for such in life, how much more is he doing before the throne of God? Sheen truly is a Servant of All for so many of our needs.

I am grateful to have met Jane. She talked to me about how joyous an occasion it was to be 14 years old and witness her father’s baptism at St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Bishop Sheen. She then had a fully intact Catholic family, Catholic at its “fatherhood.” May we all be like Jane’s dad Robert, and press in for our miracle, for our inheritance in Christ. How blessed are we to have this fellowship in Heaven with Fulton J. Sheen, a true Servant of All.

–Alexis Walkenstein, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Palm Beach and Sheen Foundation Board Member

Reflections on a successful Atlanta screening

2010-06-23T11:38:00.002-05:00

Last night, a Catholic leadership screening was held in Atlanta at the Cathedral of Christ the King, the diocesan “hub” of Catholic fellowship. More than 100 Catholic leaders from the Archdiocese of Atlanta showed up to preview the film "Servant of All." As folks arrived, we heard stories of how much Archbishop Fulton Sheen had an impact on each individual life. One attendee shared how her once Protestant husband knew of Archbishop Sheen as a young evangelical, but never watched his program on CBS. Today, as a convert to Catholicism, Archbishop Sheen is part of their life as a Catholic couple. Several seminarians studying for the priesthood in Atlanta attended and shared their love for the Archbishop and the knowledge that the Archbishop is praying for the renewal of the priesthood in heaven.

The excitement was so high following the screening that SIX license packages were ordered on site for 5 parishes and one school in the Atlanta Archdiocese. We expect several more licenses to be obtained so that a screenings will happen all over this Southern city over the next several months. One attendee offered to make leadership screenings happen in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Little Rock, Arkansas so that even more of the South can be penetrated with the gift of Archbishop Sheen through this film.

For information on how you can organize a leadership screening in your diocese, email screenings@maximusmg.com or contact The Maximus Group at 1-877-263-1263.

To purchase a license for your parish, school or organization and receive free DVDs for fundraising or give-away, please visit our website at www.SheenFilm.org.

In the words of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, God Love you!

Submitted by the Team @TheMaximusGroup (www.MaximusMG.com)

In a New York minute, everything can change

2010-06-14T10:45:00.002-05:00

As I gear up for yet another film screening of Servant of All in south Florida, I can’t help contemplate the wonder of Fulton Sheen in my life and how he reeled me in to be an ‘Apostle for the Cause’ – his cause for sainthood.

It was Christmastime 2008 when the ‘sisterhood’ of my family plotted out a trek to NYC to see the Rockettes. We would have some fun prancing around the city showcasing a few of our favorite things to the next generation, one of which was a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Earlier in December, I had been praying around December 9th, the memorial of Sheen’s death, for important intercession to assist me in my field of work at the Diocese of Palm Beach; I tossed in some personal requests and didn’t think more of it.

So here we were a few days after Christmas, in the great Octave, praying in one of the most splendid Cathedrals. No one could predict what would occur next. At the conclusion of the noon daily Mass, wanting to bask in the full splendor of the Cathedral, three of us all dallied behind for a while to visit the small chapels. I was caught up in conversation with a stranger and saw my mother and aunt kneeling behind the main altar – a third kneeler remained unoccupied – wanting to unite my petitions to theirs, I knelt beside, and as I glanced at the engraving on my kneeler I noticed it boasted the ‘Prayer for canonization of Fulton J. Sheen.’ First I immediately realized that Sheen was truly interceding for me, and second, he was in the tomb below!

Pressing in, I asked if we may enter the tomb so we could bring our petitions closer to our beloved Bishop. I was so amazed because sainthood for Sheen was not even on my radar screen - amazed too that we were permitted to enter the crypt. With an initial “no, no one really gets in there” from the usher, I pleaded “what about for a girl who works for a Bishop who is originally from Brooklyn?”

So the sacristan emerged and provided us with an escort into the locked crypt after the second Mass. I quickly texted the rest of our family, eager to shop til they dropped, that we would be about a ½ hour more. (Since there is no time in eternity – the shopping could wait!) This was a moment of moments for all of us with heartfelt long awaited miracles stored up in a litany of petition. We entered single file and each prayed on Sheen’s red kneeler and before not only Sheen’s tomb, but many of the holy Church men who have gone before us. But it was Sheen we were focused on. Sheen, the communicator. Sheen, for vocation. Sheen, in season and out of season. Sheen, the Bishop.

I had five intentions: three items for others, two for myself. At the close of my prayers I said to Sheen, “I will promote you. If YOU assist me in obtaining these intentions from our Lord, I will promote you.”

It was an unplanned utterance that seemed like a win, win situation: already a famous Archbishop, certainly he didn’t need me. Upon conclusion of our little “pilgrimage” into the crypt, as we emerged on 5th Avenue, I turned on my blackberry and had an email from a priest I never met before: Monsignor Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation who wanted help promoting Sheen in south Florida. In a “New York Minute” two more things were revealed this blessed day, that somehow I would be promoting the cause of Fulton Sheen and that my intentions, our intentions, one by one would be answered.

Upon this reflection, of the greatness of the mystical body of Christ, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the life of Sheen: a man for our time, a man for our individual walk as we journey with Christ toward Heaven and a man who can assist us with this journey.

So a little over a year and a half later, the Lord used a Christmas trip to NYC as the starting point for the re-introduction of Sheen in my life and south Florida. My confidence in Sheen as an intercessor for renewal in the Church and in our own lives is certain. I encourage you to be a part of this cause! Join me for Servant of All Thursday June 24th at St. Martin de Porres in Jensen Beach, FL 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall.

-Alexis Walkenstein, Director of Communications at the Diocese of Palm Beach & Sheen Foundation Board Member

New book details Archbishop Fulton Sheen's dedication to powerful preaching

2010-05-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

Brought to you by the folks at Our Sunday Visitor: http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/6388/Masterful-preaching-of-Archbishop-Fulton-Sheen.aspx

By Emily Stimpson

Masterful preaching of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

New book details the popular American archbishop’s prayerful dedication to preparing and delivering powerful homilies that kept pews packed

“A miniature St. Peter’s Square.” That’s how one observer described the scene outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral when then-Father Fulton Sheen preached his annual Good Friday homily. On that day, thousands would fill the streets of New York, straining to hear the homily, which was broadcast via loudspeaker to all those unable to fit into the overflowing cathedral. The traffic on Fifth Avenue literally stopped while he spoke.

Those homilies give a glimpse into the power and beauty of Archbishop Sheen’s preaching, a power and beauty that Father Timothy Sherwood, author of “The Preaching of Archbishop Fulton Sheen: The Gospel Meets the Cold War” (Lexington Books, $60), believes was achieved as much by method as by grace.

Recently, Our Sunday Visitor sat down to talk with Father Sherwood about his book and just what it was that made Archbishop Sheen such an unparalleled homilist.

Host a screening!

2010-05-06T13:52:00.001-05:00

During his lifetime, Fulton Sheen brought countless people closer to God. Imagine the impact he can have on a new generation. You can help share his shining example of faith by hosting a showing of “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All” in your community prior to the film’s general release.

Church leaders are encouraged to purchase one of three screening program packages that include a one-year license to show the film in a public setting. The packages come with DVDs of the film that can be sold to recoup the package and licensing fees, used as part of a fundraiser, or given away to help introduce others to Sheen.

Downloadable postcards, flyers, ready-to-print posters and other items are available to promote the event in your community. When you purchase a package, you’ll receive an email with an access code to download print-ready materials.

Visit http://www.sheenfilm.org/hostashowing.html to find out more information and to order a package!

Live from Rome!

2010-04-29T12:47:00.002-05:00

An update from our Screenings in Rome, Italy

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Servant of All - Movie Trailer

2010-04-27T08:45:00.001-05:00

Fulton Sheen social media presence

2010-04-26T11:07:00.001-05:00

Thank you for reading our blog! We are so excited to be able to bring you new information in this way. Please be sure to pass the link around to your parish and friends so we can continue to spread the word about Archbishop Fulton Sheen!

We are also on Facebook!
Follow our fan page at: www.facebook.com/FultonJSheen
Follow our film fan page at: www.facebook.com/AServantofAll
We also created a prayer group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=105539266155340
Don't miss us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FultonSheen/

May showings for "Servant of All"

2010-04-22T14:13:00.006-05:00

If you live in these areas, please attend these upcoming showings of "Servant of All" or invite family and friends that you know who live in the area.

Saturday, May 8, 2010
Time: Two showings - 2:00pm & 5:30pm
Location: Spalding Pastoral Center
419 N.E. Madison Ave.
Peoria, IL 61603

Come see new movie about the life of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. There will be 2 showings 2pm and 5:30pm. Mass at the Cathedral is at 4pm between showings. We will have popcorn and soda available at event. There will also be an opportunity to buy Sheen books and items after the movie.
2pm showing $2.00 a ticket available at door.
5:30pm showing $5.00 a ticket available at door.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: St. Mary's Church
415 West Chatham
Metamora, Illinois 61548

Join Fr. Don Roszkowski for a showing of the new Archbishop Fulton Sheen movie "Servant of ALL" at St. Mary's Church 415 W. Chatham in Metamora. Parish office 309-367-4407.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Church
22094 Lyons Road
Boca Raton, FL

You are invited to a screening of “Servant of All” which is a new documentary on the life of the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He is being considered for canonization to sainthood. Should he be deemed worthy, he would then be the first American-born bishop and the first TV personality to be so honored.
We do ask that you contact the office at 483-2440 so that we might have a reasonable idea of those interested. The count will help us decide where the viewing will be held, in church or in Msgr. O’Shea Hall. Spread the good news and welcome one and all. Please invite others to this event and let your friends know about this movie showing.

Fulton Sheen Biography and Inspiration

2010-04-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

Fulton John Sheen was born to Newton and Delia on May 8,1895 in El Paso, Illinois. The oldest of four sons, he was baptized Peter John in St. Mary’s Church, but soon became known by his mother’s maiden name, Fulton. The family moved to Peoria where the young Sheen attended school and served as an altar boy at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Turning down a significant scholarship for graduate school, he followed his desire to become a priest and entered St. Paul’s Seminary in Minnesota.

He was ordained a priest on September 20, 1919 in the Peoria Cathedral. Father Sheen went on to become Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, a universally popular evangelist, radio/TV personality, writer and missionary. He is most known for his television series, “Life is Worth Living” which had a viewing audience of over 30 million people.

On October 3, 1979 Archbishop Sheen had an audience with Pope John Paul II at which the Pope embraced Sheen and gave a perfect summary of his life and work: “You have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus. You have been a loyal son of the Church!” Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, a Son of Peoria, a Son of the Church, died on December 9, 1979 in his private chapel in his Manhattan apartment. In 2002, Bishop Daniel Jenky, CSC, of the Diocese of Peoria, IL officially opened the cause for Sheen’s beatification and canonization.