Good Morning Everyone! My name is Bernadette Conway Cusmano and I am here to speak about my faith journey….my Resurrection Story.

I am a Life Long Catholic. My education began here at St. Clare where I and my siblings went to school. I celebrated my Sacraments here including Marriage when I married Chuck in 1978.

Because Chuck and I valued our Catholic education we decided to continue in the tradition and sent our three sons to St. Peter the Apostle School in Harper Woods. All five of us eventually became very involved in both the church and the school.

After St. Peter closed a few years ago, we started visiting area parishes. In Dec. of 2013 we decided to join St. Clare. Why St. Clare you might ask…Well, for one thing, we had heard many good things about Fr. Andrew and people were right.  And, the people of St. Clare were very Welcoming!!!!
And, for me it was truly coming home!
                              
But, where was my relationship with Jesus?

I prayed. I meditated. I went to church. Something was missing. Chuck became a money counter and I joined the Altar Society and became a Eucharistic Minister as well as a member of the Hospitality Committee for Funerals. Chuck and I also participated in the Alpha program on Sunday mornings and enjoyed meeting new people and growing in our faith. I could see small changes in both of us.

Still, I felt like a beginning Catholic, meaning I was very basic in my knowledge. Something was missing.
Last September, Stacie asked me to be a small group leader for Discovering Christ. I wasn’t sure about that and explained my hesitations. She invited me to attend a meeting meant for Catechists and bringing people to Evangelize. There would also be Adoration. I decided to attend.

Well, that was the night that I think my life changed for the good. This is my Resurrection moment.
 
When Adoration began, tears began flowing down my cheeks. I wasn’t sobbing or anything, just free flowing tears and I didn’t know why. This went on for about 15 or 20 minutes and because there were prayer teams there, I decided to go to one. During that time, while still crying, I felt a presence come over me and I whispered something that shall remain private. My tears immediately stopped. It was the Holy Spirit who came down on me that night and showered me with compassion and mercy. I was calm. That night I decided to walk closer with Jesus.

That doesn’t mean that I am good all the time. I am still a work in progress.

The next day I emailed Stacie and told her that I would be a group leader. I also participated in our Parish Mission and 33 Days to Morning Glory. These experiences have led me on a wonderful journey with Jesus. I still have a ton to learn, but the openness of others and the sharing that I have experienced is very warm and wonderful. I still doubt myself at times, but, I know that Jesus loves me and is guiding me. I also have St. Michael, Mother Mary, and the Holy Spirit helping me along the way in my journey. I am not afraid to turn to them and ask for guidance. And, I do remember to thank them daily.
 
Sharing Christ is a program being offered here at St. Clare. It will begin this Thursday, April 16^th at 6:15pm. We share a supper and conversation together. Then we watch an educational video.  Then comes my favorite part…small group discussions. You will feel instantly welcomed and safe to share any view. My husband and I have met some very special people that are becoming friends thru our experiences. It is so refreshing to be able to discuss your religion with others.

Sharing Christ can be a wonderful way to grow in your relationship with Jesus and learn more about your Catholic faith.

I invite you to go on a journey of your own, as I continue mine.   
       
Please join us Thursday evening.
Thank you.