Dear Friends,

We could not do what we are doing to reach so many without your support. Again and again, thank you.

The Lift Jesus Higher Rally

Last month, Rachel wrote the opening letter and mentioned the Lift Jesus Higher Rally that had just concluded. Isn’t it great to see younger people emerging to join us in carrying out our mission?

This month, I would like to give you a fuller account of this wonderful event. Each year it is the highlight of our year in our support of our brothers and sisters in Canada. This year was our 35th year of “lifting Jesus higher” in Toronto, and throughout Canada and the rest of the world through the video recordings of the event.

Just being there is wonderful, even before a single event on the program happens. Seeing how happy everyone is to be there is truly a foreshadowing of the kingdom, with so many races, ethnicities, and languages present and all united in the joy of Jesus!

We have an exact count: 1,969 were there for the adult conference and 848 for the youth conference. Additional photos of the rally and summaries of the talks given take up the bulk of this issue. Very inspiring!

Pilgrimage Opportunity

Some of you may remember that several years ago Renewal Ministries arranged for our supporters to join us on a pilgrimage “in the footsteps of St. Paul.” We all were looking forward to this trip a great deal when Covid hit and it was cancelled.

Now, I am happy to report that Fr. Dave Pivonka, President of Franciscan University of Steubenville and a member of our Renewal Ministries Board, has asked me to join him in leading a pilgrimage “in the footsteps of St. Paul,” starting the day after Easter next year and including all the main locations. Four days will be spent on a ship to visit sights that we couldn’t see if we were only traveling on land. We do not expect to be shipwrecked though—we are not planning to follow that closely in the footsteps of St. Paul. This is a chance to bring the Renewal Ministries family and the Franciscan University family together on an inspiring journey.

My New Book

I have a new book out titled The Coming Judgment: Are We Ready?

It is being published by Emmaus Road Publishing, whose president is Scott Hahn. The book is a major treatment of the “last things,” which should be first in our minds and hearts, but often is not. I have treated these themes in various ways over the years, but this is my most extensive treatment of them yet. Grounded in the best Catholic scholarship on these topics but written in a completely accessible style, I think it will help us all to keep our eyes on the goal, and hopefully, help many others as well. People who have read it have called it “very powerful” in its clarity and impact. I am absolutely thrilled by the amazing leaders who have read it and offered endorsements. You can order online, by phone, or via the reply card that accompanies this newsletter.

I will personally sign every order received during the month of June! I won’t be able to inscribe any message, but I promise to sign it personally and say a prayer for you as I do. More news next month!

Your brother in Christ,
Ralph Martin