ACTS XXIX Video Presentations Ignite Faith in Parishioners
by Anthony D. Alonzo
“I’m a believer,” were among the responses from St. Mary church faithful who participated in a facilitated video presentation series called The Rescue Project. They affirmed not only their satisfaction with the premiere offering, but also that the “life changing” presentation fostered a greater commitment to knowing, loving and serving God.
In March, at Hammes Hall, about 40 participated in the faith-building program that was labeled a “beta” offering. During the first run, initial apprehension about the amount and intensity of the information was assuaged with the sense that the initiative was a “Holy Spirit-driven” endeavor.
Feedback to the Rescue Project included comments such as, “Thank you for awakening our faith in us,” “I think it shows a much better portrayal of our faith than what is typically shown,” and “It is an experience I would like to share with others.”
“I didn’t expect it to be the experience it was,” said Barbara Bruno, a St. Mary parishioner. “I think this is something everybody has to do … It tells you what is going on in the world and what God has done about it. But it also tells you what you can do about it.
She continued, “I went through 12 years of Catholic education and I’m closer now to the Church than I’ve ever been and it’s a result of Marian consecration and the Rescue Project.”
Bruno said she was so impressed with the Rescue Project and its promotion of a sense of urgency in the mission work of every believer that she stepped up to be the coordinator for the initiative, which is set for a second round of sessions on July 28-30.
The Rescue Project is produced by Michigan-based ACTS XXIX, so named because the Book of Acts has 28 chapters, and the group considers today’s Church living the Gospel as the 29th chapter.
Founded by Father John Riccardo in 2019, the priest ordained in the Archdiocese of Detroit started the ministry “to proclaim the gospel in an attractive and compelling way and to equip clergy and lay leaders for the age in which God has chosen us to live … that also offers people a way of seeing reality, and of making sense of the world, history, and life that is vastly different from the story our modern culture tells.”
According to local participants, the initiative is a deep dive into Scripture, focusing on the urgency of the Good News in a world that can present ugliness on a daily basis. Small group discussions at the March session included topics such as, “What’s in a Name?”, “Do We Really Believe?” and “A Friend Is on the Way,” which quickly broke the ice.
A public speaker and career advisor, Bruno, like other participants who had completed exit surveys after the initial three-day presentation, awarded a “100% positive” reaction to the media materials. However, she said the presentation could be rolled out with more preparation.
“We really looked at all the critiques and evaluations and (learned) that people need time to reflect after seeing these videos as some are very intense,” Bruno said.
Father Kevin Huber, pastor of St. Mary in Crown Point, was taken ill during the planning phase of the Rescue Project roll-out. He was impressed by the eagerness of parishioners to make the faith-inspiring sessions happen. After he became acquainted with the program, he understood its value in helping lead his flock.
“Some parishes use Alpha (a British-based encounter-oriented course for Catholics) for people who are interested in exploring the faith,” explained Father Huber. “I want to use the Rescue Project as the point of entry, so that when we establish a firm theological foundation, we understand what the Good News is and what the bad news is,” said Father Huber.
He continued, “We have a starting point for doing lots of really great things. It’s a point of formation as much as it is for (people) to develop a relationship with our Lord … We will understand the importance of our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross and his victory over sin and death.”
Contrasting with some motivational seminars, a key component of the Rescue Project’s presentation is prayer. Videos are presented in segments throughout the three-day program. After each screening, a period of prayer precedes discussion guided by print resources provided to leaders.
Facilitators look to expand those sessions to include Eucharistic Adoration and plan on wrapping the July sessions with attendees gathering for Sunday Mass in the church.
After pausing to search for the right words, Rescue Project alumna and St. Mary parishioner Maureen Flaherty smiled and said, “I felt on fire for Jesus and for salvation and for spreading the awesome Gospel to everybody.”
The parish premiere was inspired by a suggestion from seminarian Leo Marcotte, a parish son. He sang the praises of seeing an ACTS XXIX presentation during a retreat and Maura Marcotte, who is executive assistant to Father Huber, took his advice.
“Leo said, ‘Mom, I’m going to ask you a favour …You have to watch this,’” Maura Marcotte recalled. “I said, ‘Yeah, sure, honey.’ Then we came to Father (Huber) and said, ‘Oh boy, this is something else.’ That’s where it started.”
Nellie Marcotte, 16, volunteered to manage the “Youth Table,” a new feature and gathering spot for teens who are invited to attend St. Mary offerings of the Rescue Project.
Future Rescue Project retreat offerings are set for Oct. 6-8 and Dec. 1-3. Attendance is limited. For more information, call the St. Mary, Crown Point, parish office at 219-663-0044.
For more information about ACTS XXIX and The Rescue Project, visit www.actsxxix.org, email info@actsxxix.org, or call (313) 315-3320.
You can register to be a part of this event on March 8, 9, and 10, 2024 by accessing the The Rescue Project website or calling the Parish Office at 219-663-0044. Seating is limited.
If you have questions, please call or text Barb Bruno, Rescue Project Coordinator, at 312-933-4985.