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CFM USA News Flashes

  • Bob Tomonto at St. Louis parish in Pinecrest, FL passed away on May 7, 2009. Bob and Irene were president couple of CFM from 1977-1981. They had previously served as area leaders in New York from 1971-1973 and in Florida 1976-1995. Bob and Irene were faithful small group leaders for many years at St. Louis parish, even to the present time. Bob was a deacon of the Archdiocese of Miami. He was active in prison ministry along with work in the area of marriage and family life. At the request of Bishop Agustine Roman, Bob and Irene wrote Covenant Experience Weekend which has been so instrumental in building the community at St. Louis. They only recently passed leadership of the Covenent Experience to Bob and Anne. After years of faithful service to his family and his church, he goes now to his heavenly reward.

  • Former CFM National Board member Mary Lenehan died of colon cancer on March 13, 2009. She and husband Pat had been on the board from 1994-1998. They were leaders at St. Lawrence Martyr in Redondo Beach, CA before that and were still members.

  • Hillenbrand Award given
    At a Mass held on February 21, 2009 at Our Lady of Wayside church in Arlington Heights, IL president couple John and Lauri Przybysz, Severna Park, MD, presented St. Thomas of Villanova pastor Father Tom Rzepiela with the Hillenbrand award in recognition of his service as a CFM chaplain. Father Tom was recruited for CFM while he was stationed as a seminarian at St James in Arlington Heights, IL. After his ordination in 1972 he became chaplain of a group at St. Thomas of Villanova in Palatine, IL and served until 1979. He remained involved in CFM while he lived at Our Lady of the Wayside in Arlington Heights, IL from 1979 to 1987 when he was on the faculty at Mundelein seminary and served as chaplain of the Chicago federation from 1982 to 1987. He is currently chaplain of CFM at St. Thomas. Father Tom is the third recipient of the award which is named after Msgr. Reynold Hillenbrand, who was the first national chaplain of CFM which is celebrating its 60th year in 2009.

  • New Officers Elected at Winter Board Meeting
    During at its board meeting on February 22, 2009 the Christian Family Movement elected new officers for a two-year term beginning on July 1. They are: Bob and Anne Tomonto, Miami, FL, president couple; Tom and Mary Kay Halpin, Omaha, NE, vice-president couple; Tom and Laura Toussaint, Arlington Heights, IL, secretary couple; and John and Mary Poprac, Redondo Beach, CA, treasurer couple.

  • At the Summer 2008 Board Meeting held at St. Meinrad Archabbey, IN on July 13-16, new board members John and Mary Poprac of Torrance, CA and Brian and Mary Ann Thelen, Ann Arbor, MI were installed for a two year term. The board said goodbye to Robin and Pat Hafey, Sun City, AZ.

  • Many of you will recognize the name of Phil Gorman. Phil and Mary Lou were federation leaders in Chicago and national board members from 1985 through 1999, representing Illinois and then later as expansion directors for the movement. Mary Lou continues to write a parenting column for the national newsletter, ACT. We are sorry to have to let you know that Phil Gorman died today, May 1, 2007. He had experienced a stroke yesterday evening and died at home at 11:00 am. Funeral arrangements are pending. Look for the obituary in the Chicago Tribune and the Arlington Heights (IL) edition of the Daily Herald. Condolences can be sent to Mary Lou in Palatine, IL 60074. Our deepest sympathy to Mary Lou and all the friends and family of Phil. He will be missed.

  • We have received news from Bob and Irene Tomonto that Father Jude Mili passed away on March 9, 2007. Fr. Jude was always a friend of families and CFM. He was a CFM Chaplain in New York in the late 1970's.

  • We have received news from former board member Mary Lou Gorman in Chicago that Marie O'Grady who was a member of the first CFM executive committee with her husband, Francis, has passed away in Sierra Vista, Arizona. There will be a memorial service for her at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on the March 23, 2007, which would have been her 94th birthday. Mary Lou writes also that Marie was her godmother, as well as her first cousin.

  • Father Sam Palmer, who was Chaplain of CFM 1985-1990 and chaplain of International CFM from 1989 through 1995, died September 21 at 3 o'clock in Des Moines, Iowa. He struggled with the effects of ALS in the last two years of his life. He was a staunch supporter of CFM throughout his priesthood and a beloved friend to many. May he rest in peace. click here for Father Sam Palmer Tribute.

    Here is the obituary as published in the Des Moines Register:

    Fr. Samuel Palmer died peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2006 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's /ALS) disease) at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, with his priestly ministry coming to an end. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, at 10:30 a.m., September 25, 2006 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Ambrose Cemetery. A visitation will be Sunday, September 24 at St. Pius X Catholic Church from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Pius X Church Foundation or Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Samuel was born November 18, 1931, one of seven children of Samuel and Mary Palmer, in Des Moines, Iowa. Samuel was a 1949 graduate of Dowling High School. He entered Conception Seminary under the guidance of the Benedictine Fathers. He completed his theological studies at Mt. St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He was ordained May 31, 1957 and did post graduate work at the Angelicum College in Rome earning a J.C.L. Degree. He served the Diocese of Des Moines in Council Bluffs, Neola, Harlan, Rosemount, Milo, West Des Moines and Des Moines (St. Anthony's, All Saints, Sacred Heart, Christ the King, Holy Trinity, St. John's, St. Joseph and St. Pius X). He also served as Judicial Vicar for the Marriage Tribunal and Director for Vocations for the Diocese. Fr. Palmer retired in 2001 but continued to assist at St. Pius X and perform ministry at Veterans Hospital and the Air National Guard in Des Moines until his disease prevented him from doing so. Fr. Palmer was active promoter of CFM (Christian Family Movement), initiating several groups during his ministry in various parishes. He served as National and International Chaplain for the movement. Fr. Palmer was an avid fisherman and shared this enthusiasm with friends and parishioners. He touched many people with his love and compassionate dedication to the priesthood. He had a love for the church and was passionate and interested in promoting social justice causes. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joseph and James. He is survived by a sister Mary Grochala (Stephen deceased) and brothers, Angelo Palmer (Charlotte), Fr. Frank Palmer of Des Moines, and Anthony (Patricia) of Mendota Heights, MN , together with 13 nieces and nephews and twenty grand nieces and nephews.

  • From the Shenandoah Valley to Redondo Beach, from Chicago to Miami, small groups of families are kicking off another year of activity in the Christian Family Movement. A 2006-07 kickoff meeting at Sacred Heart parish facilities in Winchester, Va., was scheduled Sept. 9, with snacks and socializing. “We really just plan to introduce everyone” and “go over the calendar — the plans and hopes for the year,” said Maggie Lewis. “We’re also asking everyone to bring back-to-school supplies to help supply the less fortunate children of Winchester.” More than 50 couples and families are getting back together in seven small groups in Winchester.

    Many groups around the country have scheduled similar kickoff events. It is the beginning of a process that builds a strong network of couples and families who support each other and help anchor their faith and their relationships in a stormy society, according to John and Lauri Przybysz in Baltimore. They have been involved in CFM at every level, from small group members to their current service as national president couple. “As couples and families renew their CFM groups in hundreds of homes across the nation this fall, there are renewed indications that the Catholic Church in the United States wants to affirm the role of CFM in supporting couples and families — especially at a time when society places so little value on committed couples and families,” Lauri said. In March 2006, Cardinal Avery Dulles spoke on “the Mission of the Laity” in his annual McGinley Lecture at Fordham University in New York. Cardinal Dulles praised the Christian Family Movement for strengthening marriage and forming disciples and called upon the movement to renew itself to provide support for today’s families. “We’ve been around since the 1940s and 1950s,” said John. “But couples and families need CFM now more than ever.” That’s not just the president couple’s opinion. When the U.S. bishops called for focus groups to meet in 2005, in preparation for their planned 2008 Pastoral Letter on Marriage, CFM was among the topics. In the executive summary, from the Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth, CFM was cited “as a valuable resource for married life.” Church canonists who serve on marriage tribunals were also consulted on what they believe can be done to enhance existing marriages. CFM’s popularity was recalled over the years, with an expressed hope that it could be reinvigorated. “Married couples need to be challenged to help each other to prepare for and sustain their marriages,” the canonists said. What is the Christian Family Movement, and why have so many people found it to be a sound resource for strengthening family life?

    “The Christian Family Movement is a national network of parish or neighborhood small groups of families,” said Lauri. “Parents meet regularly in one another's homes, where participants are invited to improve their family life by taking control of the things that matter at home and in the everyday world.” The mission of the Christian Family Movement, published on the CFM website (www.cfm.org) is to promote Christ-centered marriage and family life; to help individuals and their families to live the Christian faith in everyday life; and to improve society through actions of love, service, education and example. The U.S. bishops have recommended CFM in pastoral letters, including Follow the Way of Love in 1993. For more than 50 years this lay movement, which developed in the spirit of the Young Christian Workers, has been a leader in nurturing marriage and family life. It teaches parents to build small “action groups” to support one another and learn how to live their faith at home, in the workplace, and in the Church. As families have changed and many more options for family activities compete for peoples’ time, the numbers of members have decreased over the years. However, the Christian Family Movement is still serving the needs of married couples and families today, with members in 24 states and the District of Columbia, and connections to the International Confederation of Christian Family Movements.

    CFM produces a program book annually for its members, using the Social Inquiry method of spiritual reflection. Members observe their world, decide how a Christian should respond to today’s challenges, and then take action to make a difference. CFM recently introduced its 2006 program book, Intentional Christian Families. Executive Director Jane Leingang explained, “This book is for people of faith who choose to confirm their Christianity every day, who want to develop a support system with other individuals and families and who take on the challenge of living a life of Christian witness and service.” CFM is currently working on a program, For Marriage, in response to the U.S. bishops’ National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage, which calls for new resources and strategies for strengthening and supporting married life. To locate CFM groups in your diocese or region, or to request an Introduction to CFM on DVD, visit www.cfm.org or contact the CFM USA National Office, P.O. Box 925, Evansville, IN 47706-0925, 812-962-5508, 812-962-5509 (Fax), email . (09/09/06)

  • At their official board meeting on Feb. 26, 2006 the board of directors elected Tom and Laura Toussaint, Arlington Heights, IL to a two year term commencing July 1, 2006.

    These directors have resigned for personal reasons:
    John and Beth O'Neil, Arlington Heights, IL.
    Tim and Kerry Fahey - San Ramon, CA

    At their official board meeting on July 30, 2006 the board elected these new directors to a two year term, commencing immediately upon election:
    Ken and Anna Kieliszewski, Palatine, IL
    Paul and Missy Parkison, Evansville, IN (08/01/06)

  • We are saddened to announce the death of Patty Crowley on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at her home in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 92. Patty Crowley, with her husband Pat Crowley, was one of the founders of the Christian Family Movement in the United States. The Crowleys traveled extensively in the 1950's and 1960's spreading the Christian Family Movement. They were presidents of International CFM at the time of Pat's death in 1974. The creation of CFM was a unique moment in the history of the Church in America. It was the first Church movement to be started by the laity. It recognized marriage as a special gift to the Church and the world in a time when single sex organizations were the norm. Patty was no longer active in the movement after Pat's death, although she was involved in the 50th anniversary celebration of the movement at Notre Dame in 1999. She received many letters in recent years from those who wrote to say how important CFM was to their spiritual formation. She treasured these. She continued to respond to Christ's call in her life. In recent years she was particularly devoted to Deborah's Place, a shelter she founded for homeless women in Chicago. We thank God for the gift of Patty's life. May the Eternal Light shine upon her and may she rest in peace. (11/24/05)

  • Msgr. Paul Lackner died on Saturday, April 16. He authored the CFM prayer that we print in our books and was chaplain of the Pittsburgh Federation and a long time friend of the movement. He was promoting CFM to the last. (04/20/05)

  • At their official meeting on Sunday, February 27, the Board elected new officers, effective July 1, 2005:
    President: John and Lauri Przybysz - Severna Park, MD
    Vice-President: Bob and Anne Tomonto - Palmetto Bay, FL
    Secretary: Dan and Noreen Thomas - Redondo Beach, CA
    Treasurer: Terry and Jean Smith - Des Moines, IA
    Past President: Peter and Jane Buchbauer - Winchester, VA
    Chaplain: Fr. Donald Conroy - Latrobe, PA

    Officers also act as members of the Board of Directors. Other Directors elected for a two year term commencing July 1, 2005:
    Tucker and Becky Conaboy – Winchester, VA
    Pat and Robin Hafey - Pewaukee, WI
    Tom and Mary Kay Halpin – Omaha, NE
    John and Beth O’Neil – Arlington Heights, IL

    The following begin year two of their two year Board term on July 1, 2005:
    Tom and Laura Toussaint - Arlington Heights, IL
    Tim and Kerry Fahey - San Ramon, CA (02/27/05)

  • CFM USA issues a policy on the protection of children and sexual abuse at the Winter Board meeting. (02/27/05)

  • CFM USA elects Tom and Laura Toussaint of Arlington Heights, IL and Kerry and Tim Fahey, San Ramon, CA to the Board of Directors at the Winter 2004 Board meeting. (02/22/04)

  • CFM USA November Service Team meeting in Des Moines picks Chicago for 2005 National Convention. (11/15/03)

  • CFM USA dues were raised from $30 to $35 at the 2003 Winter Board Meeting. (05/15/03)

  • CFM USA is now registered with Buy for Charity on-line shopping. See the About CFM page. (03/09/03)

  • Christmas 2002 Appeal. See CFM Foundation page. (12/05/02)

  • Isabelle Leroux died in Ottawa this week after a long illness. She will be buried in Montreal on Friday, December 6. Isabelle Leroux along with her husband Rolly became executive secretary of CFM in Canada in 1971. In 1977 they succeeded Patty Crowley as presidents of the International Confederation of Christian Family Movements at its third General Assembly which was held in Manila. They organized the fourth assembly which was held in 1980 in Rome following the bishop's synod on the family that resulted in the document Familiaris Consortio. Their term of office ended in Guadalajara at the General Assembly in 1983. In 1989 the Lerouxs were appointed by Wayne and Sue Hamilton to serve as liaisons to United Nations in New York. They were recognized for their contributions to ICCFM with the Cardijn Award for service to ICCFM at the General Assembly in Malta in 1995. (12/04/02)

  • Monsignor Michael Lenihan, pastor emeritus of St. Lawrence Martyr parish in Redondo Beach, Calif., received the Reynold Hillenbrand Award for outstanding service as a CFM chaplain on November 16 at the annual "Thanksgiving Feast" of the CFM group there. National presidents Peter and Jane Buchbauer and national chaplain Father Donald Conroy were on hand to present the plaque to Monsignor Lenihan. Section leaders Dan and Noreen Thomas and Greg and Brenda Argano said that Monsignor Lenihan had shown outstanding support for the CFM group in his parish during his 21 years as pastor at St. Lawrence. In turn Monsignor Lenihan noted that he drew a great deal of support for the parish from the CFM group which was important in developing an active base of involved parishioners over his years as pastor.

    The Hillenbrand Award is named for the first national chaplain of CFM, Monsignor Reynold Hillenbrand of Chicago. Hillenbrand was key in setting the program agenda for CFM during the formative years of the movement in the 50s. In addition he worked with chaplains across the country to develop leadership for the movement. (12/02/02)

  • Gerald "Jerry" Prete died November 10. Jerry and his wife Anne have been members of CFM since 1950 when Pat and Patty Crowley organized a group at Our Lady of Angels parish there. Jerry was active in developing leadership training and motivation for CFM until the 1970's. As his life moved into action, he developed a mission of providing afforable housing for indigent seniors. There are about 30 multiple dwelling units around the US today thanks to his organizing efforts. From the mid 50s to 1995 the Pretes operated the Alverno Bookstore which they established when they observed that the needs of the CFM community were not being met by existing stores. Many who attended CFM conventions at Notre Dame or St. Mary's will remember their display and Jerry's smiling face under his rakish beret. (11/15/02)

    Jerry and Anne Prete

  • CFM USA now accepts donations on our website through the services of the Network For Good. See the About CFM page. (10/04/02)

  • Directors Paul and Jane Leingang are going to Washington to meet up with Chaplain Father Conroy, President Jane Buchbauer and Secretaries Lauri and John Przybysz. Father Conroy has arranged for us to be part of a program on the Mall on 9/11. We will be releasing a press statement and taking pictures which we hope to have available for inclusion on the web and in ACT. See the CFM exchange page or the 9/11 page for the text of this and the speech Paul delivered on the Mall. (09/10/02)

  • Bernice Opila died on August 5. She was a long time (25 yrs) member of CFM along with her husband Harry. They were Chicago Federation officers for many years. (08/27/02)

  • At its recent board of directors meeting in Miami, Fla. the board of directors of the Christian Family Movement installed Fr. Don Conroy, S.T.L., Ph.D. as new national chaplain. Fr. Conroy now heads the National Institute for the Family in Washington, DC. Fr. Conroy has a long association with CFM dating back to his first parish assignment in Greensburg, Pa. He had also been a diocesan family life director and worked with couples in marriage preparation.

    Fr. Conroy has deep convictions about the importance of strong marriages and families to the mission of Christ and the Church. "I firmly believe in the Christian family as the Household of Faith and Domestic Church. It has a key and foundational role which can scarcely be overemphasized in importance to building up the People of God."

    Fr. Conroy views his new CFM ministry as an important next step in his long career of service to families: "The power of CFM to transform the world is real. This power just needs to be tapped by a new generation of CFM leaders in the 21st century. This new moment in history provides a fresh opportunity to renew the family, the world and CFM itself."

    Fr. Conroy continues as President and CEO of the National Institute for the Family, Washington DC, a research and training center dedicated to a culture of peace and justice through sustainable family and community development. He is also founder of the International Consortium on Religion and Ecology (ICORE-NACRE).

    Fr. Conroy's Past Service to Family Life includes: USCC Representative for Family Life (1975-1981), contributed to the Bishops' Plan for Pastoral Action for Family Ministry; co-convened the first national forum involving laity and family movement leadership; developed US Bishopsí original Commission on Marriage and Family Life, inviting lay (including CFM) participation as full members on the Commission; served as expert advisor at the Synod on the Role of the Christian Family in Rome, recently developed a Parish Family Ministry Evaluation Process; interested in Intergenerational Ministry.

    Fr. Conroy will serve on the Board as spiritual director, attending 2-3 meetings a year, contributing to national board discussion, and writing a regular column in ACT newsletter, the national magazine of CFM. (07/17/02)

  • Fr. Peter Sammon died March 21 at age 78 in San Francisco. Peter was a founding member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers (NACFLM) and the 1985 recipient of the NACFLM annual award for his work in marriage ministry. He was still pastor at St. Teresa (30 years). Contact the CFM USA Office for more info. (03/22/02)

  • CFM Board adopts new Mission Statement. (03/10/02)

  • New Memorial Prayer Service. (11/16/01)

  • Rose Lucey, CFM Pioneer, dies. See the November 2001 ACT for an article on Rose and Dan Lucey. A memorial service for Rose will be held at St. Andrew/St.Joseph parish in Oakland, CA, Sunday November 11. Contact the CFM USA Office for more info. (10/16/01)

  • CFM Board attends NACFLM Conference photo. From left, Lauri Przybysz, Gary Aitchison, Sheila Garcia from the Secretariat for Family, Women and Youth, Jane Buchbauer, Peter Buchbauer and Kay Aitchison. (10/12/01)
    CFM Board attends NACFLM Conference

  • New Special Meetings on Human Cloning and Christian Response to Violence. (9/22/01)

  • Link to Familiaris Consortio here. (9/10/01)

  • New CFM Brochure available. (9/1/01)

  • CFM-Exchange is now on the web. (8/21/01)

  • CFM Office moved to Evansville, IN. (7/1/01)

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