Marian Helper Winter_2023

28 Marian Helper • Winter 2023-24 • Marian.org As we approached the year 2020, I pondered a life of clarity, the 20/20 vision that comes from seeing with eyes of faith. I even wrote an article about it; then the whole world recoiled into quarantine, confusion, and even despair. Drawn to the simple joy of the Gospel, I started getting up early to read and reflect, before the rest of my large household began stirring. Meanwhile, my friend, Allison Hsu, MD, was finding similar moments of solace, painting the beauty of the world around her. We communicated online and agreed to collaborate creatively. Over the next several months, The Gospels for Little Ones emerged: rhyming quatrains accompanied by vibrant watercolor illustrations. Perfect timing During a time of paper shortages and supply chain uncertainties, Marian Press miraculously released The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones in time for Advent 2022, when Liturgical Year A began (featuring Matthew’s Gospel). As we approach Liturgical Year B, Allison and I are thrilled to see the release of The Gospel of Mark for Little Ones. Containing many of the same stories (Feeding of the 5,000; Transfiguration; etc.), this Little Ones volume takes a much closer look at our Lord’s Passion. In fact, Holy Week is the focus of the entire last third of the book. In reflecting on the difficult realities of our Lord’s sacrifice in the midst of betrayal and denial, the rhyming verse and engaging illustrations share the truth with gentle, steadfast faith so essential to catechizing the youngest and most precious in God’s Kingdom. Early feedback has been very encouraging. One grandmother stopped me after Mass and said that she had bought both Matthew and Mark; then her granddaughter began reading them on the way home and proclaimed them her favorite books! Allison and I have heard from young families who are eager to collect all of the Gospels. After attending a faith formation session for parents where I shared catechesis strategies and read Mark, one homeschool mom e-mailed me, “The books are amazing, and truly a gift. We need the full set!” Truly, with the release of first Matthew, and now Mark, Allison and I are often met with the question, “When is the next one coming out?” “It rhymes!” One unexpected blessing has been the universal appeal of the Little Ones books. As Jesus calls His followers to be little, we have seen that humble, open hearts of all ages have delighted in this particular telling of the Gospel message. This summer, I was blessed to read one of the books aloud to my husband’s Methodist grandmother, 97 years young. After the first page, a broad smile spread across her face as she exclaimed, “It rhymes!” She continued to smile and laugh with pure delight throughout the reading, hearing the Good News that she had known all her life told in a surprising new way. Allison and I hope you help spread the Good News and the good works of the Marian Fathers by ordering and sharing several copies of the books with loved ones near and far this Christmas season. May we all remain “little,” enlarged only by the Divine Love and Mercy of Jesus Christ! From Matthew to Mark By Sara Beth Meyer New from Marian Press To order The Gospel of Mark for Little Ones (Product Code: B60-MRKB) visit ShopMercy.org/b60 or call 1-800-462-7426.

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