Journeying through Twenty-five Years with Stauros

A Run through Twenty-five Years

Stauros International was founded in Louvain, Belgium, in October, 1973 by the Passionist Congregation. The original document describes Stauros as follows: ". . .an international association founded to promote the study of the gospel of Jesus' passion . . . it is in this central event of human history that [we] find the authentic Face of God and [God's] timeless presence in our world . . . The search for meaning in the face of pain is not new . . . [but] it is against the complex background of our age that Stauros wants to listen to and reflect upon the word of the Cross,' spoken in the past but ringing clear in the present and relevant for all times."

Stauros was, and continues to be, governed by a Board of Directors elected by the Passionists. The first president was Flavian Dougherty, CP. Harry Gielen, CP, was appointed as General Secretary and he continued in this position until 1996 when he resigned and was replaced by Franz Damen, CP.

Stauros USA was also founded in 1973. It was initially incorporated in Union City, New Jersey. In 1981 the office was moved to Chicago to Catholic Theological Union. Flavian Dougherty continued as Director until his untimely death in February, 1990. Ardis Cloutier, OSF assumed the position of Director in November, 1990. "Flave," as he was lovingly called, was capably assisted by Judy Benson, who was with Stauros for ten years. Other assistants included several CTU students as well as several persons with disabilities.

Later, we will stroll and browse through both Stauros Int'l and USA. This was, indeed, a run, and a quick run, through twenty-five years. We hope that, as you ran, you saw the scenery, you picked up a capsule of Stauros history.

Sauntering Along through Reflections, Memories, Stories
Reflection from the Founding Father

In the wake of the second Vatican Council (1962-1965) the religious orders were summoned to hold special General Chapters to review their charisms. It was from such a renewal in the Passionist Congregation that STAUROS was born twenty-five years ago.

"There is a profound relationship between the Passion of Christ and the human wrestling with the apparent absurdities of suffering and death." That consciousness was somehow the inspirational starting-point of STAUROS. In unexpected ways it proved to be true in the many areas of involvement and collaboration over the past twenty-five years.

We received more than we were able to give, especially from people who continue to radiate a desire and a joy of life in the midst of hardship and suffering, and to whom we tried to offer a platform.

Somehow we were given the opportunity, through Stauros, to rediscover the symbol value of the Cross as a Tree of Life, so beautifully expressed in Stevie Smith's poem, The Airy Christ':

• "Whatever foolish men may do the song is cried
  For those who hear, and the sweet singer does not care that he was crucified.
  For he does not wish that we should love him more than anything
  Because he died, he only wishes we would hear him sing."

Window Seal of the Heart

Serious suffering challenges us to reinvent ourselves.. Sue Monk Kidd refers to this crisis as a holy summons to cross a threshold, which involves a leaving behind and a stepping forward, a separation and an opportunity. I never realized what a bone chilling process this could be until I lost my health. The first thing I learned was that I could not find my way alone. Stauros entered my life through the recommendation of a friend. I grew to develop a warm feeling whenever I spotted the blue newsletter in the mailbox, knowing that it would offer an opportunity to discover new horizons within myself through windows of insight and encouragement.

Kent Nerburn writes in Small Graces that "great joys make us love the world. Great sadnesses make us understand the world." I think that describes the ministry of Stauros. It opens our eyes to the wonder of our inner lives while validating the impact suffering has on our souls. Someone refers to suffering as a black grace. Stauros helps us to honor the grace and gifts that are braided into suffering while recognizing the God spark within which remains white and sustaining, no matter what happens to us. In the book, When the Heart Waits, Sue Monk Kidd talks about weaving an environment of prayer that is like "curling up in the fogged spaces of the listening heart, wrapping the soul around some little flame of hope that God has ignited. It's sitting on the window sill of the heart, still and watching." These phrases envision the commission of Stauros for the new millennium: to provide that flame of hope, to be that window sill where those who are suffering can feel safe, understood, cared about and spoken to through authentic spirituality which rings true in the heart. Perhaps Sue Monk Kidd says it best when she writes: "How wonderful it is when we can be honest and free enough to say, I need you to wait with me.'" Thank you, Stauros, for enduring; for reminding us that the holiness of life can be trusted to hold us up. The world needs you more than ever, to wait with those who suffer and to continue weaving that prayerful environment of wisdom, strength and light.

An Experience of "Weaving an Environment"

My first experience with Stauros' ministry was through a letter from my friend, Sr. Ardis, who thought that I was disabled enough (2 knee implants and arthritis) to apply for the Israel Bible Study Program for Persons with Disabilities. Traveling with the physically-challenged is very humbling. Words cannot describe the loving care of the companions; the looks on the faces of the blind as they "see" with their hands the statues in churches, the texture of buildings; the awe that comes from each new experience for someone whose life has narrow boundaries. The profundity of it is best described by the motto on the T-shirt I purchased, "Love, like the five loaves and two fishes, is always too little until one starts to give it away."

We left New York as a group of 37 more-or-less strangers. We returned as a family of 37. This trip was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I'm so glad I went. I learned so many things, and this trip is something I will carry in my heart forever.

A Passionist's Thoughts on Stauros

During the Passionist General Chapter of 1968 I saw the meaning of our vow to keep the memory of the sufferings of Jesus begin a new journey. There were whisperings about the start of the STAUROS Journey. It was the journey into human suffering at a new level. The suffering was not new, but we were embracing suffering in a new way. We were called to allow all aspects of suffering and powerlessness address us. But it went deeper than that. Theology and human suffering, the classroom and the hospital, pastoral life and the cry of the powerless, all found a new partnership. Whether we have grasped the implications of this into a new vision of the Suffering God' may well be debatable.

One thing is certain. The STAUROS vision is as vital today as in 1973. Anyone examining the early writings will see its relevance for today. To quote the words of one of the early STAUROS leaders, Harry Gielen: "While suffering must not be consecrated, it must never be wasted."

Any organization will peter out if it fails to face up to the risks implied in authentic creativity. Poets are as important to moments of reform and revolution as organizers; indeed, they are arguably more important. Even great religious organizations must face up to the task of auctioning their charisms in the market places of history. This is one of the only ways of survival. The only prices they must ask are reverence and commitment, and when possible, a continued participation.

I treasure attendance at, and participation in, STAUROS Congresses as rich memories. They educated me in, and liberated me into a new understanding of the potential richness of human suffering. My ministry in an Inner City corner of this world has taught me one thing. Commitment to the powerless of this world, at whatever level, can never be an occupation, it must be a daily pre-occupation. It must be based upon an enthusiasm rooted in reflection. It must be wise by bringing together knowledge and emotion, analysis and feeling. Gisela-Labourvie-Vief puts it well:

• What makes the artist, the poet, or the scientist, wise is not technical knowledge in their respective domains, but rather knowledge of issues that are part of the human condition generally. Wisdom consists, so to say, in one's ability to see through and beyond individual uniqueness and specialisation into those structures that relate us in our common humanity.

STAUROS USA with its Congresses, its writing and its reflection, in the field of human suffering, has been a witness to such Wisdom. Thank you!

Stauros - The Heart of the Matter

Pope John XXIII on his death bed dictated a final message: "...our intention is to serve people..and not only Catholics;...it is not the Gospel that changes; it is we who begin to understand it better...The moment has arrived when we must recognize the signs of the times, seize the opportunity, and look far abroad." That is exactly what Stauros does.

Stauros is a Greek word meaning Cross. Stauros, the organization, chose an almond for its logo, an ancient symbol of the cross. The name and symbol, while esoteric, were deliberately chosen to be non-alienating, to invite all peoples to share their insights into the meaning of suffering.

Thus, Ghandi's meditation fits right into the heart of Stauros:

• It is by my fetters that I can fly,
• It is by my sorrows that I can soar,
• It is by my reverses that I can run,
• It is by my tears that I can travel,
• It is by my cross that I can climb
• into the heart of humanity.
• Let me magnify my cross, O God.

The Buddha saw the oneness of mankind, not in power, but in being moved by com-passion toward others. Suffering joins us.

Stauros is about exploring the depth of humanness/divinity. It stands in awe of the cross because it appears to be the path to the Divine. The Gospel does not change; we understand it better. John Main said, "All Christian prayer is a growing awareness of God in Jesus." The path for Jesus to God was the cross.

Perhaps that is the path to God for all peoples. Unlike new age religions, Stauros does not deny suffering or call it an illusion. Stauros probes its meaning and invites everyone to contribute to the search.

Stauros is an organization whose membership includes those on the path and the communion of saints, both Christian and non-Christian.

Happy Anniversary!

Reflections from Stauros in Espa¤a

Stavr¢s International Association is very dear to me, and it is a pleasure for me to join you in giving thanks to God for these twenty-five years since the establishment of Stavr¢s International and Stavr¢s USA.

I have been a part of Stavr¢s since the very foundation. Of course, I knew the founding Passionists very well. These included Fr. Theodore Foley, Fr. Paul Boyle, Fr. Harry Gielen and Fr. Flavian Dougherty. But I became more closely related to Stavr¢s at the meeting of the International Board in Bilbao, Spain, in 1987, and at a similar meeting in Madrid in 1994. At the first meeting, I met Judy Benson, Fr. Flavian's associate. Later, he wrote, "Judy and I have been taking a tremendous delight in our memories of our journey as we pour over the photos. The pictures of Judy's smiling face capture our experience." At the Madrid meeting, I met Fr. Bob Joerger, CP, and Sr. Ardis Cloutier. It also was a wonderful experience and I treasure the pleasant memories of those days.

I have been Director of Stavr¢s for Spain, Portugal and Latin America for 10 years, but my involvement with Stavr¢s goes back further. I am very closely connected to the Bolet¡n Stavr¢s, Teolog¡a de la Cruz, and have been since the first issue was published. It contains translations of books and articles on suffering in many different languages. (Ed. Note. P. Pablo is too modest. Until very recently, he has been responsible for these translations.)

I foresee many and good possibilities for Stavr¢s in the future. There is so much suffering in the world today. Perhaps this is the explanation for the tremendous interest in the theology of the Cross which we offer through our Stavr¢s International Association.

Why Stauros Should Not Exist...And Why, Thankfully, It Does

I still have the letter inviting me to serve on the Board of Directors of Stauros. I'm not a sentimental person, and I don't save every bit of correspondence that crosses my desk. But this letter was a "keeper." It outlined the history and mission of the organization, dropped the names of friends who nominated me for the position, and described the commitment being asked of me--all in three pages of warm, gracious, but very businesslike prose. Letters like that don't come every day. I couldn't refuse, and was privileged to serve on the Board and on the Notebook Editorial Board. During those years, I came to realize that the letter had not only introduced me to Stauros, but had modeled the organization's style: warm, gracious, businesslike.

• And all for the sake
• of people who suffer.

There are lots of organizations devoted to human suffering. Some aim at alleviating it, others at preventing it. Some tug at your heartstrings, others try to arouse your ire. No doubt, such "humanitarian" organizations do a lot of good. But most of them assume that suffering is a bad thing and that everyone else assumes the same thing. Paradoxically, some organizations are unwittingly led by this assumption into subtly dehumanizing the very people they intend to help, treating those who suffer as "cases" to be solved, or as "victims" to be mercifully liquidated.

Christianity takes a different view of human suffering. It affirms that although suffering is a tragic reality, it can also be redemptive, an opportunity to draw near to the God who has, in the cross of Jesus, drawn near to us. Stauros sees it this way. Stauros' purpose is "to promote the study of the theology of the cross and the theology of suffering, and through the knowledge gleaned ..., to challenge the problem of human suffering." It shows those who suffer the respect that good students show their teachers, and the attention that faithful servants show to those they serve.

I am tempted to suggest that such an organization shouldn't exist. I don't mean that it shouldn't be allowed to exist, but that it's amazing that it can exist in a culture which denies its basic premise. Stauros stands as a sign of contradiction in a world which regards suffering as an absurdity, and treats sufferers as embarrassments. It affirms that those who bear the cross have not, in God's eyes, lost their human dignity and sacred worth. And it invites those of us who are called to help them shoulder their burden to display the warmth and grace of the Good Samaritan and the businesslike efficiency of Simon of Cyrene.

Reflections on Stauros As a Creative Force

Stauros represents for me a creative outburst from the center of the Congregation of the Passion. This center is rooted in announcing the love of God towards this world as manifested in Jesus' saving death. It is maintained by a charismatic spirit of prayer, penance, poverty and solitude as well as a commitment to hospitality. These were the unique endowments of Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionists, that are refashioned in every age and culture.

Stauros USA had its origin in the vision of Harry Gielen who along with the Passionist General Chapter shaped Stauros International. However, it had a unique development under the inspiration of Flavian and the rich environment of CTU where it flourished. As Flave's provincial consultor and as Provincial I watched Stauros grow, and became a firm believer in the power of this organization to explore the meaning of suffering and understand its role in the community, especially the community of the disabled. It has been a resource for all interested in the mission of Stauros as well as a pastoral outreach to those who are suffering.

During my years as Provincial with a heavy mandate to close large monasteries I felt that the community's strength was in the insight and grace of its membership, especially those with prophetic voices. Such were Flavian with Stauros USA, and Thomas Berry with the Riverdale Center for Religious Studies as well as the leaders of the Houses of Prayer and Specialized Ministries. These were manifestations of the power and wisdom bound up in the heart of the community that breaks through the boundaries of ordinary life.

On this twenty-fifth anniversary, it is a privilege to reflect on Stauros USA as someone from within the Passionist community at its inception, and from outside that community as I serve in the New Jersey Criminal Justice System those who are victims of crime. I bring the same resources to help those who are suffering loss from violent and inexplicable crimes. While Stauros has evolved under new and capable leadership, it still summons us to develop the gifts, graces and resources within us to carry out its spirit. This spirit, like the almond symbol of Stauros, is a creative force for good in all of us waiting to flare forth no matter who we are or where life's journey takes us.

Reflection from Paul Brand, M.D.

My first contact with Stauros was in the early '80's when dear Flavian Dougherty made contact with me, I think it was after he had read one of my books, and he invited me to speak at the seminar on pain which was held in 1981 at St. Thomas University in Houston. I shall never forget that seminar and how it helped to focus in my own mind some of the spiritual benefits of physical pain and the wonderful design of the human body.

It was a joy to be with Flavian and with the others who emphasized how even the sufferings of Jesus Christ were endured "for the joy that was set before him."

I remember the meaningful discussion on the significance of pain as it was brought to that same seminar by Sister Therese Varnier from the St. Christopher's Hospice in London, England. That seminar helped me to bring these thoughts together in my books with Philip Yancey, In His Image, and later, Pain, the Gift Nobody Wants.

In a culture such as ours, which looks upon pain as an essentially bad thing demanding immediate relief, it is great to have an organization that focuses on the Passion of our Lord, and on the disciplines that we need in our lives to find the meaning of pain, and the need to become sensitive to all who suffer.

Congratulations on your twenty-fifth birthday!

Reflections from a Past President of Stauros International

My first-hand contact with Stauros USA occurred on the occasion of its 1981 move, under Flavian Dougherty, to Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Flavian brought a needed activism to Stauros, as he focused on persons with disabilities. This undoubtedly aroused my interest and support. But as I became more acquainted with the European roots of Stauros, especially through Harry Gielen, I came to realize the broad appeal it was capable of regarding the suffering human condition. I saw the genius of enlisting the best that our human community could muster to address the problem of suffering--whether that resided in the Catholic or any other religious tradition--indeed, even should it emerge from the midst of non-believers.

I admire the creative inventiveness that has stirred Stauros USA from its very inception: the congresses on suffering that Flavian organized, the publication of the Stauros Notebook, the joint Israel program it sponsors with C.T.U. for those with disabilities, the meetings it developed for those facing prospects of aging and dying, and, most recently, the move into cable T.V., and internet.

There is no end to the potential of Stauros. So long as suffering stalks our lives, we will need to bring to bear the best thought and action available to engage it. As Stauros moves into the internet, it has at its disposal a better way of reaching the very persons it anxiously cares about. The internet is the ideal way for the home-bound to get in touch with its message. This holds true for all those care-givers, about whom Stauros also has a concern, who can hopefully gain access to Stauros chat rooms so as to recharge their batteries and lift their spirits in the midst of their challenging ministry and profession. This is the future that awaits Stauros.

Witness Through Stauros

My first awareness of STAUROS USA was as a result of my role on the Lay Advisory Board of the Passionist Retreat House in Louisville, Kentucky. Francis Cusack, CP, rector at that time, shared with the Board his understanding of STAUROS USA. It was a goal of Francis that the Louisville house sponsor programs related to the purposes of STAUROS USA. He invited Flavian Dougherty to come to Louisville and explain STAUROS USA.

Unfortunately I was out of town and unable to attend that meeting so I never met Flavian. I was, however, asked to chair a committee to examine the implementation of a STAUROS USA project. I invited community leaders involved in the helping professions, theologians, philosophers, and those who suffered. We explored issues and looked at possible programs.

About this time Sebastian MacDonald, CP, was organizing a Board of Directors for STAUROS USA. He met with me and asked me to serve on this new Board. I became the first President of the Board of Directors of STAUROS USA.

It was during this time that I was still grieving the death of my dear husband of twenty-eight years. STAUROS USA in those early days gave voice to my experience. I understood suffering from a lived experience rather than from that of a caregiver who cared for others.

The STAUROS USA experiences that have been the most meaningful to me are the opportunities to hear my fellow board members witness to God's grace in their lives and trials. It has been an enriching experience.

I see STAUROS USA having the potential to be a source of encouragement, dialogue and information among people who suffer and those involved with them.

Browsing along the Path of Events

In 1978 I was elected as President of the Stauros Int'l Board. I accepted the responsibility with keen interest, realizing that the General Secretary was the de facto leader.

When I look back on the twenty-five years, I am amazed. Stauros has developed in so many ways. Let me tell you about some of them. In 1975 Stauros held a Congress in Rome on "The Wisdom of the Cross." In 1979 a Congress on "The Meaning of Human Suffering" was held at Notre Dame. Other Congresses followed; topics included "Pain," "Homelessness," "Powerlessness," "Disabilities," "Marginal Life," and "Suffering in Latin America." Locations varied from Chicago to New York to Pittsburgh to Houston to Brazil.

Flavian involved Stauros in ministry to and with persons with disabilities. This resulted in the very successful Israel Bible Study Program for Persons with Disabilities which is so capably led by Donald Senior, CP.

The Stauros Notebook was initiated in 1982 and continues to be a major program for Stauros.

I like to think that Stauros has achieved so much because the founders recognized the special contributions individuals can make (e.g., Harry Gielen and Flavian Dougherty). So also others who know the needs in their own areas can devise programs suitable for their several areas. In this way Stauros is in the best situation to decide on how to assist the suffering people of each area.

Flavian died in 1990 and Ardis Cloutier, OSF, became Director. Harry Gielen resigned and Franz Damen is the new General Secretary of Stauros Int'l. Groundwork has been laid whereon Stauros International and Stauros USA can achieve their goals in the next twenty-five years.

Stauros: A Reflection

Crossroads:
For me, when time and events intersect, crossroads, they often provide a moment to reflect on which way to go. At such an intersection I discovered Stauros. Someone, I do not remember who it was, perhaps one of those hovering angels I still acknowledge, beckoned me to a weekend, sponsored by Stauros, at Rosary College.

Lead Kindly Light:
I went; I listened; Stauros conquered; and the rest is history. I met its founder: Flavian Dougherty and his friend, Fidelis Connolly, modern counterparts of Benet Keiran, the first Passionist priest I ever had the joy of knowing. These good men opened the gates of Stauros to me, and I entered, grateful at last to find a place where suffering was not an embarrassment, a kind of shame which many are forced to bear as Jesus bore his cross.

Instead, Stauros introduced me to a pantheon of Staurosians (to coin a word). Such joyful, purposeful people as Harold Wilke and Austin Smith. Later, Carroll Stuhlmueller, Don Senior, Ken O'Malley, to mention only a few of the individuals who helped alter my direction.

And so, Stauros has entered my life at crucial moments, at crossroads, where suffering and rejection have intersected to lead me into deeper, more meaningful experiences which had eluded me, save for the presence and spirit of Stauros.

Reflection on Stauros USA

My first contact with Stauros USA was through the Congress on the Mystery of Suffering. In 1982 Flavian Dougherty, CP, was a presenter for the Victorious Missionaries annual conference. Later, when I was on the Formation Staff for the Oblate House of Theology in Chicago, I had the opportunity to have close contact with Stauros.

The Stauros Notebook has, over the years, been very helpful to me. Also, I have made two of the Bible Study Programs for Persons with Disabilities. This made scripture come alive in a new way in my life. The quality of this program is excellent. I hope it will continue to be a part of the future of Stauros.

There has been a good relationship between Stauros and the Victorious Missionaries. We have worked together to share ideas and resources for the benefit of persons with disabilities. I would hope that the future of Stauros will be to bring hope to the Christian community, looking forward to the day when we will be ministering in a Church without barriers. I hope that Stauros will be a part of the help we will need to foster the unique talents, abilities and skills of each of us, so that some day there will be an endless circle of inclusion of all people, no matter what their disabilities. Stauros will help bring about a wholesome presence of God to all the people of God.

Gratitude to Stauros

While the articles in the Notebook have been inspiring, it was my pilgrimage to the Holy Land that is most memorable to me.

Despite my disabilities, this was the trip of a lifetime. Mass in a Bethlehem cave, kissing the spot where Jesus is said to have been born, visiting the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth and the Church of the Beatitudes near the Sea of Galilee, celebrating a liturgy on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and taking a boat ride across the Sea...all culminated with the Way of the Cross which ended in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher: these were all highlights of the journey.

But very special elements were Don Senior's narratives and the reading of Scripture passages relative to the sites we were visiting. These made the Gospels come alive for me even today. Forever, I am grateful to Stauros for making this trip possible.

Reflections of the Chair of the Planning Committee

As a member of the Passionist community, I was aware of Stauros from its inception. I had the good fortune to live with Flavian Dougherty, and was on one of the first advisory boards that Flave set up.

Stauros tries to connect the Passion to the world today, whether it is the secular or the sacred dimension, and to give meaning to that reality.

Two years ago Stauros sponsored a series of panels, in which people from various generations, religious traditions, walks of life, shared the importance of their faith with one another. Each group of 4 or 5 was ably coordinated by a facilitator. Every segment dealt with issues such as suffering, death, faith, spirituality, hope, etc. It was truly an amazing accomplishment to have these strangers share with one another at the deepest level. Personally, every segment was like a retreat experience. The segments were aired on Chicago Cable Access to be viewed by 35,000 households. This was the most exciting and meaningful experience of Stauros for me.

I feel Stauros is at a crossroads. It is a marvelous organization with an important mission. It seems to be at a point that answers the question "to be or not to be?" To be--it needs to expand and extend its reach. It has to decide if it wants to live if it is willing to embrace new technological utilities to share the good news. I think if it wants to live and share the "good news" the only answer is "Yes."

A Stroll through Stauros International

There are active Stauros affiliates in four countries: Belgium, Italy, Spain and the United States. In Louvain, Belgium, Harry Gielen began, and Franz Damen continues, publishing an extensive biblio-graphy of publications on the Passion, on suffering, and on related subjects. This comprehensive study is done in five languages.

The Italian sector of Stauros, which is ably directed by Adriano DiBonaventura, CP, concentrates on collecting and exhibiting art depicting suffering. Adriano has prepared several exhibitions of such art; these are displayed at the Shrine of St. Gabriel, Isola del Gran Sasso, Italy. The exhibitions are open to the public at specified times.

In Spain Stauros focuses on translating articles on the Passion, on suffering, and on related articles from English, French, German, Italian, and other languages into Spanish. These are published in a compact little journal called, STAUR S, Teolog¡a de la Cruz (Stauros, Theology of the Cross). Pablo Garc¡a, CP, whose reflections on Stauros appeared earlier, was responsible for most of these translations, and edited the publication, for many years. More recently, Jos‚ Luis Quintero, CP, has assumed this position.

Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends of Stauros,

This walk through twenty-five years of Stauros has not followed an exact itinerary. Rather, it has taken us on a rather sporadic journey, with a stop here and a stop there, a look back here, a look ahead there, a voice from the past here, a voice from the present there. We hope that these reflections, culled from people with various associations with Stauros, have given you a more complete picture of this unique ministry to and with persons who suffer. Space did not allow us to publish all the reflections we received, but we will treasure them lovingly and hope to publish them in a future issue.

And so, Stauros, begins its twenty-sixth year, marching into the twenty-first century, winding its way through the curves and turns of traditional technology, and, while continuing the tradition, finding itself on the exciting road of cyberspace.

You, too, are very likely moving down that same road, and we need to know a little about your journey. For that reason, we are asking you to complete the questionnaire enclosed with this Notebook. To encourage you to respond to the questionnaire, we have made it easy. Not only are we making it easy but we are adding one further caveat. If we do not receive your questionnaire, we will assume you no longer wish to receive the Stauros Notebook. This sounds harsh and unfeeling, but please be assured that we do not mean it to be. We do not want to lose any of our readers. You are our friends, and we love you. We look forward to receiving your questionnaires, and to continuing to send the Stauros Notebook to you.

We need your help to continue our tradition, to move forward, and to implement new programs. You have been generous to Stauros before, and we are convinced that you will be generous again. Please consider giving Stauros an Anniversary Gift. It will confirm that Stauros has been important in your life. We count on your goodness and we know you will respond.

Thank you for walking with us through this Stauros journey, and for walking with us through these years. We have loved taking this walk and sharing our history with you, and we look forward to continuing the walk.