QUESTION10

Who is the Webmaster and is he or she a member of the Holy Family Institute?

This is Barbara Helm, the keeper of our Website. I'll be happy to tell you about my experience with the Holy Family Institute. I learned about the Holy Family Institute through the Daughters of St.Paul, who had a bookstore here in Baton Rouge, LA., about 12 years ago. The news that I might be able to consecrate my life to God, by taking public vows, even though I was married and the mother of 5 children, seemed like the answer to my prayers.

I contacted Fr. Tom, who patiently wrote to me over the next few months, explaining the Institute, until I decided that God wanted me to take this great step in my life. Looking back, I now know that I had nothing to be afraid of. The Constitutions of the Holy Family Institute were developed with the input of Catholic, married couples. The Holy Family prayer life and apostolate are both designed to blend easily with traditional family life. And because our most important "apostolate" is our marriage and family, there are no conflicts between the two vocations.

My husband, Boyd, a doctor by profession, was wary at first but joined the Institute two years after me. He made his perpetual profession in September of 1997. Boyd says that he feels very blessed to have been invited into this special relationship with Our Lord.

Fr. Tom Fogarty, our Superior, did not assign me to the task of beginning this Website. I asked to do this and developed the Website with the input and support of my son, Eric and the expertise and unfailing patience of his friend, Al Morales. Boyd and I began and maintain this Website because we want everyone to know about the Holy Family Institute. This is a wonderful privilege that the Catholic Church has made available to married couples, for the first time in its 2,000 year history.

The Pauline Family consists of 10 religious Institutions, started by Venerable James Alberione, early in this century, in Alba, Italy. Thousands of Pauline priests, Religious and Co-operators are spreading the Gospel, all over the world, everyday. And now that I am a member of the Holy Family Institute, my entire family shares in all of the prayers and good works of these holy men and women. Frankly, it was an offer I couldn't refuse. I will never regret my decision to become part of this great, holy family.