Parish mission to be held Sept. 10-12 in Coon Rapids

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
August 31, 2006

COON RAPIDS/DEDHAM - A parish mission will be hosted by Annunciation Parish in Coon Rapids and St. Joseph's Parish in Dedham Sept. 10 through 12 at Annunciation Church.

Each night will begin at 7 p.m. with a prayer led by Father Anthony Pick, pastor at Annunciation and St. Joseph Parishes, followed a one-hour presentation by Michael Cumbie.

"I am the one who looked into bringing this man to our parish," said Martha Stout, organizer of the parish mission. "I approached Father Pick and then the church board for permission. I invited him by phone call and Father Pick wrote the letter. When I spoke with Michael about coming to our parish he explained that he usually conducted a mission of varying lengths, so it was decided that he would come for three days."

Cumbie will also attend the Masses on the weekend to give a preview of the nights to come. He is from Foley, Ala. and will speak on his conversion and the rich tradition of the Catholic faith.

"My husband and I traveled to Medugorje after this past Christmas and Michael was a part of our tour group," said Stout. "He shared his conversion story and I was captivated with his enthusiasm and obvious joyful love of our faith and wanted an opportunity for our parish to experience that through Michael and his story."

According to his Web site, "Cumbie is an experienced speaker, musician and worship leader who will inspire audiences with his knowledge, wit and sense of humor. Although a Protestant pastor for 23 years, Michael ultimately realized that to be truly in one accord with 'ancient historic' Christian practice, means to be in union with Rome, where the chair of the successor of St. Peter is located."

Stout explained that she hopes people attending gain "a renewed enthusiasm and desire for our faith; to run out and shout from the rooftops the gloriousness that comes with being in love with a faith that was given by Jesus Christ to all who wish to follow him."

The Web site also stated that in 2001, Cumbie and his three children were received into the Catholic Church. Cumbie's wife, Sherry, came back to the Catholic Church that day as well, after a 28-year absence.

One testimonial on the Web site stated that, "These converts seem to know much more about our faith than we 'cradle Catholics' do. It was so refreshing to hear him tell what drew him to Catholicism, the reasons we often take for granted, and take so lightly. Michael's talks made me want to learn more about my faith."

Another testimonial noted that, "Michael's delivery was humorous and fast-paced. He was so interesting and told us so many facts that really started us thinking about our faith and what 'true worship' is."

"Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend for it is in bringing the faith back home to their children that our Catholic faith will continue to grown and prosper," said Stout. "Please join us for an opportunity to share and grow in our faith through the eyes of Michael Cumbie. There will be a freewill offering during the program."

For more information about Cumbie, check out his Web site at http://www.mikecumbie.org.