Five years ago I stood on the stage at World Youth Day, receiving the applause of 2,500 cheering young people. Although this was an exhilarating and inspiring moment, I had no idea at the time that it marked a milestone for Saint Luke Productions. Because of our experience there, we have dedicated ourselves to providing opportunities for youth to join us in our mission of evangelizing the culture through the drama.

Since that time we have hired 10 outstanding people between the ages of 19 and 25 who have enriched our organization with their faith, energy and dedication. Last year was a particular turning point, for we hired 19 year old Maggie Mahrt to perform the role of Therese of Lisieux with Melissa Core age 21 as her technical assistant. What a huge step in faith that was! Here we were sending out two young women on their own to take on the overwhelming responsibilities of a national tour. The results were phenomenal - audiences and sponsors everywhere were impressed with their professionalism and especially their faith. In an age where the younger generation is commonly seen as apathetic and valueless, these young people give communities across the country a renewed hope in the future. They represent a generation that is hungry for a depth and purpose to life that they have not found in the secular world, and come to Saint Luke Productions ready to give their lives to God.

Saint Luke wants to provide a place where talented young people can serve God through stage, video, and film productions that proclaim the message of Christ in a highly professional and artistic way. Every day we receive letters from actors, directors, marketing experts, producers, and others who want to join us. I have 19 years of experience producing theater and video dramas with a Catholic message, and I want to include others in this creative work.

I believe that the involvement of young people is a central focus of the ministry of Saint Luke Productions. Of course we need to pay these individuals a living wage, and as our organization grows, so do our expenses. But it is so worth it when you see what Maggie has brought to audiences by her inspiring performance as Therese, and her example of faith and prayer. Jessica Kroll is her new technical assistant this year. A 19 year old talented musician from Minnesota, she has decided to dedicate a year of her life to this ministry. We have also hired 25 year old Brian Shields to travel with me as my technical assistant. He has a degree in marketing and is an experienced actor himself, and we are excited to see what his enthusiastic attitude will bring to Saint Luke. Please pray for these young people. As time goes on and if God wills, we hope to incorporate more talented youth into our community. We are trying to build a working environment that is based in prayer and spiritual growth.

We need your help to provide an opportunity for young people to produce theater, film and video dramas that spread the message of the Gospel. Please support Saint Luke Productions with your prayers and generous financial donations. Let’s do something together for this new generation, who will enrich us all through the inspiring dramas they will produce.

God bless you,

When we got to Great Falls on our anniversary, I found it hard to let go of all the worries and concerns that I had left behind.  I had a very anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach.  But I knew that the only cure for that was prayer, and so we found a church that was open, and went inside.  Our plan was after that to go out for a nice dinner, and then to see a movie.  We had looked at the scheduled films at the local cinema, and found one that everyone had said was great.  However it was rated R, and since I have developed this hypersensitivity to graphic or violent images, I was a bit wary about how the film would affect me.

As I sat in church, I had this nagging feeling that I was going to regret going to this movie.  But I said to God, "How fanatical am I getting anyway?  Can't I even go to see a movie without all this guilt?  This is getting ridiculous.  I just want to relax and have a good time on our anniversary.  Is there anything wrong with that?  Oh forget it.  I am just going to go and stop worrying about it.   If you don't want me to go just stop me."

We had a lovely meal and set off for the theater.  When we drove up it was late and the coming attractions were just about finished so we rushed into the store next door to get some cash, since they didn't take credit cards.  While we were there it started to rain.  It started to POUR.  In fact it was coming down so hard that you could not see outside at all.  Then in five minutes it was over, and we headed back outside, where there was this tremendous rainbow in the sky.  This should have given me an idea of the power of God, but it wasn't until I entered the lobby that I was overwhelmed with His control of the universe, and His love for me.  When we came in the whole place was completely dark---the power had been knocked out and nobody was going to see any movies that night.  "Well," I said to God, "That certainly was dramatic.  You really didn't need to go to all that trouble.  All for little me!"

We went back to the motel a couple of miles away, where the power was still on, and watched an old movie on TV.  I must say that God certainly has a sense of humor, and that night I laughed right along with Him.

Thank you Lord, for caring about the smallest details of my life, and listening to my prayers.

THERESE: THE STORY OF A SOUL Video.

Budget: $250,000

This new video will bring our powerful live drama to television audiences. Production planned for  1999.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN Live Drama.

Budget: $40,000

To be performed by Leonardo Defilippis for the celebration and the 2000 year anniversary of Christ’s birth, and also the 20th anniversary of Saint Luke Productions. Call for scheduling info. 

A NEW HOME FOR SAINT LUKE

We need a facility that will encompass office, rehearsal space, storage, housing for young people, and a home for our family.  Someplace out in the country around Portland, Oregon is our dream.  Please pray for this intention and let us know if you can help.