Saturday, June 21, 2008

Bring Out the Big Guns

Greetings to all. Today was a day of rest for our little family. They left Baby Cate alone all day, well, I say they left her alone, I mean they did not try any operations. They are constantly working her 24 hours a days for the past eight days. Dr. Salazar, her Surgeon, came by today to check in on her. The plan was to try again to ween her off the machine again tomorrow, but he said her lungs still look pretty bad and that her valve needs to stop leaking. He said he can't do anything until her lungs get better, he said he can possibly work on that valve if necessary, but the lungs are going to be up to Cate, with a little help from the staff. He said that he is going to let her rest again tomorrow and to be honest that is fine with me, I don't know if Ali and I can take another stressful day of waiting on news and being let down if its not good, it is just a very difficult thing to go through. He also seemed different today in the way that he talked about Baby Cate being on the Ecmo machine, he said that he has known kids on the machine for up to 30 days, AGGGHHHHH! Doctors, you love them one minute and could squeeze them VERY hard the next minute. Everything else (besides her lungs) on Cate looks fine, her brain is good, well she is a Cantrell, so she does have superior intelligence and is extremely strong willed. Ali said today that we have pulled out the BIG GUNS and we have a "small" altar growning at the head of Baby Cate's bed. It now contains First Class relics of Blessed Seelos and St. Therese (thanks Missy), it also has a really pretty crucifix that one of our couple friends gave us for Cate. I got word today that news of Baby Cate has reached Rome, the Mother Superior of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows was called by one of this sisters that we know. Mother Superior said that she would spread the word and told the sister to get a First Class relic of their Foundress Blessed Elisabetta Renzi and to send it to us, it will be arriving tomorrow, and so the altar grows! Dr. Salazar said he would recommend St. Rose of Lima, that's his personal favorite, I don't know anyone who has a relic of her, so if anyone out there wants to add to Baby Cate's reliquary (just let me know:) My goal is to get is all the way to the top, THE POPE! Ali continues to decorate her room. She has now started take quotes from your comments and putting them on scrapbooking paper and putting them around Baby Cate's room. Becca, Ali's youngest sister, brought Cate a pearl braclet and the nurse put it on Baby Cate last night, so Cate is stylin in the CVICU! Today, was a huge day of confirmations on the spirtual attack that was occuring. It was happening throughout our spiritual family, and I got so many comments and emails about it, so we must remain vigilant and aware of the attacks on our hope and pray strongly against it. Baby Cate is a very strong force for the Kingdom of God at the ripe old age of 7 months. I got an email today from someone who said they had not been to church in a few years except on certain occasions to keep their family happy and because of Baby Cate's journey, went to Church last Sunday and is anxious to go again this Sunday. We also had a comment on the blog from someone who had never prayed and they have started because of Cate, and just so you know whoever you are, your doing it right!!! and that they would be going to church for the first time this weekend. Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever for Baby Cate, she is bring us to our knees and to the love of the Father. I say this because I want to reaffirm the fact she is a powerful force for God and therefore her little life will be under attack, so continue to pray for her protections and healing. Also, the prayer request for tonight, please pray that Baby Cate's lungs dry out SOON and that her valve stops leaking. Thank you for continuing to run this race with us. We love you all.

82 comments:

Anonymous said...



BABY CATE FUND INFO::

So often we find ourselves in these situations wondering what we can do to help.... and now we have been given the opportunity to do just that! We can pray (through intercession, fasting and sacrificing, masses being offered and holy hours) and we can rally up around this great family and ask the Lord for financial provision. Be a part of something great in Prayer AND in Deed!!!

IF YOU BANK AT CHASE...::
You can walk in to any Chase Bank and fill out a deposit slip with their account name and number and it will be deposited on the spot. Or you can do it online at www.chase.com
Account Name:: Catherine Cantrell
Account Bank:: CHASE Bank*
Account #:: 2910552567
(It may be necessary to indicate the account was started in TX when donating online)

IF YOU DO NOT BANK AT CHASE::
You can go to ANY bank and have funds wired to the CHASE account. You will need to let your bank know that funds need to be wired to:
Bank:: Chase Bank
Bank Routing Number:: 111000614
Account Name:: Catherine Cantrell
Account Number:: 2910552567

If you have any questions call chase bank at: 1-888-MYCHASE or contact me (info below)

Thank you so very much for your generosity and support.
Please keep praying and spreading the word of prayer and financial support to others!!!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE GLOBE:: United in hope and prayer for Baby Cate and the Cantrell Family.
We are trying to get the name of at least one family in each state in the US (and any other countries around the globe) that will/already have committed to praying for Cate and the Cantrell family.

JOIN UP!!! Post your family name, city and state, and we will compile it from the blog or you can email it to maureen@adoreworship.com

DONT STOP BELIEVIN’

AL:: Wright Family - Lexington, AL
AK::
AZ:: LIFE TEEN family - Phoenix, AZ
AR:: Ferguson Family - Little Rock, AR
CA:: Davidson Family - San Diego, CA
CO:: Clark Family - Denver, CO
CT::
DE::
FL:: Daughters of St. Paul - Miami, FL
and Nixon Family - West Palm Beach, FL
GA:: LTCovecrest - Tiger, GA/Euch Congress
HI::
ID::
IL:: Conley Family - Chicago, IL
IN:: Kocheiser-Schuler Family - Pendleton, IN
IA::
KS::
KY::
LA:: umm pretty much everyone
ME:
MD::
MA:: Daughters of St. Paul - Boston, MA
and Green Family - Boston, MA
MI:: Gallagher Family - Ann Arbor, MI
MN:: Sampson Family - Willmar, MN
MS::
MO:: McCullough Family - St. Louis, MO
MT::
NE:: Intercessors of the Lamb- Omaha, NE
NV:: Ermel Family - Las Vegas, NV
NH::
NJ:: Mitchel Family - Englewood, NJ
NM::
NY:: Thompson Family - New York, NY
NC:: Curran Family - Raleigh, NC
ND:: Young Disciples - Fargo, ND
OH:: Franciscan University - Steubenville, OH
OK::
OR::
PA:: Theology of the Body Institute - Exton, PA
& Lesnefsky Family - Pittsburgh, PA
RI::
SC:: Julie Family - Rock Hill, SC
SD::
TN:: Gallagher Family - Nashville, TN
TX:: Hickman Family - Houston, TX
UT::
VT::
VA:: Beeman Family - Williamsburg, VA
WA::
WV::
WI:: Duff Family - Oshkosh, WI
WY::
******INTERNATIONAL*******
AFRICA (Ghana) - USMC 4th Med Batallion and their partner unit in Ghana
AUSTRALIA (Wollongong) - Panell Family
AUSTRALIA (Sydney) - Cardinal George Pell
CANADA (Abbotsford) - Khym Family
CHILE (Santiago) - Oconnor Family
FRANCE (Paris) - Gaye Family
INDIA - Coelho Family
IRELAND (Donnegal) Gallagher Family
POLAND (Cracow) - Pollak Family and OLL Rosary Group (baby "kasia")
ROME - Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST!
If anyone out there has a contact at AT & T Wireless Company we are trying to see if we can get the Cantrell’s phone bill waived or minimized for the month. If you have any information please contact us::

maureen@adoreworship.com
504.813.9517

Teresa said...

You know, I was thinking earlier today that Cate, at her tender age, has already brought many people to Christ, and how many of us adults have accomplished that? It is so exciting to see what God has done and continues to do! Thank you, Charlie and Ali, for opening up this whole experience with Cate to the rest of the world by sharing this journey OF FAITH with us. Your complete abandonment TO God is a real witness, especially in the midst of the attack!
"I can breathe because You spoke to me,
I can move because You carry me,
You put your life in me, gave me my destiny.
I am nothing without You."
- (from Ben's new CD, which I will send you)
Teresa Walther

Anonymous said...

Hi-- I teach with Wendi and have been following your blog. I am working at Stubenville South this weekend and there are flyers all over the place to pray for Cate. They are also telling all the kids when they think they have nothing to pray for to think about Cate. There are about 4500 people at Stubenville this weekend so I know there are a lot of people praying for her. God is with you this weekend! keep the Faith!

Callie Hardy
calliehardy@charter.net

Anonymous said...

Ali & Charlie,
I have a rosary that is blessed by Pope John-Paul II, that's the closest I can get to the Pope. This is the rosary I use to pray for Baby Cate!! If you all want it I will mail it to you. Please say the word & it's Baby Cate's.
We are praying hard, Jolette Poche'

Anonymous said...

I received an email regarding baby Cate. She is so precious! I will pray for Cate and your family each and every day! I will also pray for all the doctors and nurses who tend to baby Cate as they give her the utmost care! Do not give up hope-if you find yourself down, just look at your sweet baby girl and know that she is a precious gift from God. He is watching over her each and every second!

I have seen God's work on a 4 year old little girl - doctors thought the worst, but after some surgeries, she is going home, and will be just fine!

With all of our love and support from Debbie in Granbury, TX.

Anonymous said...

obviously, SO many of us check back to the blog all day long,...longing for your words of wisdom, your words of hope, and your words of..well, BEYOND human understanding, your words of peace. Yes, she is REteaching us believers,...and reminding us of the joy of being in constant communication with God, on His daughter's behalf. We continue...and we pray you on!!!

TXadventureGirl said...

I just wanted you to know that I prayed for Cate and your family today in the Cathedral of Mexico City. It is a grand place with many saints now at her side.

Ashley Duran

Anonymous said...

Charlie, I have only met you once, briefly, when you came to school to bring Ali some flowers with Cate in tote. Actually that was our only encounter. I know that from conception, Cate was placed in your care because he knew that you would do like Joseph and take the job seriously. He knew that you would be like Peter and lead the congregation. Your family is so blessed to have you at the helm. Know that we all wait for your posts for updates and inspiration. Knowing Ali, I can see why God put you two together, you complement each other. To both of you I extend my faith, hope, love, and prayers. For Cate, I will continue to pray every Novena I can find.
Marie Duplechin

Anonymous said...

Hey Ali and Charlie
I am so happy to hear hope back in your words. Like you said before Cate is a Cantrell and she is a fighter. She just needs to rest her little heart. We need her heart to be as stong as it can be to face all the heartaches life brings. Your family is constantly in our prayers. Benjamin says her name all the time. They say a child's prayer is powerful and he has done a lot of that.
We continue praying for all of you.
Love the Dupres
Amy, Ben and Benjamin

Also, all family, friends and support staff of The Cantrell's. Ali's Girls are having a candlelight prayer service in honor of Baby Cate. The service will be held at the Rayne Depot at 7:30p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come and continue the prayer chain for Baby Cate. Cate's godfather will be leading us in a rosary at 8:15. Thanks, Amy

Anonymous said...

Hi, Ali.

This is Laura Williams from J. Wallace James Elementary. I just found out about Cate this Friday. I wanted you and your family to know that my family and I are praying for Baby Cate. Keep staying strong. God is always there for all of us when we need him and your faith in God and the faith of everyone who is praying for Cate WILL help overcome anything that will try to prevent her from recovering. In the Bible, it said that if we have faith in God the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. With everyone's faith and prays, we are moving mountains in tenfolds for Cate.

God Bless,

Laura, Ashlyn, Adriel, and Tory Williams

Anonymous said...

Sorry everone thank God for friends that proofread. The candlelight rosary will be held tomorrow night which is Sunday night at 7:30p.m. at the Rayne Depot. Thanks Amy Dupre

Anonymous said...

Ever since I received word of your situation I have been reading your daily updates and searching for the right words to say. I have come to the conclusion that I don't have them. So, I have something better! I will share with you my favorite scriptures and hopefully they will encourage you and your family as they have done so many times for me. Here goes:

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Stay positive and keep praying (as will I and so many others)!

Hannah Briggs
JWJ

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

I would like to send the first class relic from Blessed Seelos if you don't already have one. A cross from the Seelos Center and holy water from the Church. If you are in need let me know and I will mail ASAP.

Ms. Jo

PS: Just text my phone.

Anonymous said...

I am not Catholic and do not have the same beliefs in saints as you but I do - like you - believe in God and the power of prayer. My family is praying to our Savior Jesus for Cate.

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali,

Thank you for the update. We check the blog often so it is so great to know that you will keep us informed on Baby Cate's progress. We are praying for your family and also to keep the evil spirits away from the hospital and Baby Cate. Please continue keeping us informed and we will never stop praying for your family. Prayers will never stop even when you are back home in Rayne where you belong. We love you guys and just want to let you know how special you guys are. The way you write Charlie is awesome. You can really tell that the Holy Spirit is with you and quiding you through all you are going through. You have been a great influence to all of the children that you brought to God through Life Teen and by example. Just thought you should know that. Love you Janet & Randy

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
I have been following your heartbreaking journey since the beginning. My heart goes out to your family. And what a beautiful family you have...Ella, Dude and Cate. As a mother of two small children, my youngest just adores her older sister. Please think about having Ella and Dude record a special message for their sister. I am sure Cate would love to hear their sweet voices! Stay hopeful. I am praying hard for baby Cate.

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
I justed wanted to say that Cate has done the Lord work at only seven months. It is amazing to see how many people she as brought closer to God, no matter their chosen religion. (My family is not Catholic) As Gavin said, that's so awesome that people are talking to God because of Baby Cate. We are praying to God daily for your baby and continue hope.
Love the Reyes Family

amy said...

I am still praying and checking in to hear how your sweet Cate is doing. She sure is lovely! :) I'm also praying for you as a couple. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to walk this road. God is faithful. Just remember to look to the cross and what Jesus did for us. He alone is our hope and strength. I pray that you will see Him at work in the tiniest of details and feel His presence so strongly with you and sweet Cate.

God bless you!

P.S. Like I've said before, I don't know you but I recieved a link to your site and just fell in love with your girl. :) It is a priveledge to pray for each one of you.

The Maturin 5 said...

Your little sweetie has brought some many people to Jeuus! I am sure of it! Conversions are happening all over the whole world and she is bringing me personally closer to Jesus, daily! I will continue to pray for your family and for her little lungs to be healed.
Thank you Jesus!
Stacey Maturin

Anonymous said...

Good Evening Charlie and Ali,
OUr prayers are still with you and Baby Cate. My 5 yr old asked me what I was looking at on the computer and I told her an old friend of mine's little girl was sick. She said oh, that is sad. I said let's pray for Baby Cate and she said " Dear God please make Baby Cate all Better and make Saten go away." She made me smile and say another prayer of my own.

God Bless and we love you,
Selina (Logan's Mom)

Anonymous said...

All I CAN SAY TODAY IS THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH INSPIRING PEOPLE. SOMETIMES WE FORGET HOW FAST WE LET THE LITTLE THINGS BOTHER US. FOR INSTANCE TODAY MY SON DYLAN KNOCKED OVER HIS PLATE, THEN HE DROPPED HIS CUP OF MILK AND I WANTED TO SCREAM. THEN I STOPPED AND THOUGHT ABOUT YOU AND ALI AND OF COURSE BABY CATE, AND THOUGHT LOOK WHAT YA'LL ARE GOING THROUGH HOW CAN I BE SO SELFISH. I GOT ANGRY WITH MYSELF FOR GETTING WORKED UP ABOUT SOMETHING SO LITTLE AND MEANINGLESS. SO I PRAYED FOR MYSELF AND FOR YOU GUYS BECAUSE YA'LL MADE ME REALIZE THAT THOSE LITTLE THINGS DO NOT MATTER ANYMORE. I WILL CHERSIH THEM ALL NOW, THANK YOU. I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY EVERYDAY NOW. I STILL REMEMBER WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT ALI BEING PREGNANT, I WAS SO THRILLED FOR YOU GUYS. I CALLED TO WISH HER LUCK. SHE WAS SO EXCITED. SO ALI KEEP GLOWING FOR BABY CATE AND STAY STRONG. JUST TO LET YA'LL KNOW CRYSTAL & ED MOODY LIVE BY MY MOM AND DADS HOUSE I GOT THERE AND I SEEN DUDE AND ELLA PLAYING IN THE RAIN WITH THE MOODYS. THEY WERE SMILING AND HAVING A BLAST. YA'LLS KIDS ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!STAY STRONG FOR BABY CATE AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I USE TO CLEAN HOUSES AND NOW I BABYSIT (OF COURSE YOU KNOW THAT)CALL FOR ANY HELP PLEASE
(334-0617) I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YA'LL

GOD BLESS!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

You will have a first class relic of St. Francis of Assissi and Blessed Padre Pio heading your way!!
-Alesha, Julie Sosa, I said a rosary for you all today. Lauren prayed from work and Lacey Davenport is praying from Steubenville.

Much love,

Rebecca Orillion

Anonymous said...

...its like the song goes *cough lala cough* ready "Don't Stop Believe'n" because I know I won't! SMILE!

♥♥♥

Anonymous said...

Charlie (and family):

I'm out visiting some family right now, and I was talking with my cousin, Ben, this afternoon.

Ben was not supposed to live to be two years old, as he has numerous health issues. And yet, he is about to celebrate his 14th birthday. His mother always says he is a testimony to prayer (again and again). He has had 3 strokes in his short life and thousands of seizures. And yet, he is more full of life than most people I know.

He has the mental functioning of someone about 6 or 7 years old, and he has the most pure, beautiful faith of anyone I have ever met. He talks to his "buddy Jesus" all the time and will stand in front of the tabernacle for a long time, lost in prayer, after Mass. He's incredible, and his family always says that it is through prayer that he has made it thus far.

Anyway, back to my story. I was sitting at the table, reading your blog, "Awareness" this morning while he was eating breakfast. I told him about my friend, Baby Cate, who was sick and needed his prayers. The conversation went like this:

Ben: Is she was in the hospital?

Me: Yes, she's been there a while.

Ben: What part of her is sick?

Me: Her heart.

Ben: Is her heart going to be okay?

Me: I don't know, that's why we need to pray for her.

Ben: I think her heart will be alright.

Me: Yeah?

Ben: Yeah, Probably.

Her heart will be okay. I trust Ben. No matter what happens with her physical heart, her heart is already one with God's, in God's hands.

Ben is a child of our Blessed Mother. Each time things start to look bad, his earthly parents hand him over to Mary and ask that God's will be done, even if it means that they will lose their son, which would be hell for them, but heaven (literally) for him. So far that's not what God wants. Ben, like Cate, is a testimony to so many in his life. People are drawn to the purity and simplicity of his faith, and in it, they find their own. My aunt and uncle have the best son they could possibly have, even in his sickness and disability; he has abilities that the rest of us can only yearn for: the ability to bring people to God.

Cate is incredible, and her heart will continue to live on, no matter what, in all of us. Our lives are different because of her. Someday, when she is old enough understand, we can tell her that God truly chose her for something very very special.

With love,
Amy Gunty
Minneapolis, MN
(And Ben Leonard; Burr Ridge, IL)

Anonymous said...

Although I have not met any of you in person, your family is such an inspiration. Baby Cate is very lucky to have you as her parents and you are lucky that God has blessed you with such an amazing baby!! I will continue to pray for Baby Cate and all of you. I hope to meet you all someday=)

God Bless,

Lisa Duff
Oshkosh
asmta

Jamie said...

I look forward to getting your messages daily and to read all the comments. It is uplifting to know so many people of faith. Thanks for getting us on our knees. Still praying for you everyday:) God Bless!

Jamie B.Fonseca

terese said...

Dear Devotee Teresa, Your prayer petition has been placed on the Sacred Altar of St. Philomena, be assured that Cate will be most present in my prayers and that St. Philomena is along with Cate. May God Bless Cate.Through the intercession of St Philomena, The Rector, Sanctuary of Saint Philomena,83027 Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy.Tel: 0039 081 825 7204 Fax: 0039 081 511 2733email:santafilomena@philomena.it Web page: www.philomena.it

Anonymous said...

rujlhPraise God for a somewhat calmer day today and hopefully one tomorrow. We will be praying for little Cate's lungs to clear as well as her heart to get stronger.

I was at church Thursday night. I ran into a lady whose son was in Jake's class. I knew this lady had adopted a baby years ago who had serious heart problems. She and her daughter were both there so I went over to talk to them and ask them to pray for Cate. Emily had very serious heart problems. She was on the Echmo machine for quite a while. Her mom said it was very hard for them to ween her off of it. She had her first surgery when she was 3 days old and was on the echmo machine. The doctors told the mom and dad that she probably wouldn't live very long. She is now 21 years old and a healthy young lady. That was 21 years ago so just think of the progress and advances that have been made in those 21 years.
There are a lot of Arkansans praying for little Cate. How wonderful it is that a 7 month old baby could have SO MANY people praying for her.
Baby CAte is SO VERY BLESSED to have such awesome parents.

Much love and God Bless,
Cathy & Bill

Anonymous said...

We've been anxious for news today. Read your blog this morning and cried - oh my gosh, you are such an inspiration. You do have a way of helping people to put their lives in perspective by sharing your true feelings. We will continue to pray for a miracle and heal Baby Cate. God is definitely using her as an instrument of his peace. You & Ali & Cate have brought so many people back to their faith through this journey. I know that God has his loving arms wrapped around all of you. We will continue to pray for Cate's healing.

Mike & Martha Marse

Brant Christopher said...

Charlie & Ali,
I am sending you SOOO much love!!! You, precious baby Cate, and your entire family are constantly in my prayers. Your family is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and this experience is renewing so many peoples faith - there is beauty in every difficult situation. Thank you for taking the time to share with everyone.
Much love,
Ramey (Sere') Badeaux

Megan Perkins said...

Ali and Charlie,

One of our twins, Mary Beth (4 1/2), walked into our bedroom today and spotted me with my rosary in hand as I was preparing to say the rosary for you. She dashed out without saying a word, and ran back in with her own rosary declaring that we really needed to pray for Baby Cate. (Yes ma'am!)

She sat there the entire time (which anyone with a 4yo knows is no easy task) and diligently said her prayers along with me. It seems as if the entire world is praying for the Cantrells and rooting you along your journey. Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of it.

All our love,

Megan, Jason, Hayes, Mary Elizabeth and Samuel Perkins

Julie said...

Ali and Charlie,
It brings tears to my eyes when I see how powerful our Father is through your beautiful baby Cate. This is amazing. You are going through the toughest times in your young lives right now, and our Father has chosen you both and your child to work for HIM. I am still praying and spreading the word about your family. Rest in the Lord.
Julie

Jen Brown said...

I'm guessing Paul G's already told you, but we're praying for you at the Youth Conferences. We have 2200 kids praying for you all! Peace and grace be with you guys-and healing for Cate!

Jen Brown
FUS Organizer/Associate Director

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

I check you blog constantly and I am still praying and fasting for Baby Cate. God Bless Y'all!

~Kristen Flowers

Anonymous said...

Every blog I read I am touched by how amazing God is! Our family will continue to pray for yours!

Teresa Clark

Anonymous said...

Dear Charlie,
My name is Jill Stigall. I was one of your youths in Sugar Land a couple of years ago. I am so sorry to hear about what is happening to Baby Cate. But God will take care of all things if we let him. I love you and your family and you are definetly in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Dear Ali and Charlie,

I was forwarded the link to Cate’s blog to me by a friend of yours and I’ve spent the last couple of hours reading much of it.

I wept as I learned of your trial. It goes without saying that my prayers are with you and yours. I can only imagine how exhausted you and Cate must be.

Know that awareness of your and Cate’s struggle has reached a bit further and you have yet another extended family raising their voices to God toward her healing, your continued strength and His Holy plan.

May He bless, love and keep you all, always.

Anonymous said...

Greetings all,
I'm remembering first meeting you both years back at the Lesnefsky's when they were in TX and I was visiting from NY. Just want you to know, we have you covered in prayer in Upstate New York through various prayer chains. We are continuing to spread the word internationally and asking God to bless you all with His strength and comfort.

In March, I was present when our Blessed Mother appeared to Ivan, one of the Visionaries of Medjugorje. I have a rosary that was blessed by Our Lady herself that day and I'm using it to pray for Cate - especially tomorrow morning. If you send me the address, I will FedEx it on to you for her bedside.

May God send his angels to guard and protect you and His Spirit to heal your beautiful girl.

Love,
Mary Alice (M.A.)
mhunt@nycap.rr.com

Anonymous said...

Ali and Charlie,

You guys are such an inspiration. Your faith is still soooo stong and unshaken. Kyle and I check the blog several times a day. Charlie, we are awed at your ability to continue to put into words your hope and love for your precious daughter. We all continue to pray as hard as we can. My children light 3 candles today for Cate and asked God as heal her heart. I will offer my Sunday Mass tomorrow for Cate's lungs. We tell everyone we know about Cate's Story. Just this morning, the girls and I were helping to clean St. Leo's Church and we told the other ladies thier with us about Cate and they said that they would begin to pray for her too! Everyone knows and loves Cate ! That is the power of prayer!

With love and Prayer,
Kristina, Kyle and the girls

Anonymous said...

I just learned of baby Cate's condition when this blog was sent to me from someone I worked with at LCE, so the news is being spread to praying people.

Ali, you and Charlie have amazing faith in our Lord. Miracles do happen and my friends, my family and I will be praying for Cate's miracle.

Carrie Walker

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

You have done so much to encourage our continued hope in the Lord and His mighty arm.

Thank you for your generous sharing and the example of faith you are to so many.
We are still standing with you in prayer for Cate's complete recovery.

"Ah, Lord God,you made the heavens and the earth by your great power and your outstretched arm. To You nothing is impossible." (Jeremiah 32:17)
Please heal Baby Cate totally and completely, for your honor and glory. Amen

May our dear Lord continue to give you His peace in the midst of the storm and infinite HOPE in HIM.

We love you!
Beth and GT

Anonymous said...

Prayer For Baby Cate!!!
Love Michelle, Jamie, Henry, Lyla and Andrew

Claire said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Claire said...

EMAIL THE POPE!!!

For those who have not heard, Charlie has requested that we "flood the Pope's inbox" with prayer petitions for Baby Cate and the blog. I got ready to write my e-mail and had no clue how to begin it, so thanks to google I was able to find the correct way to address the Pope in a letter. It is as follows:

Date,
You city, state, country

To His Holiness The Pope, Benedictus the Fourteenth,

I, [Name], Christian of [name of Congregation], humbly address you the following request/statement..."

Thanks and please take a moment out of your day to e-mail the Pope!

Anonymous said...

claire-i think you mean the 16th not the 14th :)

Anonymous said...

Still praying

Anonymous said...

Benedict XVI's email is:benedictxvi@vatican.va

Claire said...

yea i meant 16th, sorry i copy and pasted from a website

Anonymous said...

Hey Ali & Charlie(why does everyone put his name first-ladies first Ha!)Here is something to lighten the mood.Things to be thankful for while sitting waiting at the hospital: 1-you do not have to pay the electric bill-free ac 2-if you spill coffee someone else will mop it up. 3-all the free tolet papper you can use. 4-you can ride up&down in the elevator you want and "it's like you flyin" 5-when you get home if by the slightest chance Ali burns supper,you'll eat it happly because it's home cooking. 6-when mowing the grass you'll remind yourself you once missed doing it. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST; you will appreciate the smell of play dough crayons and dirty ,sweaty,smelly litte kids because they don't smell like disinfectant and you can hug them when you want to because your HOME!!! tricia granger(cletus's sister) p.s.( FYI) when you google charlie cantrell there are 27 pages but don't let your head swell, when you google allison cantrell there are 73 pages .

Anonymous said...

Baby Cate and all of you were lifted up in prayer at our children's Adoration Hour yesterday. Our prayers are with you.

Danielle & Ed Van Haute

Anonymous said...

Good morning Charlie & Ali. I am glad to know you got some rest last night. I wanted to let you know that I emailed the Pope this morning as I am sure many people have done. I am praying for Baby Cate constantly and I get several text messages a day from people wanting to know how she is. My friend Laurie has a blog. She is a photographer and she wanted to make a blog to talk about her photo sessions and what they mean to her. When you go to her blog, the first thing you see is your precious Baby Cate. She is asking prayers for her on there. Your little girl has touched so many people....it is amazing. I admire you both so much and I admire Cate even more. Love and prayers, Stephanie Johnson

Anonymous said...

I went to confession yesterday for the first time in months. I have been needing to go but have been consumed by fear and discouragement. Reading your blog and seeing how strong your family is in the face of fear and the unknown gave me the courage I needed to approach the throne of God in humility once more. I dedicate the confession and today's mass to baby Cate and her family. Praise God for the grace given by God through such a small soul and the courage of her family!

Cinco Owens said...

Good morning Cantrell family!
I just emailed the Pope and I can say that never in my life would I have thought I'd be saying that. Since I began to pray for baby Cate my prayer life has changed...I'm a very devoted Catholic and am very active in my church, but praying for your daughter has brought something new to my prayers. I'm grateful to her for that and to you for sharing your story with us. My family has begun a Novena to Sts Peter and Paul to prepare for next Sunday which is their day of Solemnity (it is also the church we belong to )...our daughters 6, 5 and 3 pray with us and last night as always(since we learned of Cate) we offered Cate up for the intercession of Sts Peter and Paul. God Bless you, I pray for more rest for your body and soul today. JESUS I TRUST IN YOU!!YSIC, Melanie

Anonymous said...

Good morning Cantrell family!

As usual, the first thing I do in the morning is get on my computer and check for any updates! I'll be lifting Baby Cate and your family up at mass this morning in Larose Louisiana! Many prayers are being lifted for ya'll...

If GOD is for us, who can be against -- the spirit of God will set us FREE!

Anonymous said...

My prayer today is for all of your hearts... for hope, love and the fullness of graces God is sharing with you. Cate has some incredible genes as far as hearts go if her parents and siblings are any indication.
The prayers will continue...
Love you all
Alison B

Anonymous said...

i first heard about your story from maureen when she called me asking for prayers. i knew when she was calling someone like me-who doesn't typically go to church let alone pray it was something pretty serious. that's when i started reading your blog and following everything that is going on. i sit here with tears in my eyes. i cannot believe how much faith you have. i have been through a lot in my life but never had the strength to endure enything with faith. i am constantly throwing my hands up and giving up on god. the harder things get the more i feel alone but the harder things get for you it seems like the more fiaht you have. look i have never really been one who tried prayer much like i said but i want you to know that today is sunday and that i am going to church and will pray for your baby. i hope it works.

BrandiJ

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali!

Count on the continued Raus family prayers! May our Blessed Mother intercede for you today!

Randy and Monica Raus and family!

Anonymous said...

Just want you to know that i have Petitioned to the Pope and have faith that he will read my petition and take it to heart. i love you and Pray for you. Meredith Noe

Anonymous said...

::FOR ALL THOSE WRITING THE HOLY FATHER::
Please CC all letters to cateandb16@yahoo.com so that Ali and Charlie can see your testimonies and so that they can put together a scrap book of all of the collected letters.
Blessings!

douetteacher said...

Just wanted to let you know that I am still praying and training/running for Baby Cate. I am a member of Team in Training which supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by running mararthons/half marathons and raising money for the society. Like I said in a previous posting, I understand that you along with me have to pace ourselves. So, please know that every time I am out on that road training, I am enduring the heat and pain for my honored patients along with Baby Cate. I will continue to pray for her numerous time throughout the day also. I can relate to loosing hope also, my husband just became unemployed, so we to are fighting the evil spirits. Stay strong and keep the faith, you are Baby Cate's rock and she needs your strength. God Bless!!

carol1000 said...

Hi Mrs. Cantrell: I want to let you and your family know my thoughts and most of all prayers are with you and your family. Most of all Baby Cate. I know and trust God is walking this path and holding your hands through this. I will continue to pray with you all. God Bless.

Carol Broussard, Fastforword JWallace James.

Anonymous said...

charlie...AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!!!!! What a miracle and a witness cate is already at such a young age!!! She is doing what as parents we long for our children to do, to help lead others to Heaven...and wow, at such a young age...PRAISE YOU JESUS!!!! I pray that you guys are able to get to mass today or that someone will bring you Communion...we are united in the Eucharist and for that I am so thankful!!! Put on that armor today and fight the attacks...the battle has already been won....cling fast to that!!

a new week begins today at covecrest...fresh blood to share baby cate and the cantrell family with..can't wait to join their hearts in this spiritual journey..we love you guys!!

ben, maria, hannah, michaela and gemma

Anonymous said...

I have recieved your e-mail and will be praying for baby Cate. My heart goes out to your family.
When there is sickness in anyones family all suffer. My masses,communion, and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
A friend

Julie said...

O.K. Charlie. I went to church before mass today and spoke with Fr. Cremaldi. He remembered you. He added ya'll to the mass intentions today. I lit a candle for baby Cate, and left flyers in church. You are covered at
Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas. I am emailing
Fr. Michael Champagne to get things going where he can, too. I have not stopped thinking of all of you. I am praying without ceasing.
Love,
Julie Roy (Ben Dupre's mom)

Anonymous said...

Hi Charlie and Ali, hang in there! We look forward to reading what is new with all of you everyday on your blog. We are constantly praying for sweet baby Cate and all of your family. We are amazed at your strength and faith. Keep it up. You are a witness to all of us and all our children. We love you! Virginia and Ragan.

Anonymous said...

I emailed the Pope!! It only took mer 25 minutes to address the email the page long letter took less time then the beginning!! I mean how awesome, first of all that we are EMAILING the Pope and secondly that the Pope will be bombarded with emails from Louisiana and dedicate his prayers to Cate!! When I read the blog last night with all the things and people you two are receiving from such amazing and religious people I got chills. I hope that you are both doing as best as you possibly can after these awful 10 days! I love you both so much and will be at the candle vigil in honor of Cate, everyone from Rayne & surrounding areas please come!! Love, Erin Dawson

Anonymous said...

Baby Cate's journey is for a reason that is much bigger than we will ever know. At first I thought it was to help the doctors and researchers to find more efficient "fixes", much like I think Jake's journey has been. Now I'm not so sure if it's medical or spiritual!! Go Cate! We are operating here under the banner of hope! Take care!
Mimi

Anonymous said...

You guys are a true inspiration of faith, hope, and love!! Your written words are so powerful and a testament of your faith...thanks for sharing with us in this journey of hope! My prayers continue for Baby Cate and for her lungs to clear! HOPE IS ALIVE!
Love,
Breyan and family

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
Joey and I would like to extend our prayers to you and Baby Cate. There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of what ya'll are going through. We miss our neighbors very much. Please know that even though we are miles apart right now that ya'll consistently stay in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. If there is anything that ya'll would need us to do while ya'll are away, please let us know. We are here for you. Stay strong. I always said that ya'll were a special family, the closeness ya'll have and the great parents that ya'll are. We love ya'll! Jenny and Joey

Ed and Crystal Moody said...

Ali & Charlie,

Ella wanted to give you a message. I will quote her, "Mommy, we are having fun with Jill and Collin. We are going swimming again. I love Mommy. I love Poppy. I love Cate. I love Nanna and Poppa. I love Nanny Jenny and Becca. Bye-Bye. That's all."

She was very excited to leave you a message - it made her feel much better after her nap.

Dude said, "Hello." - I guess Ella's full of more words than him :)

Keeping you always in our prayers...

The Moodys

Anonymous said...

Dear Charlie & Ali,

I have been reading Baby Cate's blogs and comments for a while now. I find myself waking in the middle of the night and coming to the computer to check on updates. While I am awake I am praying for your family.

It's amazing how God seems to send us messages when we need them the most. When I was in mass today, I was looking for the June 22nd readings. When I read this it brought tears to my eyes, because it has been what your last few blogs were about. It read:

"Jesus tells the Twelve (and us) that acknowledging him and doing his work will not be easy. This mission ought not be undertaken lightly because there will be opposition. Neither, however, ought the mission be undertaken with trepidation, because God does not abandon us. Forces will oppose this mission, but a promise of divine care will sustain us. Faithful disciples will be named in eternity.

From the Living Liturgy. 12th Sunday in Ordinary Times, 2008.

Good Luck and God Bless all of you.

Kathy Mathews
St Peter's Church/Carencro

Anonymous said...

I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT I HOLD BABY CATE IN MY DEEPEST PRAYERS AND SINCEREST FAITH THAT SHE WILL BE ALRIGHT AND THESE TRYING DAYS WILL COME TO PAST. PRAYING FOR THE ENTIRE CANTRELL FAMILY DOWN HERE IN RAYNE,LA.

Christy Myhand said...

Hey Guys,
I don't know you all and you don't know me, but a friend sent us a prayer request for Cate. She is now on are sunday school's class prayer list in Covington, GA. I had forwarded my friend's e-mail out yesterday and my teacher asked me this morning for any update on Cate. I didn't have one to give, but I am glad to see she is resting today. All lives are precious, but none more than a child's. We are praying for Cate as well as you.

Unknown said...

Last night when I was putting Marie to bed, she started talking about baby Cate. She is a "deep" child so I should not have been surprised by how the conversation went..."Mommy, how did Mrs. Ali hold baby Cate when she was singing to her since she is hooked up to all those machines" "Well, Marie, I'm sure Mrs. Ali was leaning over the crib and singing to her." Marie looked off and thought for a minute..."Mom, Mrs. Ali and Mr. Charlie must have a lot of courage." Tears streamed down my face as I agreed. Your courage is beautiful, even though I'm certain there is fear mixed in as well. Be where you are, knowing all the while that you are being held by our loving Creator and prayed for by a "ginormous" (as our kids say!) network of prayer warriors. We are standing on front lines for Cate and will not retreat!

Also, this morning I found a letter Ali wrote to me after Steubenville South in 2004. Ali, what stood out to me were these words that you wrote, "I feel empowered to battle for the real truths in my life. I stand willing to turn to the light and embrace the goodness that God has in store for me and my family. I pray always through the intercession of Mary that she will guide me to holiness and grace." Beautiful, dear sister...

May His light continue to penetrate the darkness; His truth to expose the lies; His grace to cover human insufficiency; His goodness to find you all each and every day; His perfect love to cast out all fear.

We love you and we will continue to pray and to hope!

Anonymous said...

A note from my Aunt...

My dear Amy

Little Cate has our prayers -- as do her parents and Cate's medical team!

Please keep me posted!

Love you!

Aunt Mary

Anonymous said...

Hey Charlie and Ali!
Stay strong! we are all praying for Cate.
Ali, I offered today's mass and adoration for you. I hope you are consumed by grace and given the strength to continue on for your family.

Anonymous said...

I speak on behalf of all the workers offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. We are paraying for her. Stay strong. God will prevail, your faith will prevail and Baby cate will prevail. God bless your family.

Anonymous said...

We're praying, Cate!
Jane & Tommy W

Martin Pannell said...

Prayers assured from Wollongong Australia! Stay strong!

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali - I have no profound words for you, I just wanted you to know we are still here, faithfully praying for Baby Cate's full recovery. I have such wonderful memories of how my family came to fall in love with your family. How easy that came to be, how natural, your are family to us. We are here for you.
In Christ,
Don,Maureen,Jackie,Chris and Michelle

Anonymous said...

I learned of Baby Cate through Sacred Touchstones (Theresians)...I have been praying hard for little Cate - may the Lord embrace her with His healing arms and give strength and comfort to her family.

Anonymous said...

Cate will be in my family's prayers. We live in New Mexico (which I noticed has not been represented yet).

The Seltzer Family