August 2026 Monthly Letter

Called to Mission, Fidelity, and Unity

We begin this new month of August enthused and excited about the call to mission, fidelity, and unity in the Teams of Our Lady Movement here in the United States as well as internationally.  The month of July began with our USA Super Region College gathering in Buffalo, Minnesota and ended with us attending the International ERI College in Villa de Leyva, Columbia.  Both colleges were filled with excitement and collegiality.  You were all in our prayers while attending both gatherings.

The Team Meeting...Deep Pooling

Last month we talked about the prayer time during the monthly meeting. This month we shift to that special time after prayer called deep pooling. Deep pooling springs from the need to support each other in brotherly love with God at the source.  Deep pooling is beautifully situated directly after prayer.  If a couple or the team needs to use this time, it is asked that they let the Responsible Couple know ahead of time in order to plan appropriately for the timing of the meeting.  Deep pooling should not be used at every meeting but is available when needed for situations that arise.  It is important that whoever is asking to deep pool be allowed to set the parameters.  Are they looking for feedback and input from the team or do they just want to be heard and speak more in depth about something occurring in their life?  

Points to Ponder...

• Do we listen with compassion when others share their joys, sorrows, and problems?
• Are we careful to honor the need for confidentiality at all team meetings?
• Do we feel comfortable sharing our deepest needs within our team?

The Team Meeting...Sharing on the Endeavors

Sharing on the Endeavors, also referred to as the "Sharing Moment", is the single most unique element of Teams.  This is where we can help one another grow in discipline and in our spiritual lives, an element of mutual help.  This is a time to share, not in the negative, but in the positive of how the endeavors helped you to encounter Christ each month.  This is not about checking off a list of things to do but a true and authentic effort to live the charism (gift) of Teams out of a desire to grow in holiness.  Last year's USA Mixed Teams Night topic reflected beautifully on this topic. This video, shown at the 2024 International Gathering in Turin, beautifully illustrates the sharing on the endeavors portion of the meeting.

Points to Ponder...

• Do we view the endeavors as steps to sainthood?
• Are we missing opportunities on our journey to live a life of holiness and charity?
• How do we help our teammates on all aspects of the endeavors?
• How do we help our spouse to live a life of holiness?

"History of Salvation, History of a People, of a Family"

Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered the 2026-27 study topic, "History of Salvation, History of a People, of a Family."  We received a record number of pre-orders!  The books are being printed now and should be shipped to you by the end of August.  The books are also available on the website in English, Spanish, and French.  The Portuguese study topic is running behind but should have it available in September.  

Some of you have asked about the cost of these books.  As part of your membership in Teams and your annual contribution, we are able to print and ship these to you at no charge.  However, the average cost for each book with printing and shipping is approximately $11.  We received a request for approximately 1,700 books.  This is a significant financial undertaking for our Movement but we want everyone to have access to the latest study topic material.

Goals Update...

Please help us reach our goals and spread the word about the importance of registering and contributing. 

A movement declines toward death when its members stop thinking like builders and start thinking like tenants!"  - Fr. Henri Caffarel

2026 USA-SR National Mixed Teams Night - August 22

The National Mixed Teams Night is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026.  The registration form is open but will close on Wednesday, August 19, to allow us time to form the mixed teams.  We look forward to spending an evening with Teams couples from all around the United States as well as Trinidad & Tobago.  We will offer mixed teams in English, Spanish, and Portuguese depending on demand.  The theme for the meeting will be "Reflections on Mutual Aid and Community Within Our Teams."  Register today and plan to join us!  Click the image to register.

2026 USA-SR Formation Opportunities

Mark your calendars!  Join couples from around the USA and Trinidad & Tobago for annual formation.  If these opportunities are not available in your Sector, please sign up to join these virtual sessions.  Click the appropriate formation box below to register to attend.

August 2026 Prayer Service

Please find the August Prayer Service prepared by Fr. Eli Lopez, USA-SR Spiritual Counselor, reflecting on the peace that Christ gives us in John 14:27. 

We are praying for all of you!  Our Lady, Queen of Teams, pray for us!  Venerable Fr. Henri Caffarel, intercede for us!

Peace, Greg & Melanie