Stories to Stir Your Heart
by Raymond Pierce

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This is a collection of 41 personal short stories of events spanning the life of published author and storyteller Redemptorist Brother Raymond Pierce C.Ss.R. They are stories that may move and inspire the reader.

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"There are no ordinary people in the world. Every person is a composite of stories. Some stories are personal and private. Many are never told. However, once in a while somebody takes the time to remind us of the stories that have uniquely made up each of us. One such storyteller is Raymond Pierce who describes memorable incidents from his life and mixes them with stories from family and friends. The result may remind us of our own stories. Or they may surprise us with something hitherto unthought of. But, first, simply enjoy these stories. And may they remind you of your own stories that have filled your life to the present hour. Mark Miller, C.Ss.R. Raymond Pierce grew up in St. John, New Brunswick. For several years he has dredged his memories for stories of his childhood there, and his adult years as a Redemptorist Brother. As you’ll see when you read this new book, ‘Stories to Stir Your Heart’ he loves to find humour and compassion in many situations. He has devoted his latter years to spreading joy and laughter through a free weekly, e-mailed newsletter that now reaches over 1500 readers in 30 countries. Anna Kerz.

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I grew up in Saint John NB in the late 1940's, the second oldest of nine children. In grade six I became an altar boy in St. Peter’s Parish and got to know the Redemptorist Brothers and Priests. Those men became my heroes, so at age 18 I left home to join the Redemptorist Community, a choice I am still happy with today. Over the years I have had various roles in my community. For many years I was a chef, then a Vocation Recruiter and the Hospitality Director at our Retreat Center in Windsor, Ontario. In Toronto I was a Student Hospital Chaplain for a year, and for the past 18 years, a storyteller. I am a member of Storytelling Toronto where you can see my picture and short bio if you google (Toronto storytelling directory.) Now I am an author and this is my second book of personal memories. I became passionate about spreading joy and laughter after a visit with my friend Brian who was suffering through the final stages of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. At the time Brian only had the use of his eyes and I wasn’t sure what I could say or do to make the visit a pleasant one. So, I told him a funny story, and he laughed. So for the next hour, I told some more. Brian couldn’t say much and what he did say was difficult to understand because his words were slurred, but oh, could he laugh This inspired me to volunteer my services as a storyteller to entertain groups of residents in many nursing and retirement homes for several years. Here is my email address raymondcssr@gmail.com If you are interested in receiving my free ‘Morning Smiles’ send me an email.

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Contributors

Author

Raymond Pierce

Editor

Anna Kerz

Editor

Mark Miller

FriesenPress Editions