Pope Francis moved a predecessor closer to sainthood on Sunday, beatifying Pope Paul VI on the last day of a gathering in Rome of church leaders from around the world. This was also a Mass to end the Extraordinary Synod on the Family that has been held these past 2 weeks. There has been open - and often conflicting opinions expressed during the synod. Here is an article from the Jesuit Magazine - AMERICA that describes Pope Paul VI and his legacy. Click Here
From Oct. 5-19, all eyes will be on Rome as the Synod of Bishops convene and address Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization. It is a preparatory session bringing together presidents of national bishops’ conferences, heads of Eastern Catholic Churches, and Vatican officials ahead of a larger Synod of Bishops to take place in 2015. The additional participants include a dozen or more voting members named by the pope, three priests chosen by an umbrella group of men’s religious orders, a dozen or more expert advisers, about a dozen representatives of other Christian churches, and up to 30 observers – more than half comprised of married couples who will be encouraged to address the assembly. This synod will address issues pertaining to marriage, family, and sexual morality – including those that are controversial both within and outside the Church – the themes are those that the majority of Catholics deal with every day in the real world. Here is a video from Salt and Light TV that prepares us for the Synod - showcasing Salt & Light's multi-lingual staff:
Prayer of Pope Francis for the Synod
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love, to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer.
Well It has been a while since I have written a Post! Early September was full of meetings and planning sessions as our different youth ministries prepared for launch. We had our Ministry Appreciation Reception on Sunday afternoon - September 7th, and it was great to be able to host all of those who help and minister within the parish community! We had a terrific Faith day with our Elementary and Secondary Teachers on September 12th - where we reflected upon the Communion of Saints - and each School received a gift from the Parish of 2 Books: Patron Saints / Saints in Times of Need. Each teacher also received a prayerbook with reflections on the Sunday Mass readings throughout the year. On Sept. 14th, I headed off on Vacation, and journeyed to Belgium and Amsterdam with my Dad and a few other friends. Belgium is famous for Chocolate, Beer and Frites (Fries). All three were consumed!
Frites with Mayonase - Ahhh no fat here!
The Sunday we were in Brussels was car free - So this was the mode of transport for one couple!
This sculpture by Michelangelo is in Brugges - and is the only sculpture of his outside Italy -
Made famous in the recent movie Monuments Men
The Canals of Amsterdam
I was able to climb the 'e' in "I AMsterdam" Sign - By the main Museum
Flanders Fields Museum in Ieper - Our first village visited
Hill 62 Memorial - Outside of Ieper - near Paschendale
It was a terrific Vacation - much sunnier and warmer than we expected!
St. Michael Statue on a Bridge in Ghent -
outside St. Michael's Church
This week we celebrated Mass at St. Michael Secondary School and had the Feast Day Celebrations. This is now a wonderful tradition - with all kinds of celebrations, Pep rally, and Sports. I used the 2 swords we have in our Youth Ministry props (for the "guards" at the "Stations of the Cross" Drama) as a visual reminder for the students of St. Michael's of 2 of the tools we each have in the battle against evil: Prayer & Sacraments. St. Michael the Archangel - Pray for us! Peace
