October

October 1--St. Theresa of Lisieux

Click here for the story of this very popular saint, more familiarly known to us as "The Little Flower."

October 2--Feast of the Guardian Angels

For Adults:
How many times have you wishes there was some understanding person who was available just to sit down and listen to your problems? Have you looked for guidance and longed to be enlightened in a choice? Did you seek answers to important decisions?

We all want friends who will listen to us in our need. We desire trusted guidance. We seek answers to important questions. Isn't it good to know that such a good friend is as near to us as a prayer?

That friend is a part of the real world of spirits. Your guardian angel is a gift from God--your constant companion.

Contrary to popular movies and television shows, the angels are not good people who have died and went to heaven. Angels are not and never will be human. They are spirits and were created as such. Angels are God's messengers appointed by him to protect us. Only angels and people are special enough to think, to love, and to choose.

The Church honors the angels, and joins with them in praising God.

For kids:
Angels are God's very special creatures. We cannot see angels. They are real, but they are invisible. They are spirits. Angels praise and love God. They are God's messengers and helpers. Guardian angels watch over people. When Jesus was blessing the children he said, "Your angels in heaven see my Father's face!" (based on Matthew 8). That means they are holy and good. They are with God.

Your guardian angel is with you all the time, too! Guardian angels help us in many ways. They help us stay close to God. They help us make good choices. They pray for us. Guardian angels even protect us. You can ask your guardian angel to help you at home or at school--anywhere! Your guardian angel loves you!

Prayers to the Guardian Angel

Angel of God, my Guardian dear
To whom God's love entrusts me here.
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard to rule and guide.

Angel sent by God to guide me,
be my light and walk beside me;
be my guardian and protect me;
on the paths of life direct me.

Readings:
Exodus 23:20-23
Matthew 18:1-5, 10

October 7th--Feast of the Holy Rosary

The Feast of the Holy Rosary recalls the crucial victory of Christian Europe over the Moslems at the naval battle Lepanto--October 7, 1571. The victory was attributed to the Blessed Mother, invoked through the rosary prayer.

The rosary is a blend of contemplative and vocal prayer. While saying the prayers, we meditate on the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary. There are 15 mysteries divided distinctly into 3 parts, each containing 5 mysteries.

The rosary is usually prayed on a string of beads. The practice of using a string of beads as an aid in meditation and prayer is an ancient one. Early monks, wishing to say a certain number of prayers, counted the prayers by moving small pebbles or stones from one container to another. Later, strings of beads were used for counting. During the Middle Ages, the rosary (which we know today as the Dominican Rosary) evolved and became one of the most popular sacramentals of the church. The word "rosary" is from the Latin rosarium, or rose garden. It signified a wreath or garland and was seen as a special favor or presentation to our Lord and our Lady.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary
The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
Jesus Is Born in a Stable in Bethlehem
The Presentation of the Child Jesus in Jerusalem
Jesus Is Lost in the Temple and then Later Found by Mary and Joseph

The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Agony of Jesus in the Garden
Jesus Is Scourged at the Pillar
Jesus Is Crowned with Thorns
Jesus Carries His Cross to Calvary
Jesus Is Crucified and Dies on the Cross

The Glorious Mysteries
The Resurrection of Jesus
The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles
The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

October 31st--All Hallows Eve

Halloween is coming, and you're looking for a way OUT!

Centuries ago, Christian missionaries "baptized" the Celtic New Year, turning the pre-Christian observances into "All Hallow's Eve." Remnants of the Celtic customs remained, however, in a vague memory of ghostly spirits. The Celtic feast slowly evolved into a children's day of pranks and spooky stories. Horrific media have despoiled Halloween of this innocence.

There is a way that kids can enjoy Halloween without getting mixed up with dangerous or evil things. Many parishes or groups of families are celebrating Halloween on their own with an All Saints Party. All the kids AND adults come dressed as saints. Some parties even include the Mass at the beginning in which the whole idea of saints and holiness is part of the homily. If the party is long enough it could center around a buffet. Below are some ideas to get you started.

• Use holy cards or inexpensive medals of saints as prizes.
• Use paper plates, cups and napkins with Bible verses on them.
• Use pins, pencils, erasers and stickers and Christian symbols on them as party favors.
• Suspend "clouds" of quilt stuffing from the ceiling to evoke "heavenly" thoughts.
• Arrange for each child to have a bag of take-home candies.
• Take favorite childhood games and adapt them. For example, "Ring Toss," can become "Halo Toss."
• Adapt a recipe to suit the theme of All Hallows Eve.