I. Scripture as much as your Cellphone: Pope Francis has asked Catholics (approximately 989 million people, or 15% of 7.13 billion people in the world) to rely more on Scripture as part of one’s daily diet. Pope Francis challenges Catholics: “What would happen if we turned back when we forgot it, if we opened it more times a day, if we read the message of God contained in the Bible the way we read messages on our cell phone?”
Our spiritual leader is urging followers of Christ to turn that energy we place in our cell phone away from the screen and put it into Scripture. The Bible contains the Word of God, which is always “topical and effective,” the Word of God can inspire, comfort, engage, enlighten, guide, and challenge us. “The iPhone you bought last week will be obsolete next year,” but not the Word of God which is always in season and never obsolete.
II. Carry your Bibles to Mass (your Protestant friends will wonder what you’re up to!). Mark your Bible for the readings of the day and read the Scripture the Church gives us before Mass. The Bible is part of our Christian heritage just like the Mass, and is one of the ways we encounter Jesus Christ. By the way, over 30% of our Mass is Scripture, and much more Scripture oriented.
Each family will receive a bookmark with Lectio Divina guidelines to help pray the Scriptures along with the blessings of Bibles at the end of Mass. Bishop Medley has designated the third Sunday of October each year as Scripture Sunday in our Diocese!
Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” (Saint Jerome)
III. Super Scripture Apps: there are many apps which one can use to keep God’s Word ever on his/her mind. One such Catholic app is Laudate (which means in Latin “let us praise”). This app is free and full of possibilities: the American Bible, divine office, daily Scripture readings and reflections, mysteries of the rosary, saint of the day, prayers, confession and examination of conscience, and much more! I use this app daily and highly recommend it.
IV. “Living Fully for Jesus!” Our Third Annual Tri-Parish Mission is around the corner. October 23rd, 24th, and 25th, at 6:30 p.m. Pencil this in your planner, write it on the calendar on the refrigerator, type it into your phone. . .Fr. John Judie is a dynamic speaker for this faith-filled event. What an opportunity to be with our brothers & sisters from Blessed Mother and Sts. Joseph & Paul. Childcare is available all three nights, free of charge. Our youth have been working on a special presentation for the first night of the Mission—“Don’t Miss Out on a Good Thing.” See you there!
V. Fall Work Day: All hands—time for clean-up! You are so generous each fall and spring in keeping our grounds & buildings spruced up. Bring your yard tools, work gloves and appetite: Saturday, Oct. 21st at 8:00am