RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY
I. Respect Life Month Theme is “Christ Our Hope in Every Season of Life:” Each October the church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human being. Created for relationship, every person is made in God’s image and likeness, and is loved by God and called to eternal union with God. We are also created to be in communion with, and depend upon, one another.
The U.S. Conference the Catholic Bishops provides resources to help parishes, schools, families, ministries, and individual Catholics share the gospel of life dream Respect Life Month and throughout the year. Free downloads and additional resources can be found at respectlifeprogram.org/october.
II. Fall Work Day:many tasks were accomplished last Saturday when 31 parishioners showed up with work gloves, rakes, and, most importantly, a desire to help “spruce up” our Cathedral campus. On behalf of the rest of the parish, thank you! (cf names on page 6 in the Litany of Thanks).
III. The Rosary, A Tried and True Devotion! Most major world religions are enriched by a mantra type of praying; the rosary has its origins based in the monastic life of the Church and specifically in monks praying the 150 Psalms. The rosary (crown of roses) is a humble, practical, powerful means of contemplation. “The rosary is medicine for the spiritual help of our souls and for spreading love, forgiveness, and brotherhood everywhere.” (Pope Francis)
The feast of our Lady of the Rosary is Monday, October 7. Traditionally, October is the month when praying the rosary is emphasized. The Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous, and Glorious mysteries of the rosary shed light upon the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the key role of Mary, His mother, in the story of salvation history. Why not learn more about this tried and true devotion during the month of October? Why not pray the rosary individually or as a family during the month of October? Pray the rosary slowly and meditatively. Rosaries, and pamphlets with the mysteries, and how to pray the rosary, are at the Church doors during the month of October, thanks to our Cathedral Rosary Makers Ministry. Help yourself!
IV. Taking Chances in Life! Many thanks to everyone who purchased or sold raffle tickets and helped make our annual raffle a success! The raffle brought in $22,230…thank you! After expenses, the net proceeds will benefit our parish children’s and youth ministries. Our raffle winners are:
1st Prize: Jan Harris
2nd Prize: Claire Lewis
3rd Prize: Lupe Ellis
4th Prize: Julie Hodges
5th Prize: Lucy Neal
6th Prize: George Frey
7th Prize: Matt Steele
8th Prize: Evan Riney
9th Prize: Kim Harris
10th Prize: Rick Rhodes
Congratulations! Sincere gratitude to the many, many people who made our Dedication Anniversary celebration this year a grand success! It takes all of us chipping in to make it work! (Hopefully, you read the bulletin Discipleship column [9/29/19] about the 120+ volunteers, most of whom worked behind the scenes)!