Weekly Letter: Oct. 1, 2023 Bulletin

Dear friends in Christ,

    On this first day of October we mark the beginning of Respect Life month. Each year the Church in the U.S. designates October as time to focus on the dignity of all human life, and the first Sunday of the month is marked as Respect Life Sunday.

    Of course, we pray for the protection and dignity of human life every month and every Sunday (really, every day), but today we lift up our hearts in prayer in a special way that we might always work to protect God’s great gift of life. On this Respect Life Sunday, you’ll find a beautiful prayer card/bookmark offered as you leave Mass today, reminding us to pray for the gift of life.

    The aim of this year’s Respect Life Month is a call to “Radical Solidarity.” It seeks to inspire Catholics to put their love for others into action by protecting, supporting, and accompanying mothers and their children. Together, we can help build a true culture of life and civilization of love that joyfully proclaims the truth of God’s love, purpose, and plan for each person. Changing the culture is a process of conversion that begins in our own hearts and includes a willingness to be instructed and a desire to be close to Jesus who is the source of joy and love.

    When we encounter Christ, experience his love, and deepen our relationship with him, we become more aware of our own worth and that of others. His love for each person is cause for great joy, and growing understanding of this priceless treasure motivates us to share his love with others. Our lives are often changed by the witness of others; so too, others’ lives may be changed by our witness and authentic friendship with them.

    Bishop Michael Burbidge, chair of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities wrote, “St. John Paul II first defined ‘radical solidarity’ in this way: ‘In firmly rejecting ‘pro-choice’ it is necessary to become courageously ‘pro woman,’ promoting a choice that is truly in favor of women. ... The only honest stance, in these cases, is that of radical solidarity with the woman. It is not right to leave her alone.

    “Being in radical solidarity with women who are pregnant or raising children in difficult circumstances means putting our love for them into action and putting their needs before our own. Pope Francis reminds us that solidarity ‘refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset,’ a transformation within our own hearts.

     “This new mindset requires that we come alongside vulnerable mothers in profound friendship, compassion, and support for both them and their preborn children. It means addressing the fundamental challenges that lead an expectant mother to believe she is unable to welcome the child God has entrusted to her.”

    We’ve got a number of ways to observe Respect Life month on our parish website (www.ctrcc.com/respectlife), but one easy way to get involved is by supporting the elderly of our community. Join us by donating senior items to be distributed to Catholic Charities and our sister parish, Our Mother of Mercy. You can bring items to the narthex of the church any weekend in October, or drop off at the parish office, or even better, have them sent directly to us via our Amazon wish list. Examples of needed items and a link to the list can be found on the website.

    In other news, remember that the annual Knights of Columbus CtR Golf tournament is just eight days away on Monday, Oct. 9 at Wind Rose Golf Club in Spring. Entry fee is only $150 and includes lunch and dinner. Proceeds benefit CAM and youth scholarships from the parish. We still have room for singles and foursomes, so spread the word and make plans to join us. See the Knights' webpage for more information and a registration form.

    Finally, we’ll have our annual Blessing of the Animals next Saturday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. in honor of the patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi, who was, of course, a friend to all of God’s creatures. We always hold the blessing on the closest Saturday to St. Francis’ feast day of Oct. 4, so join us next Saturday in the circle drive in front of the Parish Life Center. It only takes about 15-20 minutes or so, but it’s a fun event. All creatures, great and small, are welcome to attend.

Peace, Fr. Sean