What made St. Francis abandon wealth for a life centered on the Eucharist

Catholic All Week

Every October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of the month (Oct. 4 this year) is designated as Respect Life Sunday. This year’s theme is “Mary, Mother of Life” and is centered on Mary’s role as mother of all the living. Her life can teach us to respect the gift of life in all its stages – even when it is unexpected or requires us to make sacrifices. Here are three things that people can do during Respect Life month to embrace that calling.

Reflect on the theme

Look for opportunities to incorporate Marian devotions, catechesis and reflections on human dignity in your prayer life to help reinforce the message that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves love, protection and care.

Support moms in need

Start a project at your parish to accompany mothers who are in need of assistance or who may need encouragement as they choose life and then begin the work of parenting their children. If such a project already exists at your parish – through Walking with Moms in Need or other groups – become an active part of it. Here's St. Matthew and St. Mark. 

Pray and act for change

This month is filled with concrete ways to make a difference. Participate in your local 40 Days for Life, join a Life Chain in your area this weekend, organize or be a part of a prayer service or Mass for Life, take action to protect women and babies from the dangers of abortion pills, and pray for a change of hearts and minds on the sanctity of life.

 

 

Catholic All Week

More than 13,000 people turned out to renew their spirit and walk with Christ at the Diocese of Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congress last weekend, trekking through the streets of Uptown Charlotte in one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the nation. While participants were energized by Bishop Michael Martin and other dynamic Catholic voices, the weekend was much more than a one-time event.

The Eucharistic Congress is meant to be one step on a lifetime journey of renewal and a call to share the message of hope with a world longing for it. Here are some ways you can relive those moments (or live them for the first time) and deepen your experience.

Spend time in adoration

Eucharistic Adoration is at the heart of the Congress, and there are many opportunities to take that experience further. Many of our churches offer regular Eucharistic Adoration, and some offer Perpetual Adoration chapels that are open 24/7. Visit the diocese’s website, www.charlottediocese.org, and click on “Eucharistic Adoration” under “Faith Life.”

Take god out into the world

In the Eucharistic Congress’ closing video, five priests from across the diocese offered suggestions for how to build on what participants started over the weekend. Ranging from attending Mass and receiving the sacraments to volunteering in faith formation, campus ministry or by doing works of charity, the suggestions focused on getting out of our comfort zones and into a world in need of hope.

Listen to the speakers

Whether you were there for every moment of the programming and Mass or weren’t able to attend, you can hear the educational tracks in English and Spanish, as well as Holy Hour and closing Mass homilies. Visit the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel to take advantage of this opportunity to grow in your faith and understanding of Catholic teachings through these inspiring talks.

Catholic All Week

Patriot Day – the National Day of Service and Remembrance held in memory of Sept. 11, 2001 – has a special significance this year as America marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks that killed 2,996 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and in a Shanksville, Pennsylvania, field. As Catholics, we can follow the example of Pope Benedict XVI who, during a visit to Ground Zero in New York on April 20, 2008, asked the Lord to “Give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.”

Remember and serve

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville are offering special events commemorating the 25th anniversary. The ceremony at the 9/11 Plaza in New York City during which each victim’s name is read aloud is particularly moving. If you can’t be there in person, many events will be televised or streamed. The second part of the day – service – can be achieved by volunteering for a cause that matters to you, whether at your church, a charitable organization or a park.

Learn and teach

More than 100 million Americans are too young to remember the 9/11 attacks. Students, teachers and interested adults can register for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s free Anniversary Digital Learning Experience program. Highlights include a 35-minute film highlighting first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath, individual speaker stories, and the opportunity to connect with museum staff in real time through an interactive live chat.