OLOW, these scripture verses give insight into the future work of the Church, but they also provide insight into our lives. When the apostles work solely on their abilities, they fail. They grow tired and weary. When they listen and follow Christ, the fruits are abundant. When the church follows Christ obediently, she grows and prospers. As Catholics, when we open ourselves to Jesus and follow his will, more often than not, we see blessings and grace.

OLWO - in light of St. Josephine Bakhita's memorial, the Church encourages us to pray and bring awareness to the evil act of human trafficking. An absolute sin against the dignity of the human person, human trafficking is a "business" that harms millions of people. To learn more about how you can help defeat this practice, click here: https://preghieracontrotratta.org/?lang=en

One of the great Catholic authors of the 20th century is Gilbert Keith Chesterton, known to millions worldwide as G.K Chesterton. In his book, St. Thomas Aquinas – “The Dumb Ox” he states the following about Thomas – “...this great intellectual creation was a Christian and Catholic creation and cannot be understood as anything else. It was Aquinas who baptized Aristotle, when Aristotle could not have baptized Aquinas; it was a purely Christian miracle which raised the great Pagan from the dead.”

As he traveled to Nagasaki to be crucified, along with 26 others, St. Paul Miki said...

On this day, when we see many cases of breast cancer, let us turn our attention and pray for those affected by this terrible disease. Let us ask for the intercession of St. Agatha, the patron saint of breast cancer, who in the 6th century was tortured by having her breasts cut off. If you have time in your day and there is a Mass offered, think about offering your Mass for someone in your life suffering from this illness. Monday, Tuesday, & Friday at 9:00 AM or Thursday at 9:00 AM at St. Roch.

Hey, OLOW - there are six orders in the Catholic Church that have formed our understanding of the monastic life. They are the Benedictines, the Carmelites, the Carthusians, the Norbertines, the Franciscans, and the Dominicans. To learn more about each order, click on the link and answer the question - what order do you align with more and why? https://media.ascensionpress.com/2019/11/20/12-catholic-orders-part-one-historic-orders/

Normally, on the feast of St. Blaise, the church blesses the throats of the faithful. Many healings have come from this blessing and by the intercession of St. Blaise.

OLOW, although the walk to Calvary would not begin for Jesus and Our Lady until the miracle at the Wedding Feast at Cana, we see a small glimpse of Calvary and the cross in these words spoken by Simeon. Through God’s grace, he knows that many will reject Jesus, and, in turn, Our Lady will feel that same pain in her heart. Part of her vocation is that she will be the suffering mother. Here, the Church sees the beginning of Our Lady’s sorrowful heart.

Pope Francis' prayer intention for February is for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Let us pray with him as a OLOW family: "Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life."

Are Catholic schools in the United States focused on academic excellence? Personal integrity? Citizenship? Yes to ALL of these things - but at the core, being a part of a Catholic school is about holiness. That's what makes a Catholic education so incredible. On this Catholic Schools Week, let's offer up our prayers here at OLOW for the continued growth of our Catholic schools.

When you attend a Catholic school, you quickly learn the key lessons in life about each individual's God-given dignity, the rights and responsibilities we all have as made in the image of God, and our responsibility to create a just society where people can flourish. Pretty incredible, right?

We know Fr. Bob did - from seminary. Did you graduate from a Catholic school? Let us know if you're one of the few, the proud, the educated for eternal life… Did you know that OLOW offers financial support for active parish families who send their children to a Catholic School? For more information to apply or to support our program, visit www.olow.org/TAP.

Was it a favorite teacher? Class? Moment of grace? We'd love to hear, OLOW. Help active families in our parish send their children to Catholic Schools by supporting the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). For more information to apply or to support the program, visit https://www.olow.org/TAP.

Our Catholic schools are one of the great treasures of the Church in the United States. Thankfully, we have a whole week to celebrate them. Catholic Schools Week began on Sunday and goes until Feb. 1. Follow the link to learn how you can join the celebration! https://www.ncea.org/csw/

The whole world is longing for salvation - for freedom that is total, for joy that lasts, for life that fulfills. But like so many of Jesus' contemporaries, it's easy for us to overlook this salvation when it's offered to us. When it shows up in our midst. In many ways, we'd rather go on in our self-sufficient imperfection than embrace true freedom if it means giving up comfort or total control. But Christ is always reaching out to us with this offer anew. OLOW family, let's recommit to embracing it. #SundayScripture

Perhaps no painter's handiwork is as recognizable as Caravaggio's. The Italian Renaissance artist's hyper-realistic oil paintings and bold colors have a way of capturing the eye. But Caravaggio is also a master of using his artistic techniques to shed some theological light on his subjects. In this painting depicting the focus of today's feast day, St. Paul's conversion, the Italian painter uses a style called "tenebrism" to create the dramatic effect of a light shining amidst the enveloping darkness. The light is meant to symbolize the presence of God, who overwhelms Saul, knocking him onto his back and opening him to conversion. Let's pray that all of us at OLOW might respond to God's grace similarly. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of journalism. So perhaps unsurprisingly, the Catholic Media Association's award for the individual who has made an "outstanding contribution to Catholic journalism" is named after him. Check out the list of "Franny" winners at the link below. Maybe we'll see a OLOW parishioner on there one day! https://www.catholicmediaassociation.org/st-francis-de-sales-award

St. Marianne Cope is only the 11th Catholic saint to have lived in what is now the United States and is one of the most recently canonized, having only been declared a saint in 2012. Her life took her from Germany to New York and, finally, to Hawaii. She spent her last decades on the island of Molokai, educating and caring for members of the leper colony. To spread joy, she was known for bringing brightly colored scarves to women on the island. St. Marianne Cope, patroness of outcasts, help all of us at OLOW love the misfortunate as fervently as you did.

Today is the anniversary of the passage of Roe v. Wade. Although Roe was overturned in 2022, pro-lifers still march for life and prenatal justice. Learn more in our video below--and consider coming to Mass today to pray for the protection of unborn life. Weekday Mass times are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM.

It's often said that to understand what someone means, watch what they do. And that quip perfectly captures what happens in today's Gospel. Jesus' response to his mother may seem brusque, but his actions show that it's not a dismissal. Mary's concern does affect Jesus--it prompts him to perform a miracle to save the wedding celebration. And Mary continues to play this intercessory role in our own life. Let's turn to her and ask her to ask Jesus to continue to bless all of us at OLOW. #SundayScripture

Visual arts can convey truth in more vivid ways than the written word. In this 16th-century Dutch painting, we see how St. Anthony of the Desert, today's saint, overcame temptation by turning his back on it and focusing on Christ. The various temptations are presented as grotesque, unnatural allurements because sin takes us away from who we're meant to be. But St. Anthony is unperturbed, his eyes locked in on Jesus, the perfection of humanity. It's a powerful image, and one we encourage you to contemplate. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Today is Wednesday, when we typically pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. But what set of mysteries is your favorite to meditate upon? Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, or Glorious? Bonus points if you can guess Father Bob's or Father Marc's!

Today begins Ordinary Time in the Church's liturgical year. But just because this season doesn't have a particular focus like Lent or Christmas doesn't mean it's a break from pursuing the Lord. In fact, the green we see at liturgies throughout Ordinary Time is meant to symbolize that now is a time for us and that this period is a good time to grow in holiness by settling into good spiritual routines and practices. So why not start Ordinary Time off by adding a weekday Mass to your schedule? Check out our Mass schedule! Monday, Tuesday, & Friday at 9:00 AM

At different points in his ministry, especially during times of rejection, Jesus returned to the Jordan River, where he was baptized. Why? Today's scripture gives a possible answer: because it was the place where the Father, in an extraordinary way, affirmed Christ's sonship. Through our own baptism, we have become sons and daughters of God. And like Jesus, it can be good for us to return to that central truth of our identity, especially when we're facing difficulties and uncertainties in life. OLOW family, let's join Jesus in going back to the Jordan in prayer today. #SundayScripture

Everybody knows that Catholics don't eat meat on Fridays during Lent. But did you know that the Church asks Catholics to engage in penitential practices on Fridays throughout the year? It's all because Friday is the day that Jesus died for our sins. In the U.S., our bishops ask us to engage in some form of voluntary self-denial on Fridays and still hold abstaining from meat in "first place." Let's prayerfully discern how we'll respond to this invitation at OLOW.

Gerard Manley Hopkins was a Catholic convert and a Jesuit priest in 19th-century England. He is also one of the greatest English-language poets to ever live. Many of his poems, such as "Pied Beauty," draw our attention to the beauty of God's diverse, even extravagant creation. Hopkins communicates this beauty not only through the natural images described by his poems, but with the rhythmic rhymes he uses to illustrate them. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

RSVP today for the Rescue Project! The 7-week series from 6-8 pm on Wednesday nights begins on January 22. The link below offers more information! https://downrivermissionariesforchrist.com/the-rescue-project-1

We're into the thick of winter, which can be an especially challenging time for our homeless brothers and sisters. So now is the moment to devote ourselves to charitable works. Follow the link below to find the Catholic Charities agency closest to us, and then make sure to click "learn about volunteer opportunities" to plan your service--and invite your friends at OLOW to join you! https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/about-us/find-a-local-agency/

In order to redeem us, God became man, becoming like us in all things but sin. And that "all things," as today's Gospel reminds us, include family life. The message here is clear: family life is not something superfluous, but is something that God created, redeemed, and has participated in himself! The Holy Family confirms that family life is how God wants his children to grow in holiness--but he doesn't leave us unaided! He is always ready to pour out his grace into our families. Let's pray today for all of our families at Our Lady of the Woods.

Unlike the other Gospel accounts, St. John doesn't mention the Eucharistic meal in his telling of the Last Supper. Instead, today's saint gives us the theology behind the Eucharist. John 6 is especially important, as Jesus foreshadows the life-giving grace of the Eucharist and his presence in the sacrament. St. John the Evangelist, pray for us at that we might know and love Christ in the Eucharist more and more! #EucharisticRevival

Merry Christmas! Fr. Bob and all of us at Our Lady of the Woods are praying for you and for yours. May our newborn king bless you abundantly!

Have a blessed Christmas Eve, OLOW family!

Jesus is Emmanuel, "God with us." Let's pray that we might appreciate his presence at OLOW more and more, especially in the Eucharist.

Mary's journey to care for her pregnant cousin Elizabeth came after an even more pivotal moment: her "yes" to becoming the mother of God and the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. In other words, Mary's immediate response to being filled with divine love incarnate, Jesus Christ, is to go "with haste" and serve someone else. Our response to receiving God's love should be similar! Let's ask God to help OLOW become a place where we receive the love of God fully and pour it out in service to others "with haste."

Jesus is our king. We are nothing without him! Let's pray that all of us at OLOW depend on him and his strength more fully.

The light of Jesus gives us hope. Let's pray that OLOW may be filled with this light by embracing justice, inspiring others to come to the Father.

Jesus is the only way to the Father. Let's pray that all of us at OLOW can be more convinced of this truth, so we can share the good news with a world that longs for a savior. #OAntiphons

Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to bring salvation to all the world. Let's thank God for his mercy--and also pray that OLOW can be a center of sharing his love with others. #OAntiphons

God has been with his people throughout salvation history. And he's with us now. Let's ask him to continue to lead all of us at Our Lady of the Woods. #OAntiphons

Happy birthday, Pope Francis!

God is truth itself. Let's pray for an outpouring of his wisdom at Our Lady of the Woods so that we can know him better and love him more completely. #OAntiphons

Christmas is less than 10 days away! What are you MOST looking forward to on this special day? And how do you celebrate it? We'd love to know, OLOW family. So tell us in the comments below!

Did you notice the pink vestments at Mass today? Or that the pink candle in the Advent wreath has been lit? They mean one thing: we only have one more Sunday to go before Christmas! Why not come to a daily Mass to help you prepare for Christ's coming? We celebrate them Monday, Tuesday, & Friday at 9:00 AM.

St. John of the Cross, today's saint, was a 16th-century Spanish mystic. One of his most well-known themes is "the dark night of the soul"--a time of detachment that prepares us to receive God more fully. In a way, the "mini-Lent" of Advent is a "dark night," preparing us to receive Jesus Christ on Christmas day with wide open hearts. Let's ask St. John of the Cross to accompany all of us at OLOW during this Advent season!

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe! When the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, she left behind a miraculous memento: her image upon the saint's tilma. Many claims have been made about the supernatural qualities of this incredible image, some true, some false. Follow the link for a breakdown from the Knights of Columbus of what's been proven and what hasn't. https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/our-lady-of-guadalupe/truths/index.html

Emmanuel means "God with us." God was with us in the flesh when Jesus Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem and lived among his people. But Jesus also left us his presence in a permanent way: the Eucharist. In the Blessed Sacrament, God is really with us. The Eucharist is truly an Emmanuel moment. Join us in celebrating it at daily Mass: Monday, Tuesday, & Friday at 9:00 AM. #EucharisticRevival

Mary, under the title Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States of America. And today is her feast day! It's a great chance to ask for her to intercede on behalf of our nation. How would you like the Blessed Mother to pray for the United States? Offer it up in the comments below, OLOW family!

John the Baptist lived a pretty radical life. Why'd he do it? Today's Gospel gives us a hint: the word of God came to him. The word of God, of course, is Jesus. And every part of John's mission only makes sense through his encounters with Jesus, beginning with their first encounter while they were both still in the womb. John has encountered the word of God, and is in turn motivated to tell others about him--even if it means living in the wilderness and eating locusts! Are we similarly motivated to share Jesus with others? If not, it might require first renewing our encounter with the word of God. Here at , let's pray for this gift.

Hey there, OLOW family! Are you ready to ring bells in a gesture of joy and unity with the people of France? Read more here: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260785/us-churches-to-ring-bells-for-reopening-of-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris

St. Nicholas's feast day is tomorrow...so that's why we're sharing the details of this great Advent tradition a day early! [hint: it may involve a bit of sneaking before the rest of your household wakes up tomorrow] Of course, you can also celebrate this great saint by coming to daily Mass! We celebrate it at 9:00 AM. https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/st-nicholas-and-your-shoes-5937

"We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthens our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope." Lord, hear our prayer here at OLOW!

It's the start of Advent, our time of preparation for Christmas! So why are we getting Gospel readings about Christ coming at the end of times? Because we mustn't forget: the little baby we celebrate on December 25 is the Lord of Life. And just as we get ready to celebrate his coming at Christmas, we need to prepare to meet Christ at the end of our lives and at the end of all time. OLOW family, let's pray today and throughout Advent for the grace to more fully welcome Jesus into our lives.

Did you recently move into a new home, undergo significant renovations, or feel something is not quite right? Invite Fr. Bob over to bless your house. A house blessing places your house and those living in it under the authority of God while also ridding it of any unclean spirits brought in through previous owners or activities.

Today, we thank God for all we have! Share your favorite Thanksgiving tradition that reflects your Catholic faith in the comments.

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form in which pieces of broken pottery are fused together with gold or silver lacquer, making the beautifully repaired vessel usable again. This is what God does for us. He picks up all the broken pieces of our hearts and lives and fuses them back together, filling the seams with the beautiful gold of his grace. Then, you become a visible sign to the world of Jesus' healing power!

Jesus is the King of the Universe, which expands far beyond this world. His kingdom includes all physical matter but also everything in the supernatural order. Anything of which we can conceive is subject to his authority. Let us rest in the knowledge that we are under the care of a benevolent and all-powerful king.

This small host can transform hearts, heal wounds, and unite us all. It's not just a symbol but the real presence of Christ – body, blood, soul, and divinity. Encounter Jesus in the Eucharist this weekend at 4:00 PM on Saturday or 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Sunday.

According to tradition, Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, brought her to the Temple to consecrate her to God in thanksgiving for blessing them with a child after years of infertility. Parishioners of Let's follow their example and consecrate our own children to God in thanksgiving for the blessings they are to us.

This is called a pyx. A pyx is a small vessel used to carry the Blessed Sacrament to the homebound so they, too, can participate in the source and summit of our faith and receive the healing grace it provides. Consider becoming a minister to the sick and homebound - maybe you too are being called to carry a pyx! Check our website for details: www.olow.org.

The Church teaches that anyone who receives the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin is committing a sacrilege. That can sound harsh or judgmental. But not so! Being in a state of mortal sin can be embarrassing. Instead of being anxious, consider the depth of your Father’s mercy and run to confession at OLOW. His sanctifying grace will make you new! Confessions are heard every Saturday at 3:00 pm or by appointment with Fr. Bob.

We do not know when Jesus will return. It may be another 1,000 years, but it could just as easily be tomorrow. If Jesus were to return right now, would you be prepared? Do an examination of conscience every day and, of course, go to confession regularly!

Since Jesus' divine Father was in heaven, he needed an earthly dad to help Mary raise Jesus. That man was Joseph. What's more, the legitimacy of his earthly adoption is established in the Gospel of Matthew as the genealogy of Christ is traced through Joseph's bloodline. So, adoption is part of God's plan for us. Today, take some time to pray for adoptive parents and children in thanksgiving for their 'yes' to God's plan.

St. Frances immigrated to America from Italy in the 1880s. She traveled about the country doing missionary work, establishing hospitals, schools, and orphanages. She is the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint and is the patron of immigrants. St. Frances, pray for the parishioners of OLOW as we live as missionaries, evangelizing to our communities.

Join Fr. Bob in praying for all of the veterans at OLOW: Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces. Give them courage, hope, and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love, and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Amen.

Everything we have, whether material or immaterial, we receive as a gift from God. Rather than hoarding our gifts, we are called to be generous and share as much as possible for God's greater glory. Jesus, please help us be as generous as the poor widow with our material possessions and gift of self. May we always seek to give all we have. Visit www.olow.org for ideas on how to give more of your time, talent, and treasure.

What is so special about the Lateran Basilica? For one thing, it's known as the "pope's church." Click the link to find out why and read more about the interesting history and architecture of the Lateran Basilica: https://www.walksinsiderome.com/blog/about-rome/st-john-lateran-in-rome/.

We are called to love our spouses as Jesus loves us. One of the many ways Jesus shows love is by serving. He washed his apostles' feet at the Last Supper to show us what loving service looks like. Think of one out-of-the-ordinary act of service you can provide for your spouse this weekend out of love for them.

Do not be afraid! What’s holding you back? Experience the peace and healing that comes with God’s forgiveness. He’s waiting for you with open arms! Saturdays at 3:00 PM or by appointment with Fr Bob.

The Catechism tells us that our co-responsibility for the common good makes it “morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country.” (CCC #2240) Through prayer and a well-formed conscience, bring Christ into your choices today!

Do you love God with everything you’ve got? Are you looking for more ways to show him how much you love him? Check our website to see what OLOW offers in ministries, activities, service opportunities, and Mass and confession times. https://www.olow.org

Offer today’s sufferings for your deceased loved ones. Choose to fast from something or take up a small mortification. Set your alarm to go off every hour and pause to say, “Lord, I offer this up for the sake of N's soul.” It is the best gift you can give!

We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in the OLOW community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Tonight begins our celebration of "...all hallowed men and women," in other words, the saints! But the festivities don't stop tonight. Tomorrow is, of course, the Solemnity of All Saints, a holy day of obligation and a beautiful opportunity to unite with all the saints at Mass. Visit https://www.olow.org to see when we're celebrating!

Halloween is tomorrow! What kinds of costumes are you and/or your kids wearing? Are any of our OLOW family dressing up as a favorite saint? We’d love to know. Tell us below! Post your Halloween costumes in the comments below!

Sts. Simon and Jude are mentioned in the New Testament as among the Twelve, but beyond that, they didn't get a lot of scriptural "screen time." But they didn't need to in order to make a big impact on the world. After Christ's resurrection and ascension into heaven, Simon preached the Gospel in Egypt, while Jude went to Mesopotamia. They eventually met up in Persia, where they were martyred together, which is why we celebrate them on the same feast day. Sts. Simon and Jude, please pray for the OLOW community that we might always seek to spread the Gospel, not for our glory but for God's.

We all believe in Jesus. But when we meet some of the figures in the Gospel--like the blind man Bartimaeus in today's reading--we realize how much more our faith can grow! Bartimaeus truly believes that Jesus can heal him--and he is healed! His faith has saved him. Do we believe like that? What would our lives look like if we did? How could our lives be changed? OLOW community--let's ask God to increase our faith!

It's #ThankfulThursday! The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ--and sometimes God has used miracles to remind us of this! Here are ten astounding Eucharistic miracles. #EucharisticRevival

Soldiers becoming saints isn't uncommon, with holy men like St. Sebastian and St. Ignatius of Loyola as prime examples. But the story of John of Capistrano, today's saint, is slightly different. The Italian priest had already lived most of his life as a Franciscan friar and preacher when he was asked by the pope to lead a crusade against invaders in Eastern Europe -- at 70 years old! Proof that God always includes us in his plans, regardless of age. St. John of Capistrano, pray for our OLOW community!

You might know that St. John Paul II introduced the Luminous Mysteries to the Rosary, focusing on events from Christ's ministry. But JP2's devotion to the Rosary goes far deeper--and the Polish pontiff actually wrote an apostolic letter on the topic that can help all of us pray the Rosary better. Follow the link to read it today! https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae.html

Christianity turns the world's logic on its head- and that could not be clearer in our Gospel passage today. As paradoxical as it sounds, Biblical greatness isn't achieved by getting what you want, like some military leader or titan of industry, but by laying your life down for others. How do we know that this is the way? Because it's what Jesus Christ himself did, coming not to be served but to serve and lead humanity back to the Father. Let's pray today, OLOW community, that we can follow Christ's example.

Today is the feast of the North American martyrs. Among them are three Jesuit missionaries who were killed in the 1640s while spreading the Gospel in what is now the U.S.A. A shrine dedicated to these men, the only canonized saints to be martyred in the United States, is located in Upstate New York. Click the link to learn more, and if you visit, please ask the North American martyrs to give all of us at OLOW the courage to proclaim Christ to the world! https://www.ourladyofmartyrsshrine.org

St. Ignatius of Antioch lived in the first century and is a powerful witness to the early Church's belief in the Eucharist. On his way to his martyrdom in Rome, he wrote several letters underscoring his love of the Eucharist and his belief that it was the body and blood of Christ. Approaching his death in the Coliseum, he accepted that he would be "ground by the teeth of wild beasts" and prayed to become "the pure bread of Christ." St. Ignatius of Antioch, help our Eucharistic devotion at Our Lady of the Woods grow! #EucharisticRevival

Today's saint, known in Polish as Jadwiga, was the first woman to serve as monarch of Poland and was initially crowned as "king." Her sincere faith inspired her husband Jogaila, leading to the conversion of his native Lithuania, which had been the last pagan nation in Europe. Saint Hedwig, pray for all wives and mothers here in our OLOW community!

If Jesus had carried out his earthly ministry in contemporary times, you can imagine how the disciples might've reacted to today's message: pulling out their smartphones and checking their banking app to see if they had "too much" wealth! And yet, Jesus isn't necessarily speaking about a strict limit on the amount of money one can possess, as if having one cent more would prevent one from going to heaven. Instead, he's emphasizing the importance of poverty of heart--being disposed to treasure God above all else. Of course, wealth can be an obstacle to this, as can pleasure, power, and prestige. So today, let's pray that all of us at Our Lady of the Woods can be purified of attachments to the things of this world so that we can love God and neighbor with all our hearts.

The Fifth Luminous Mystery is dedicated to Christ's Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. But the Sorrowful Mysteries, especially the Crucifixion, and the Glorious Mystery of the Resurrection, are also Eucharistic because these are part of the Paschal Mystery that we participate in every time we take part in the sacrifice of the Mass. After praying your rosary, consider joining us for a weekday Mass on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM! #EucharisticRevival

St. John Paul the Great spoke of how the Rosary is Marian in character but Christocentric at heart. This is because it's not about mindlessly repeating "Hail Marys," but meditating upon the life of Jesus with Mary. Join Fr. Bob in praying the Rosary today on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary (and his birthday)!

You know the saying: "Women are from Venus, men are from Mars." While not literally accurate, the expression reminds us that the dynamic between men and women is mysterious--and sometimes even vexing! But whatever the difficulties and challenges of marriage, Christ's words in the Gospel today remind us that the love between a man and a woman is not an accident. It's a profound part of God's plan, revealing his love to the world through the unity and fruitfulness of husband and wife. And because marriage is a profound part of God's plan, he wants to continue to bless married couples! Let's ask for the Lord's continued grace in all marriages here in our OLOW community.

St. Francis saw creation as a ladder that could lead the soul to God. Here's his Canticle of Creation, a hymn of praise to the Maker of all things: O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God, to you belong praise, glory, honor and all blessing. Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation and especially for our Brother Sun, who brings us the day and the light; he is strong and shines magnificently. O Lord, we think of you when we look at him. Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon, and for the stars which you have set shining and lovely in the heavens. Be praised, my Lord, for our Brothers Wind and Air and every kind of weather by which you, Lord, uphold life in all your creatures. Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water, who is very useful to us, and humble and precious and pure. Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire, through whom you give us light in the darkness: he is bright and lively and strong. Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Earth, our Mother, who nourishes us and sustains us, bringing forth fruits and vegetables of many kinds and flowers of many colors. Be praised, my Lord, for those who forgive for love of you; and for those who bear sickness and weakness in peace and patience - you will grant them a crown. Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death, whom we must all face. I praise and bless you, Lord, and I give thanks to you, and I will serve you in all humility.

'Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united to God.' -Catechism of the Catholic Church

How can we, as a community, assist Fr. Bob in the shared mission of our parish?

Good morning, OLOW friends! Do you love the Bible? Today in the liturgical calendar, we celebrate one of the early Church Fathers – Saint Jerome. He is famous for translating the Sacred Scriptures from Hebrew and Greek to the Latin Vulgate. To learn more about St. Jerome and Pope Benedict XV’s encyclical on the 1500th anniversary of St. Jerome’s death, read this article by Dr. John Bergsma: https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/st-jerome-and-spiritus-paraclitus-are-more-relevant-than-ever

A blessed Sunday to you, OLOW! These verses and the ones that follow focus on the actions of dangerous sins and the scandal that can come from them. These grave sins - mortal sins - are quite dangerous to our relationship with Christ. They are like broken bones. When a bone breaks, it needs to be healed and grafted back together. So is the same with mortal sins. When we commit them, we break off from Christ and the Church in a crucial way. The only way to repair the relationship fully is to be grafted back to Christ through Confession. If you have not been to the Sacrament of Confession in some time, make an appointment or check our website or bulletin for times.

If September 29 did not fall on a Sunday this year, we would celebrate the Feast of the Archangels. The archangels are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. They are one of the nine choirs of angels in Heaven. Of the seven angels that stand before the Lord, these three are the only ones mentioned by name in Sacred Scripture.

Padre Pio was once asked if the Blessed Virgin Mary is present during the Holy Mass. This was his reply!

Most Catholics have heard of the great 20th-century saint St. Pius of Pietrelcina, known to many as "Padre Pio," but have you ever read the tales about his extraordinary gifts, which include healings, bi-location, and the famous stigmata, the very wounds of Jesus Christ? To learn about the eight days when Bishop Rossi questioned Padre Pio and his Capuchin brothers about these things, read the Ignatius Press book – "Padre Pio Under Investigation, The Secret Vatican Files" https://padrepio.com/product/padre-pio-under-investigation-the-secret-Vatican-files-book/

Greetings and happy Sunday! Today's Gospel is one of those moments in scripture where our Lord must have shown pity on the Apostles. They were arguing among themselves, while Jesus was in front of them, who was the greatest among them. It’s one of those times where you wonder how the Apostles did what they did after Jesus’ resurrection, but would we be any different? How many times have we thought about our greatness? How many times have we sought worldly affirmations? Jesus explains to the Apostles that in God’s vision, greatness is defined by humility and one’s ability to serve others. We see our Lord do this in the scriptures – he serves others. The greatest must be last and the servant of all. He is preparing them to be the first bishops of the church. Humility is the only way they can serve Christ and the Church effectively. To be a leader in the Church with authority, one must be like Christ.

As we remember the National Eucharistic Revival, OLOW - let us not forget that spending time with our Lord in Adoration is one of the most worthily time-consuming things one can do during the day. Spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament will prepare you to receive him with enthusiasm on Sunday!

We are so thankful Jesus becomes present to us in the Eucharist!

Hey there, OLOW! When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is a tradition to take on the name of a saint. Many people choose saints based on interests in their life at the time or a saint who played a major part in their life up to that point. With so many saints being canonized over the last 40 years, many from the 20th century, we have many saints to choose from now!

Every month, we celebrate multiple martyrs who have shed their blood for Jesus and the Church. (Today, we are celebrating the martyrs Cornelius and Cyprian specifically.) Often thought to be an ancient phenomenon, martyrdom is a reality that many of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world still face today. To learn more about martyrdom occurring today, read Joyce Coronel’s "A Martyr’s Crown," and visit the website, Aid to the Church in Need. A Martyr's Crown - https://a.co/d/4WDgD5m Aid to the Church in Need - https://www.churchinneed.org/