Welcome to Our Lady of the Woods

It's easy to think that our lives are completely under control. But all it takes is one unexpected event--like being robbed in the middle of the night!--for us to remember that life is unpredictable and not guaranteed to go the way we want, no matter how much we try to control it. If this is true on a micro level, it's also true of our lives as a whole. And this is what Christ is reminding us in today's Gospel. Namely, our life is a gift--it isn't something that we have ultimate control over. And it can come to an end suddenly and without warning. Jesus doesn't tell us to scare us, but rather to help us embrace a simple truth. We should live every day as a precious gift, one that is lived in relationship with God and in service to others. OLOW family, let's all embrace this truth as we begin our Advent journey. #SundayScripture

If a typical painting is worth 1,000 words, then Michelangelo's The Last Judgement might be worth 10,000. Painted in the Sistine Chapel, his masterwork is an artistic expression of the theology of death and judgment, a theme we are meditating upon presently at the end of the liturgical year. At the center of the painting is Christ, mighty and strong, surrounded by his blessed mother and the apostles and martyrs, and passing judgment on the dead. On the right-hand side of the fresco, we can see the saved being raised from the dead, freed from bondage, and taken up to heaven by angels--while on the left, we can see the damned being carried downward by demons and ushered into eternal fire. More than just an avant-garde work of art, Michelangelo's The Last Judgement is a call for all of us at OLOW to meditate upon the end of time, and to continue to strive to be among those welcomed into eternal life. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Happy Thanksgiving! Today is all about giving thanks to God for all the good things we have in our lives. Follow the link for a great Thanksgiving Day prayer from the US bishops. https://www.usccb.org/prayers/thanksgiving-day-prayer

Tomorrow is turkey day! So what's your favorite Thanksgiving food? With so much stuffing, pie, green beans, corn, cranberries, and, yes, turkey, it's hard to choose!

There are about 700,000 Vietnamese Catholics in the U.S., and today is their day. On this day, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions, remembering these martyrs whose heroic witness in the 19th century allowed the faith to flourish. Vietnamese Catholics in places like Orange County, Calif., New Orleans, and Houston mark today with beautiful processions that include traditional clothing, colorful lanterns and drums, and a litany of the 117 martyrs' names. St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions, pray for all of us at Our Lady of the Woods!

Faced with his own death, the penitent thief embraces a truth that we can so easily forget: that Jesus Christ is king of the universe, and his kingdom will last forever. This isn’t to say that our lives on earth--our acts of love, justice, and goodness--are meaningless in their own right, just boxes we check on our way to heaven. Instead, what the kingship of Christ conveys is that nothing has any ultimate value apart from him. Because what is not consecrated to Christ, the King of the Universe, will not last. So OLOW family, let's offer our whole lives--our hearts, bodies, minds, and souls--to Jesus Christ, so that we might enter into his kingdom, now and forever. #SundayScripture

Today we celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. No, not Mary presenting Jesus at the temple. But Mary herself was presented as a young girl to be consecrated to God. It underscores the important role she was being prepared to play, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Let's look at Mary's different titles, OLOW family, to see how this is the case.

November is almost over, but there's still time to pray for your beloved dead during this special month. Follow the link for info on how to pray a novena, or nine days of prayer, for recently deceased loved ones. Please don't forget our beloved dead here at Our Lady of the Woods. https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-for-the-dead

November is devoted to praying for souls in purgatory, and perhaps no work of literature has contributed more to our imagination of this state of being than Dante's Purgatorio. For Dante, purgatory is a place of penance and purification. Souls ascend a mountain towards heaven, overcoming vices like pride and lust in the process. But they aren't sad about it. Instead, they're hopeful because they know they are on their way to heaven. Give Dante's Purgatorio a read, and make sure to let us know what you learn! #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Think that all there is to life is power and wealth? St. Elizabeth of Hungary gives us good reason to think again. Although she was born a noble and married into a wealthy family, she decided that she would devote herself to serving the less fortunate and renounced her wealth. In fact, after her husband died, her in-laws banished her from court, and she experienced poverty first-hand. For Elizabeth, fancy clothing and sumptuous meals weren't life's greatest treasure; serving Jesus was. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for all of us at Our Lady of the Woods!

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his followers that they will be persecuted for the sake of his name. He even says that some will be put to death because of their Christian faith. So why does he then say that "not a hair on your head will be destroyed?" Jesus is telling us that earthly death--or hate, or name-calling, or meanness--is not the final answer. And while difficulties we may endure for the sake of being faithful to Christ may involve hurt and suffering, we are actually experiencing fullness of life by remaining united to Jesus--the source of life itself. OLOW family, let's put this into practice. Let's all think of an area where being a faithful Christian might cause us discomfort or even disdain from others--at work, at school, or even in our families--and let's commit to being united to Christ in the midst of it. #SundayScripture

St. Thomas Aquinas is arguably the greatest theologian of the Church, but today we celebrate the man who was his mentor: St. Albert the Great. What about you? Did you have someone who "showed you the ropes" and helped you be who you are today? We'd love to hear from you, OLOW family! Tell us in the comments below.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first American citizen to be canonized, after she came to the U.S. to serve immigrant communities around the turn of the 20th century. But believe it or not, she almost never came to America at all. In fact, the Italian religious sister had initially wanted to serve as a missionary to Asia--just like her namesake, St. Francis Xavier. But Pope Leo XIII told her, "Not to the East, but to the West," and urged her to serve the poor masses of migrants that were arriving on America's shores. She agreed and came to the U.S. in 1889. Mother Cabrini's impact in America is a powerful testament to the virtues of obedience and trust in providence--and we ask her to pray for all of us here at Our Lady of the Woods.

We're grateful to all of our veterans here at OLOW. Join us in praying this prayer from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. 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.

In today's Gospel, Jesus refers to himself as the true temple. So why do we have a whole feast day dedicated to the founding of a church building? In a word, because of the Incarnation. Jesus is God become man. So though he is the object of our worship, it's also true that we need a dedicated place to gather as his body, to listen to his word, and to celebrate the sacraments he gave us. This is what churches are for. Today, we commemorate the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. By celebrating the establishment of this ancient church, the first major church built after Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire, we are, in a sense, celebrating all parishes--including our own Our Lady of the Woods. So, let's give thanks today to God that we have a place to gather and worship him, both in Rome and here at home. #SundayScripture

Here's a patron saint just in time for deer season. St. Hubert was a Frankish noble. But after his wife died while giving birth, he left the court and spent all his time in the forest hunting. On Good Friday, when everyone else was in church, he was searching for a big buck. While he was pursuing a stag, the magnificent creature turned toward Hubert, who was astounded to see a crucifix floating between its antlers. Then Hubert heard a voice urging him to repent and seek guidance from a local bishop. St. Hubert, patron saint of hunters, pray for all of our hunters here at Our Lady of the Woods!

With the chilling of the weather and the falling of the leaves, November is a natural time to think about death and the impermanence of everything that isn't God. Gerard Manley Hopkins was a great Catholic poet, and his poem Spring and Fall, which was addressed to a young girl saddened by the changing of the season, fits the moment perfectly. Just another example of how good art can help all of us here at Our Lady of the Woods enter more prayerfully into the season. Spring and Fall Márgarét, áre you gríeving Over Goldengrove unleaving? Leáves like the things of man, you With your fresh thoughts care for, can you? Ah! ás the heart grows older It will come to such sights colder By and by, nor spare a sigh Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie; And yet you wíll weep and know why. Now no matter, child, the name: Sórrow’s spríngs áre the same. Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed What heart heard of, ghost guessed: It ís the blight man was born for, It is Margaret you mourn for.

November is dedicated to praying for the dead, and Nov. 1-8 is an especially powerful time to do so. The Church allows us to attain a plenary indulgence for souls in purgatory by visiting a Catholic cemetery during this time. Check out this link to see how it's done! https://www.churchpop.com/how-you-can-offer-a-plenary-indulgence-for-the-souls-in-purgatory-nov-1-8/

We just celebrated All Saints' Day, so we're curious to know: who is your favorite saint and why? Tell us in the comments below!

Jesus promises that he will raise up the faithful departed. So why do we bother praying for our beloved dead, as we do today? Does that mean we don't believe in his promise? Or think that he's not powerful enough to do it without us? Not at all. Instead, we pray for the dead not because we doubt God's promises, but because he has invited us to be a part of their fulfillment. God doesn't need our prayers to save others, but it is good for us to take part in this saving work. And, like a good father, the Lord allows his children to take part. Let's embrace these truths today, OLOW family, and for all of November, as we pray for our beloved dead. #SundayScripture

Today we celebrate all the holy men and women who are now united with God in heaven--and we ask them to help us live holy lives so we can someday join them. All you holy men and women, pray for us at Our Lady of the Woods!

As the leaves fall and the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church invites us to enter November with hearts turned toward memory, prayer, and hope. This month, we especially remember those who died and were buried from Our Lady of the Woods over the past year. Their names are displayed in this video accompanied by the gentle image of two hands holding a lit candle—a symbol of faith, love, and eternal light. We give thanks for their lives, their presence in our parish family, and the legacy of faith they leave behind. May they rest in the peace of Christ, and may we carry their memory with reverence and joy. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. #MonthOfRemembrance #StRochRemembers #AllSouls #CatholicFaith #EternalRest

On this All Hallows' Eve, the little ones are having fun - do you remember a particular Halloween? Please share with us below!

This is ALL we need to pray today! Join Fr. Bob and our community at Mass this weekend: Saturday at 4:00 PM, Sunday at 9:00 AM, and Sunday at 11:00 AM for our Children's Liturgy!

Sometimes, a practical solution exists to a problem that seems insurmountable. OLOW family, turn off your music and podcasts, go for a walk, and see if you suddenly stumble upon the answer to the problem you face!

Today, we get an example of how we are to pray - from a place of humility, recognizing that we are creatures, not creators. Jesus promises that those who approach him from a place of humility will ultimately take their place in heaven, exalted with him. Let's bring that to our worship as Fr. Bob celebrates Mass this weekend.

Any open Saturday is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Catholics around the world can celebrate special Masses and offer prayers in her honor. We love Mary here at OLOW!

On St. John's feast day, we ask - how can someone accomplish SO MUCH in one life? St. John, pray for us here at Our Lady of the Woods!

The third-longest-reigning pope in our 2,000-year history, St. John Paul II changed the lives of millions of people, including those in his native Poland. St. John Paul II, man of joy and the Good News, pray for us all here at OLOW!

On the Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross, we are reminded of the Cross of Christ and its great, rugged beauty. Vertically, the cross serves as the link between the earthly and the eternal, whereas in its horizontal dimension, it stretches out to people of every race and language, inviting them into communion with God. Isn't that incredible? Fr. Bob and our parish staff certainly think so!

We can often think that God is too like us - that he has prayer requests stacking up and the backlog is what's preventing him from acting. Not so! OLOW family, Jesus reminds us that God answers speedily - though from our limited human perspective, it might not seem to be so. God does reward persistence in prayer!

On the evangelist's feast day, share your favorite passage from his Gospel in the comments!

Today we remember St. Hedwig, a 13th-century duchess of Silesia, who, after her husband's death, joined a convent and devoted herself to serving the poor and prisoners. She is one of more than a dozen royal women who entered religious life late and became a saint! St. Hedwig, pray for us all at OLOW, especially our widows and widowers.

Bernini had the unique gift of making marble flow like water, clouds, and clothing. One of his most famous works, "The Ecstasy of St. Teresa," is well worth contemplating on her feast day. St. Teresa, pray for us at OLOW! Learn more here: https://www.learner.org/series/art-through-time-a-global-view/dreams-and-visions/the-ecstasy-of-st-teresa/

We here at OLOW are always praying that the founder of the Knights of Columbus would be canonized. Blessed Michael McGivney, pray for us as well!

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of what we are to do - pity the suffering - and what we should expect - the joy of doing God's will. What we should NOT expect is people's thanks or accolades. In fact, it is better for us, in our pride, if our good deeds are NOT recognized!

"Good Pope John," the saint we celebrate today, was known for his humor but also for his unceasing pleas for peace in the midst of the Cold War. If you need peace today, ask him to pray for you. Better yet, join us for Mass! Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM

Today, the Church celebrates the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. You can learn more here: https://www.usccb.org/resources/jubilee-consecrated-life-usccb-resource-packet-english

Today we remember St. Bruno, who founded the great mother house of the Carthusians and helped settle on their motto: "While the world turns, the Cross stands firm!" May we live out this motto today here at OLOW.

In today's Gospel, we hear this strange phrase about "unprofitable servants." In part, Jesus is commanding the disciples to simply convey HIM to people. We are called to do the same thing - not to add or detract from who Jesus is, but simply proclaim him. One incredible example of an "unprofitable servant" is St. Paul, who constantly reminded new Christians that he was simply handing on what he had received. Lord, bless and protect our servant and shepherd, Fr. Bob, today. As he does what he is obliged to do for our sake, reward him!

No, it's not some dentists' holiday - it's just an excuse to bring some joy to yourself and others! What are you smiling about today?

On this Memorial of the Guardian Angels, tell us how you've been saved from trouble by your heavenly intercessor! Guardian angels, pray for us here at St. Roch.

Please join us starting next Tuesday at St. Roch as we offer the Rescue Project! Click below for more information and to register. We are keeping registration open for just a couple more days! https://www.downrivermissionariesforchrist.com/the-rescue-project-2

This month, the Holy Father is asking us at OLOW and all the faithful to pray that we might partner with those of different faiths to protect the dignity of the human person.

Today we celebrate Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael--the archangels. Angels are spiritual beings who cooperate in God's work, and these three are the most powerful. Here’s a well-known prayer all of us at Our Lady of the Woods can say on their feast day. Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector: Help us in our battles against the spirits of darkness and against all the evil that threatens our salvation. Saint Gabriel is the messenger of the Good News: Help us to clearly hear Your word and to faithfully live it out. Saint Raphael is the healing angel: Help us on our journey through life, bring healing and guidance to our struggles and trials. May we be strengthened and comforted by their powerful intercession. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sometimes, Scripture leaves us no choice but to confront hard truths. Today's Gospel is a good example. The rich man's sin wasn't that he was rich. It's that he hoarded his wealth, lavishing it upon himself instead of tending to the needs of Lazarus, who lay sick and hungry on his doorstep. The fact that the dogs licked Lazarus's wounds isn't an indictment of the poor beggar, but of the rich man; even animals noticed the needs of Lazarus more than he did. OLOW family, everything we have is a gift. We are called to use what God has given us not only for our good, but for the good of those around us. This Sunday, let's prayerfully consider how we can choose a different path than the rich man, and serve those in need in our lives. #SundayScripture

Cosmas and Damian were physicians in ancient Rome, suffering martyrdom in 303 AD. The twin brothers had an interesting nickname: Anargyroi. It means, "without silver," or "unmercenary." They earned this title because they never charged for their healing services, which made them especially beloved among the poor. Many healing miracles are attributed to Cosmas and Damian, and the two are regarded as the patrons of all medical workers. Saints Cosmas and Damian, pray for all of us at Our Lady of the Woods that we too might give without counting the cost.

Today's National Comic Book Day--and believe it or not, there are some definite Catholic connections to the genre. Perhaps the clearest case is that of the superhero Daredevil, also known as Matt Murdock. The character often struggles with guilt as he carries out vigilante justice in New York City. A priest is his main confidant, and Murdock is often seen in a church praying or going to confession. He isn't a perfect Catholic model, by any stretch of the imagination. However, he is a witness to the fact that even though we are fallen and make mistakes, we can and should always turn back to Christ and his Church. We don't know of any superheroes here at Our Lady of the Woods, but know that you are always welcome!

Fall is in full swing! What do you love most about this special season? Tell us in the comments below--and we'll try to find out Fr. Bob's fall favorites, too!

Today marks the autumnal equinox, which means we're in the fall season. Catholic authors have often connected fall with contemplation, spiritual maturity, and recognition of life's fleetingness. We hope everyone at Our Lady of the Woods grows in these qualities this fall!

Some of us like to think that we can "multi-task" — truly focus on different activities simultaneously. But it's a myth — while our brain can rapidly switch its attention from one thing to another, we actually can't process multiple things at the same time. The same is true of love. While we might think that we can love different things equally at the same time, this isn't true. There will always be one thing, one love, that takes priority. So when Christ tells us in today's Gospel that we must choose between God and mammon, a pagan god of wealth, it isn't a choice between abandoning our faith or absolute poverty. Instead, it's a choice between what is our ultimate focus--and our ultimate love. Who is our master? We can only have one. When we love God above all else, it doesn't get rid of other good things, but orders them properly. Let's ask the Lord to help all of us at OLOW love him above all else. #SundayScripture

179 years ago, St. Andrew Kim Taegon was killed as part of a brutal series of crackdowns on Catholics in Korea. Now, the global Catholic celebration, World Youth Day, is set to take place in his home country in just two years. What a powerful testament to the fruitful witness of the martyrs! Is anyone from Our Lady of the Woods planning on going to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul? Check the link below to learn more. https://wydseoul.org/en

The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. In particular, the stunning blue of the interior ceiling — featuring gold stars dotting the canopy — combined with the purples and golds of the sanctuary and surrounding walls creates an otherworldly experience. Adorned with wooden statues of saints and stained glass windows depicting scenes from Montreal's religious history, the basilica is a fitting tribute to its namesake — Our Lady. And it's another example of how architectural beauty can help lift our hearts and minds to the source of all beauty, God himself. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Although we strive to be citizens of the City of God, it's also true that we are members of societies here on earth. In fact, we live out the logic of heaven now by contributing to the earthly political communities of which we are a part. That's why citizenship, properly understood, is a Catholic virtue worth striving for--today, and every other day. Let's all strive to be good citizens, OLOW family!

Today marks the 405th anniversary of the Mayflower's departure from England. No Catholics were on board--the pilgrims were Protestant--but English Catholics followed several years later aboard two ships: the Ark and the Dove. The ships landed in the US in 1634, and their passengers established the colony of Maryland--the first planned Catholic settlement in British America.

When we look at the cross, with our Lord nailed to its wood, it's easy to feel shame and even self-loathing. After all, our sins put Jesus there. But that's not how Jesus looks out at us from the cross. He looks at us with love. And he suffered and died not to put us to shame, but to save us. To bring us back into loving union with God. This Sunday, let's make a point here at OLOW to see ourselves as God sees us, so that we might also look upon others with merciful love. #SundayScripture

"Mary." A simple name, with lots of meaning. Today, we reflect on the Most Holy Name of Mary--the focus of the following hymn, attributed to St. Anthony of Padua. We encourage our whole OLOW family to read it prayerfully today! #TruthGoodnessBeauty O name of Mary, joy to hear, A balm to souls, a name so dear. In thee the heavens find their song, And earth’s poor pilgrims journey strong. Thy name, a star o’er stormy sea, Guides wandering hearts to Christ through thee. When shadows fall and fears arise, Thy name brings light to darkened skies. Maria, blessed, pure, and sweet, In thee God’s grace and mercy meet. The angels chant thy holy name, And saints its endless glory claim. No sin can stand its sacred sound, In Mary’s name, true hope is found. The demons flee, their power undone, By her who bore God’s only Son. O Virgin Mother, Queen of grace, Thy name reveals thy tender face. Through thee we find the Savior’s love, And rise to dwell with Him above.

9/11. Those two numbers instantly direct our minds to one of the darkest days in American history--but also to the stories of heroism and bravery that took place on that September day, 24 years ago. Where were you when you heard about 9/11? What do you remember about that day? And how do you try to honor the lives of those who were lost today? We'd love to hear from you, OLOW family. Tell us in the comments below.

Sunday is a day of rest, but for professional football players, it's a day of action. Fortunately, many NFL teams have dedicated team chaplains, including Catholic priests, to care for players' spiritual needs. Check out the linked article from the Knights of Columbus to learn more about the ministry of NFL chaplains. https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/columbia/2022/january/gridiron-fathers.html

Happy birthday, Mary! Today we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Check out this video to see what today's feast day is all about and why it matters--and then consider giving Mary a great gift by joining us for daily Mass! Our weekday schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM.

Should we seek suffering out? That could be one interpretation of today's Gospel. But let's look more closely. The cross is what the world did to Jesus because of his perfect love for all mankind in perfect obedience to the Father. In other words, in a fallen world, selfless love inevitably leads to suffering. Christ invites us first and foremost not to suffer, but to love selflessly--and to accept whatever suffering might come our way as a result of our fidelity. This Sunday, let's ask Jesus to help all of us at OLOW to better follow his perfect example of self-giving love. #SundayScripture

Today we celebrate St. Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity. The MCs are still going strong, in India and around the world. In fact, they serve the poor and dying here in the United States. And if you're looking for an opportunity to live out the corporal works of mercy, looking into volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity on Mother Teresa's feast day sounds like a great place to start! OLOW family, follow the link for more information, or search online for the nearest MC house and contact them directly. https://missionariesofcharity.org/volunteers_readmore.html

St. Gregory the Great (c. 540-604 AD) is one of the most important popes in Church history. He strengthened the papacy's role in preserving Church unity, standardized the Latin Rite liturgy and chant, initiated evangelizing missions to England, and issued pastoral guides to assist bishops in their ministry. But despite all his accomplishments, this "great" saint never made it about himself. Instead, he called himself "the servant of the servants of God" - a title that popes continue to use to this day. St. Gregory the Great, pray that all of us at Our Lady of the Woods might follow your example of servant leadership!

Today, we celebrate all workers! As the Church teaches, work isn't supposed to be dreary toil; instead, it's an opportunity for each of us to contribute our talents to the wider good, becoming more human in the process. Thanks to everyone in our OLOW family who works, and enjoy your big day!

What is the beautiful thing about helping those who cannot pay you back? It brings you closer to God. OLOW, just as we cannot repay him for anything we have received, so too the poor cannot repay us. And in our generosity, we understand a bit more the relationship between God and man. It's humbling!

John's death is so incredible. Like Jesus, his preaching gets him in trouble. Like Jesus, he is mocked at his death. Like Jesus, his death brings many to God - paving the way, in fact, for more of his followers to come to Jesus. St. John the Baptist, pray for us here at OLOW!

On this Memorial of St. Augustine and #TheologyThursday, we ask, "Why didn't Augustine like donuts?"

St. Monica's prayers and tears unleashed a torrent of grace in her son's life. Augustine went from "wayward adult child" to a saint and Doctor of the Church as a result. May our prayers and tears do the same!

In today's Gospel, Jesus sketches out a vision of the future, which includes all of us at OLOW - a great multitude of people entering the Church to "recline at table" in God's Kingdom. May our numbers increase so that many might be saved!

On St. Rose's feast day, we ask - are YOU a Rose? Many Catholic women are!

On the Octave Day of the Assumption, we remember - Mary is the Queen Mother of heaven, the one who always brings our prayers at OLOW before her son.

During his life, St. Bernard founded almost 80 monasteries! He worked tirelessly for the salvation of all. In your own life, who is equally tireless on behalf of God? Let Fr. Bob know in the comments!

The Book of Psalms is one of the great treasures of the Church, but why is it so? Check out this #truthbeautygoodness video to learn more!

We may wonder what Jesus is speaking about today, but it becomes clear that he means his Passion. His anguish represents his great desire to complete his mission and save the world. His zeal is for us at OLOW - glory to you, Jesus, for the great gift of your saving death and resurrection!

Today we celebrate Mary's Assumption and remember - where she has gone, we can surely follow - with God's help! Join Fr. Bob and our whole parish family on this holy day of obligation to celebrate. Simple Mass at 9:00 AM and Mass at 7:00 PM.

Here's a beautiful fact about today's priest-martyr saint: he had an incredible devotion to Mary and died on the eve of her Assumption. As such, we NEVER pray Evening Prayer for St. Kolbe - instead, we are always celebrating the Vigil of the Assumption.

God has created so much natural beauty, and you can see some of the best meteors of the year right now! NASA has you covered with all the details of how to experience God's #truthgoodnessbeauty https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/meteors-meteorites/perseids/

Which is it? Let us know what YOU think in the comments, OLOW friends!

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues his teaching on true wealth, which is stored in heaven. But he begins by referring to the Church as the "little flock," which shows his tender concern for all. That's why we call Fr. Bob PASTOR - he's our shepherd!

St. Dominic's mother once had a dream that she would give birth to a son who would set the world ablaze with his preaching. But in the dream, her son was a dog with a torch in his mouth - St. Dominic! You can always spot him in art because that dog is nearby... #truthbeautygoodness

Want to learn one incredible fact about today's feast? Watch our video, and come celebrate with us! Mass offered at 9:00 AM today.

According to an Argentinian newspaper, the Holy Father really enjoys the sport, though he doesn't get to play much anymore.

Happy feast day to all parish priests, especially Fr. Bob! Today we celebrate the patron of them all, St. John Vianney, a humble French priest who often spent 10-16 hours in the confessional - all to bring Jesus' mercy to sinners.

Jesus has some "hard words" today, but we note at the end of the Gospel that the message is really one of hope - be rich in what matters to God! Love for him and our neighbor is the best way to store up riches in heaven. May we all do so at OLOW!

The Society of Jesus is known for a lot. But Jesuits have a special charism for higher education. In fact, 27 colleges and universities in the U.S. are Jesuit-affiliated, including institutions like Boston College, Creighton, Marquette, and Gonzaga. On the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we pray that all Jesuits and the colleges they run will be inspired by the Society's illustrious founder, who did all things "for the greater glory of God!"

Today, young people from the United States will gather in Rome as part of a special National U.S. Pilgrim Gathering for the ongoing Jubilee Year. The program will include a procession featuring American saints, Eucharistic Holy Hour, and presentations by speakers like Bishop Robert Barron. Whether any of those gathered are from Our Lady of the Woods or not, let's lift them up in prayer!

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati has been beloved by Catholics for decades. And later this year, this gregarious, adventurous, and holy young man will be recognized as a saint. Let's take this opportunity to ask soon-to-be-saint Pier Giorgio Frassati to pray for us, and to bless all our young adults and youth here at Our Lady of the Woods!

In addition to reading Latin and German, the Holy Father speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.

There's an old adage: God helps those who help themselves. But, as it turns out, the best way to help ourselves is to ask God for his help. That's what Jesus is telling us in today's Gospel: our Father loves us and wants to give us what we truly need. And God invites us to ask, seek, and knock at his door, not because he needs us to remind him of what we need, but because he knows it is good for us to ask him! It is suitable for us, his children, to go to our loving Father. So this Sunday, think about what we need at Our Lady of the Woods, and ask God for it in prayer. As long as you knock, he will answer. #SundayScripture

Today is the feast of Jesus' grandparents: Saints Joachim and Anne. Like the Lord, we love our grandparents at OLOW. Believe it or not, there is an entire association devoted to Catholic grandparents, aiding them in their task of passing on the faith and keeping prayer in the heart of family life. If you want to learn more about the Catholic Grandparents Association, just visit the link! https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/about-us/our-mission/

The Michigan Catholic Conference asks all Catholics to write their elected officials in Lansing in support of funding for essential support services in all schools, including nonprofit schools like Catholic schools. This funding provides for safe and secure buildings, access to healthy meals and mental health assistance, and more. Visit micatholic.org/SupportStudents for an easy-to-use form for contacting state legislators.

Today is the feast day of St. James the Greater, known throughout much of the world as Santiago. In fact, St. James' tomb in Spain is the destination of one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world: El Camino de Santiago. Learn more about this pilgrimage route in today's video!

The relationship between cousins can be life-giving. Just ask the Blessed Virgin Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth. Today is Cousins Day, so it's a great excuse to pick up the phone and give any cousins you might have a call! We'll remind Fr. Bob, too.

The feast day of St. Bridget of Sweden is a great time to explore the Catholic history of Scandinavia. There might be no better way to do that than to read the great epic, Kristin Lavransdatter. Written by Nobel Prize winner Sigrid Undset in the 1920s, it tells the story of a noblewoman's life in medieval Norway. Undset's immersive writing places the reader both amidst Kristin's struggle between good and evil and within the thick culture of Catholic Scandinavia. Give it a read and let Fr. Bob know what you think of it. #TruthGoodnessBeauty