Did you know that the tradition of the Catholic Church holds that the rosary was introduced to St. Dominic by Mary in 1208? Did you know that even though we say LOTS of Hail Mary's when we pray it, the rosary is primarily a way to meditate on the life of Jesus? There are all kinds of interesting things to know about praying the rosary and Busted Halo does a great job of summing it up in this two minute video:
For the past 3 years we have been sharing in the bulletin a weekly "Rosary on the Go" intention based on Pope Francis's monthly prayer intention. You don't have to pray your rosary while walking or running to be joined with us in prayer around this common purpose. This month's main intention is for an increase in missionary discipleship. The specific weekly ones are as follows:
October 10:
For each of us to respond wholeheartedly to the call to follow Jesus Christ as disciples without counting the personal cost
October 17:
That all members of the Church may be inspired by Christ’s example of self-giving in generously sharing their gifts with others
October 24:
For the faithful to accept the invitation to proclaim the Good News in word and action so that we may provide hope to others, particularly those on the margins of society
Pope Francis has written a wonderful encyclical called Laudato Si'; The Care of God's Creation. There is actually a Laudato Si' action platform that has really excellent resources. The "Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary for the Care of Creation" is one of them. Click the button below to pray it:
“Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world.”
There's Still Time to Sign Up For...
The Prayer Labyrinth October 11 @ 6:30/October 14 @ 1:00
Perhaps you have heard of a labyrinth and thought that it was nothing more than a maze. We invite you to come to Sheryl and Bob Lane's backyard labyrinth and be A-MAZED by finding out how this ancient form of praying while walking can change your perspective of prayer. The website has more information and a link to register:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/09/27/prayer-labyrinth/
The Bible Blueprint
If you've ever said, "I can't join a Bible study because I don't know enough about the Bible," then please join me on October 14 from 6:30-9:00 for a Bible Blueprint workshop. In one evening, we will go over the highlights of the book in a fun and interactive setting. For more information about the book and to register, click on the link: https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/08/29/1003-the-bible-blueprint/
Books are $7 and can be purchased that evening.
C.C.D.
Campfire Conversations for Dads and (Dudes!)
Guys, come enjoy the fall, the fire and some time together this month on Thursday evenings, October 14 and 21. Bring something to burn, some thoughts to share, and a chair for campfire conversations with dads and dudes.
7:00-8:30pm
Dave Pasek's backyard fire pit at 5109 Drake St, Midland
If you have questions or just want to let Dave know you are coming, text him at (989)600-9727
Praying with the Senses Nature Walk
October 21 @ 10am & 5:30pm
When the question is asked, "How do you most often experience the presence of God?," the most common answers are family, friends, and nature. If you love spending time outdoors and are looking for a new way to pray, join us at the Nature Center for 90 minutes of prayer time using each of the 5 senses. To find out more and to register, click the link:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/09/27/prayer-walk/
Journaling Workshop
The desire to tell our story is as old as human communication and remains a fundamental need for most human beings. Journaling is simply filling a blank page with our reflections, hopes, fears, sorrows, dreams, and miracles in our lives. God speaks to us through this process. It is a form of prayer.
Come along with Mary Jo Kerlin October 21 from 7:00-8:30 as she introduces you to her journey with journaling. She will explain the differences between a diary and a journal, will share the benefits of journaling, and will take you through several journaling prompts to get you on your way to learning how to journal. Register by clicking the link:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2021/09/27/journaling-workshop/
NEW FOR NOVEMBER
UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY OF THE BIBLE
"Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible helps you get the “big picture” of Salvation History by showing how fourteen narrative books of the Bible tell the complete story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church."
Beginning November 7, Vickie Briggs, Kathy Doering, and MaryAnne Wright will be facilitating this wonderful video based program on Sunday mornings between the Masses. Those of you who have been doing Fr. Mike Schmitz's Bible in a Year podcast will really enjoy these sessions. Watch the video to see if this might be your "key" to finally understanding the Bible.
Women’s Morning of Reflection: November 20
Come spend a morning with the four St. Teresas--St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). Join Corinne Cathcart in the Social Hall for a little breakfast, and then settle in as she “opens a window” into the stories of the holy lives of these women through art, prayer, and meditation. Check the website and next week’s bulletin for more details and registration information.
Have you ever wondered what it means to “pray” the Bible or how the words written 2000 years ago apply to your daily life? If so, consider joining Lyn Pajk for 4 sessions of faith sharing using The Visual Faith Project as a jumping off point for connecting Scripture to our lives and faith stories. We begin November 9. Check the website for more details.
PERENNIAL FAVORITES
COATS for KIDS
The chill is definitely back in the air and kids of all ages are in need of warm winter coats. All donations can be taken to the drop off boxes located in the front and rear entrances of the Parish Center. Thank you for generous your help in keeping children warm this winter.
The Annual Blessed Sacrament Thanksgiving Cereal Collection Is Back!
Cereal can be dropped off in the Faith Formation Office from October 17th through November18th. Feel free to stop by any time just to see the “Great Wall of Cereal”. All contributions stay right here in the Midland County area and are included along with the food items coming from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for the Thanksgiving baskets.
Mark Your Calendars for Our Annual Trunk or Treat
October 30, 2021 5:00-6:00
3 Fun Ways to Participate
Host a trunk and Bring the Treats
Or
Costume Up and Collect the Treats
Or
Donate Candy to be Handed Out
Visit the website or contact the Faith Formation Office to register your car! Candy donations can be dropped off to the Faith Formation Office.
And one last thing: Theology by the Glass at 7:00 on Wednesday. Our topic is, "What's your favorite Bible Story or verse?"
I know there is A LOT in this note, but I hope that each of us can find something this fall season to draw us closer to Jesus Christ and one another. God certainly loves us just the way we are, but he is always desiring for us to know him more and more.