Brothers and sisters: Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6-7).

St. Paul provides a beautiful way to live life, especially when we find ourselves in moments of great stress and anxiety. He reminds us to never face them alone but bring them to God in prayer, thanking God for how He will respond to our needs.

As we celebrate the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, another Franciscan, Blessed Solanus Casey comes to mind, who said, “Worry is a weakness from which very few of us are entirely free. We must be on guard against this most insidious enemy of our peace of soul. Instead, let us foster confidence in God, and thank Him ahead of time for whatever He chooses to send us.”
As we enter the month of October, be mindful of the different activities we have going on in parish life…
• October 4 – Rosary for Life by Manchester Rd. at 10:00 a.m.
• October 4 – Pet Blessing at the Pavilion at 2:00 p.m.
• October 11 – Blue Mass at 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass
• October 11 – Rosary walk at Loyola Retreat House at 3:00 p.m.
• October 22 – Fr. Bearer will give a talk on the Holy Spirit at 7:00 p.m. in the church
• October 25 – Come to a free movie showing of David Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Barberton Lake 8 Movies
• October Mondays at 5:00pm – Memento Mori Hiking Tour

As we enter Respect Life month, as well as the month of the Rosary, consider praying the Rosary daily for a better awareness of the dignity of the human person in all areas of life. May our lives reflect that dignity in all we say and do to one another this month and always.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life,
Fr. Jeremy