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October 2 – The Feast of the Guardian Angels
October 2 - Respect Life Sunday
October 7 - The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
October 23 - World Mission Sunday
 This year's World Mission Sunday theme is "You shall be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). Pope Francis reminds us that "every Christian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ..." Additional information can be found here.
- Pope Francis’ Message for World Mission Sunday 2022
- Learn about and pray with the Church's many missionary saints!
- Children in grades K-2 can learn about St. Katherine Drexel by clicking here, and information about St. Teresa of Calcutta can be found here.
- Children in grades 3-8 can learn about St. Kateri Tekakwitha by clicking here, and information about St. Théodore Guérin can be found here.
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 October is Respect Life Month
Every October, we consider more deeply why every human life is valuable, and how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death. The Archdiocese of Dubuque provides family resources, videos, activities and prayers, and more for Respect Life Month. Click here.
October is the Month of the Holy Rosary
October 10 - Columbus Day (observed)
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
- October 15 – Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
We remember babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death, and pray for their families. Archdiocesan resources to help families are available at www.DBQArch.org/BeholdYourChild.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 31 - Halloween
 Halloween is a great opportunity to combine fun and learning about Catholic values.
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October 1 - St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- Do "little things" for God and others.
- Click here to learn more.
October 4 - St. Francis of Assisi
- Do something nice for animals:building a bird feeder, put out bird seed, walk your dog.
- For ways to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, click here.
 October 5 – St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
October 11 - Pope St. John XXIII
Find ways to set spiritual goals within your family.
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October 15 - St. Teresa of Avila
October 18 – Feast of St. Luke, Apostle
October 22 – St. John Paul II
October 28 - Ss. Simon and Jude, Apostles
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Celebrate the October Saints: St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (Oct 1); Guardian Angels (Oct. 2); St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4); Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (Oct. 5); St. Bruno (Oct. 6); Blessed Marie Rose Durocher (Oct 6); Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (Oct. 7); St. John Henry Newman (Oct. 9); St. Denis and Companions (Oct. 9); St. John Leonardi (Oct. 9); St. John XXIII, Pope (Oct. 11); St. Callistus I (Oct. 14); St. Teresa of Jesus (Oct. 15); St. Hedwig (Oct. 16); St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (Oct. 16); St. Ignatius of Antioch (Oct. 17); St. Luke the Evangelist (Oct. 18); Sts. Jean de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, and Companions (Oct. 19); St. Paul of the Cross (Oct. 20); St. John Paul II, Pope (Oct. 22); St. John of Capistrano (Oct. 23); St. Anthony Mary Claret (Oct. 24); Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles (Oct. 28)
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October: Month of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
 The rosary helps us to meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. We focus on Jesus --- his birth, life, death, and resurrection. Mary invites us to join her in pondering these mysteries. The constant repetition of these prayers help create an atmosphere in which to contemplate the mysteries of God. We sense that Jesus and Mary are with us in the joys and sorrows of life. We grow in hope that God will bring us to share in the glory of Jesus and Mary forever. Here are some resources for honoring Mary, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary:
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Cooking with Fr. Cooper
 Join Fr. Robert Cooper from Divine Mercy Parish in Kenner, LA, as he and his pint-sized assistant, Lucy whip up delicious treats around various Feast Days in the Church! Enjoy the video below, showing how to make an edible rosary as we learn about Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Consider making this sweet treat for the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on October 7!
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How the Angels Got Their Wings
by Anthony DeStefano
 This book offers an introduction to the story of the angels ― pure spiritual beings of extraordinary power made by God to assist Him in carrying out His will. Beginning with the creation of the angels and the “war in Heaven” between the good angels and the bad, this book introduces children to the famous archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael ― as well as to Satan, the ringleader of the fallen angels who chose to rebel against God. This book also acquaints children with those special angels who are here with us right now, helping to protect and guide us ― our guardian angels. It shows children how angels can protect them from physical harm, and assist them with all the problems.
- Purchase this book here.
- This book is available for sign-out from Faith Formation Resources (BK# 200208)
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Respect Life Month and Catholic Social Teaching
 October is the perfect time for your teens and tweens to learn about Catholic Social Teaching. Each October, the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life, and to protect the lives of everyone around us, especially when they are vulnerable or threatened.
- The USCCB offers resources to educate and engage parents and families in acts of kindness and charity based on Catholic Social Teaching. Resources include videos, discussion guides, handouts and posters for adults and children (in both English and Spanish), and more!
- Strong Catholic Family Faith offers many resources for Catholic Social Teaching.
- Learn more about Catholic Social Teaching here.
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 It is in the context of the family that we first learn who God is, and to prayerfully seek God's will for us. The USCCB offers suggestions on how to build your "domestic church" through a life of prayer. Click on the link above to learn more!
For more ideas on how to build your domestic church, go to www.domestic-church.com, or visit Family Fully Alive, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus! |
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 In this series of two short videos, Jackie and Bobby Angel share the joys and struggles of marriage. They discuss the everyday experiences that have taught them how to live for each other, and demonstrate how communication and self-sacrifice are the keys to a healthy relationship between a husband and wife.
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Involving Our Elders in Faith Formation
 In many cultures, the elders of the community are highly respected and are seen as wisdom figures for young people. Pope Francis encourages us to hold our elders in high esteem, and to continue to use their gifts in a variety of ways, including in areas of faith formation. Look to grandparents to transmit the meaning of life and the value of tradition and religious practices to your kids. They bring dignity to the memory and sacrifices of past generations and share the simplicity of faith. In this article, Joe Paprocki from Catechist's Journey offers some ideas for involving the elderly in your family and community.
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Parish Advocacy Matters!
 October is National Disability Employment Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Week is October 2-8, 2022. Initiate discussions in your parish/cluster about how you can be more inclusive. Participate in an at-home activity or pray as a family to raise awareness about persons with disabilities. Who might be called or gifted to advocate for persons with disabilities in your parish/cluster? Could that person be YOU?
For additional information and resources for inclusion of persons with diverse abilities, please contact Lynne Chapman at l.chapman@dbqarch.org or 563-556-2580, ext. 246.
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October Pinterest Highlights for Families
Check out these October Pinterest topics focused on the family - the Domestic Church!
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 This non-profit, pro-life, and pro-family Catholic grief support ministry serves ordinary families who have been given an extraordinary cross to carry. The organization recognizes the critical role of the Sacraments in the healing process, and guides individuals and couples through the complexity and trauma that happens with the loss of a child from pregnancy through adulthood.
 Behold Your Child ministry provides hope and healing for parents and families who have experienced a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death (whether recently or years ago). The web page listed above offers helpful information, resources, articles, and prayerful reflections for those who have been affected by the loss of a child. Training is also available for those interested in Behold Your Child parish ministry. Contact Matt Selby at m.selby@dbqarch.org to learn more. |
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Giving Thanks for the Gift of Human Life
God our Creator,
we give thanks to you,
who alone have the power to impart the breath of life
as you form each of us in our mother’s womb;
Grant, we pray,
that we, whom you have made stewards of creation,
may remain faithful to this sacred trust
and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
From the Roman Missal, Mass for Various Occasions, 48/1.
“For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life”
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Upcoming Opportunities for Teaching the Faith
 November 1 - All Saints Day
November 2 - Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day)
November 8 - Election Day
November 9 - Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
November 11 - Veterans Day
November 21 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 20 - Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
November 24 - Thanksgiving Day
November 27 - First Sunday of Advent
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Check out these online resources with prayers and reflections, blogs,
discussion groups, tools for catechists, and more:
Catechetical Institute for the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
FORMED - a streaming video resource
Catechists Journey - Joe Paprocki from Loyola Press offers ideas and tips for catechists
eCatechist - ideas, inspiration and resources for catechists
Teaching Catholic Kids from Our Sunday Visitor
The Religion Teacher - practical resources and teaching strategies
St. Mary's Press Resource Center - a variety of online resources
Resources for Catholic Educators - resources, links, handouts, lesson plans and more
Loyola Press Presentations - powerpoint presentations for use in the classroom
Catechism of the Catholic Church online
Directory for Catechesis online
Guide for Catechists - USCCB document online
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