Reflection Starter from St. Vincent de Paul

"Put your trust in Him and following His example, always act humbly, graciously, and in good faith." - Saint Vincent de Paul, whose memory the Church celebrates today (27 September)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 11 in F major

It’s time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 11 in F major, as played by the Israel Chamber Orchestra and pianist Yael Koldobsky, conducted by Yoav Talmi:

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Mary and Chris!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to daughter Mary-Elizabeth and her husband Chris, who recently celebrated their wedding anniversary!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Child Passenger Safety Week

This week, the week of 21-27 September, is being observed as Child Passenger Safety Week, an observance designed to ensure that children are in the correct car seat, that the car seats are properly installed and used, and that they are registered with their manufacturer to ensure parents/guardians receive important safety updates.

For more information related to this observance, please visit:

National Child Passenger Safety Board: Child Passenger Safety Week

Related video (PSA):

USDOTNHTS: YouTube: Virtual Car Seat Check

Background information:

National Child Passenger Safety Board

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, lord, for the blessing of seafood dishes.

Bishop Lewandowski on the Steps to Embracing the Gospel Message

"Last Saturday morning, I spent time with two groups of amazing people, the 'convinced,' and those who have 'yet to be.' The 'convinced'  were the women and men who recently completed a course in theology. They received certificates of completion and celebrated their success at Morning Prayer and breakfast at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The 'yet to be' were those I met going door to door with members of the Legion of Mary and Lay Missionary Servants of the Word. Saturday, I was with those who have already found Jesus Christ and know him as their Lord and Redeemer and those who are still searching.

"We can all locate ourselves somewhere between the two experiences. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., the bishop of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the different steps along the way to embracing the Gospel message.

To access Bishop Lewandowski's complete essay, please visit:

INRI: Already, Not Yet and Everyone in Between (18 SEP 25)

Reflection Starter from Virgil Thomson

"Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not." - Virgil Thomson

"I Sing the Mighty Power of God"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "I Sing the Mighty Power of God":

 

National Farm Safety and Health Week

This week, the week of 21-27 September, is being observed as National Farm & Ranch Safety and Health Week. This year's theme is "Safety First. Avoid the Worst."

Agriculture is recognized as one of the most hazardous industries in America and around the world. In the United States, over two million full-time workers were employed in the production of crops, livestock, and poultry in 2017. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, 133 agricultural workers died from a work-related injury (the lowest number since 2013).

Presidential Proclamation: National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2025

Background information:

National Education Center for Agricultural Safety

National Education Center for Agricultural Safety: National Farm Safety and Health Week 2024

International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of hummingbirds.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on September and Angels

" . . . Because of the feasts of St. Michael and the archangels at the end of September, and the celebration of the Guardian Angels at the beginning of October, the autumn season has always been regarded as a time to remember angels, spirits, and the afterlife. . . .

"In the Christian tradition, many churches have observed this time of year as a 'Season of Creation.'  Ten years ago, the Vatican began to observe this period from September 1 to October 4 (the feast of St. Francis of Assisi).  This is an opportunity to pray, reflect, commit, and care for all creation as we live out our relationship with God and His earth.  Certainly, angels are part of God's care for our world."

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on the importance of becoming familiar with angels and striving to be angels.

To access Fr. Kolodziej's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: Angels of September (25 SEP 25)

Reflection Starter from St. Bernard of Clairvaux

"We should show our affection for the angels, for one day they will be our co-heirs just as here below they are our guardians and trustees appointed and set over us by the Father." - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux