"There's Gonna Be a Great Day"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of "There's Gonna Be a Great Day":

 

Birthday Blessings, Paula!!!

Birthday greetings to sister Paula, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord,, for the blessing of the season of autumn.

Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS,, on the Maple Tree and the Dumpster

"The most beautiful tree on campus at St. Francis de Sales School during the fall is this red maple tree.  Its leaves turn that stunning scarlet, almost merlot, color.  It is tall, reaching toward the light.  Its roots are deep into the soil.

"And, it sits behind the dumpster."

In a recent commentary, Father Joe Newman, OSFS, reflected on the beauty of the tree, the functional dumpster, and the need for both to exist.

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

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: The Maple Tree and the Dumpster (17 SEP 26)

Reflection Starter from St. Francis de Sales

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength." - Saint Francis de Sales

"Unto the House of the Lord"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Unto the House of the Lord""

 

Congratulations Marc!!!

Congratulations to nephew Marc James (Fedoras), who recently named the inaugural Event Photographer of the Year at the Event Photography Awards 2026 in the United Kingdom. In addition, he also won the Best Portfolio award and was Overall Runner-up.

Well done, Marc!!! 

Media report:

Conference News: Event Photography Awards winners revealed – with first-time entrant taking Event Photographer of the Year (8 SEP 26)

National Farm Safety and Health Week

This week, the week of 21-25 September, is being observed as National Farm & Ranch Safety and Health Week. This year's theme is "Safety Today, Success Tomorrow."

 

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 2022, 417 agricultural workers died from a work-related injury.

Background information:

National Education Center for Agricultural Safety

National Education Center for Agricultural Safety: National Farm Safety and Health Week 2026

International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for inspirations and opportunities to "Not do."

John Cuddeback on Taking a Break

"I love the distinction between 'resting-from' and 'resting-in,' well enunciated by Josef Pieper. The height of life is in activities of 'leisure' where we rest-in what matters most, a great example of which is contemplation. But simply resting-from our work (or even resting-from our acts of leisure) is also deeply human. Sometimes we should just take a break. "

In a recent commentary, writer John Cuddeback reflected on the importance of taking time to "not-do."

To access his complete post, please visit:

LifeCraft: Just Taking a Break (26 AUG 26)

Belated Birthday Blessings, Nikki!!!

Belated birthday greetings to niece Nicole Rioux, whose birthday was yesterday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Reflection Starter from Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Every artist was first an amateur." - Ralph Waldo Emerson