Bobby Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers: "Monster Mash"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Bobby "Boris" Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers presenting "Monster Mash":

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for all of the blessings You poured on us during the month of October, whether we were aware of them or not.

John Clark on Sharing the Catholic Faith as an Inspiring Experience

""Over the years, our family has grown to enjoy various cooking shows on television.

"As a family who normally eats food that might rank a few notches under 'gourmet,' it’s fun to watch how the mythical other-half lives as they devote their talents not only to the food itself, but to the presentation of the food.

"In fact, after a few viewings, you quickly realize that the ingredient of presentation is half the battle. Somewhere along the line, it struck me that the presentation of the Catholic Faith is very similar. It's not all in the presentation, but much of it is."

In a recent commentary, writer John Clark reflected on the importance of sharing our Faith in a way that starts with loving and caring.

To access Mr. Clark's complete post, please visit:

Seton Magazine: Why Sharing the Catholic Faith Should be an Inspiring Experience

Reflection Starter from Psalm 94

"Blessed the one whom you guide, LORD, whom you teach by your instruction," - Psalm 94:12

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the Communion of Saints and all that it means.

Br. Hyacinth Grubb, O.P., on Our Suffering Church

"The Christian Church has always been a suffering Church. From St. Stephen and the earliest Roman martyrs, to those 20th-century martyrs of ideological tyrannies, Christians have imitated Christ by loving God to the end. It’s no different today; as St. John Paul II wrote, 'the Church has once again become a Church of martyrs.'

"Today, Christians are persecuted and martyred for the faith, especially in the Middle East. Today, members of the Body of Christ suffer. Do we suffer with them?

"We ought to, if we are together members of the one Body of Christ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Hyacinth Grubb, O.P., reflected on our participation in the suffering Church.

To access Br. Hyacinth's complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: A Suffering Church (29 OCT 15)

Reflection Starter from Washington Irving

"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles." - Washington Irving

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many ways in which You draw Your people to Your Truth.

Fr. Longenecker on Marcus Grodi and His "Coming Home" Ministry

"Marcus Grodi's pun for life could be 'Done Roman' because when he was received into the Roman Catholic Church the former Protestant pastor had found his spiritual home and was finally 'done roamin'.' Grodi was brought up in a nominally Christian home, trained as a chemical engineer and eventually, after a profound adult conversion experience, trained to be a Presbyterian pastor.

"However, his experience welcoming new members from other Protestant denominations to his church began to disturb his Presbyterian certainties. Protestant pastor Grodi explained his Presbyterian beliefs from the Bible, but the other Protestant Christians responded by quoting the Scripture verses that supported their different convictions. Marcus began to realize that his interpretation of the Bible was filtered by his Presbyterian assumptions and traditions. Furthermore the same was true of the other Protestants. A conversation with his friend Scott Hahn helped him discover some Bible verses he had never seen before."

In a recent commentary, Father Dwight Longenecker (parish priest at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Greenville, SC) reflected on Marcus Grodi's conversion to Catholicism and on his Coming Home ministry.

To access Fr. Longenecker’s complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: "Done Roman" and Coming Home to the Catholic Church (26 OCT 15)

Background information:

The Coming Home Network

Dwight Longenecker - Catholic priest and author

Reflection Starter from Luke 2

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." - Luke 2:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is designed to be a time of raising awareness of domestic violence throughout the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities. It is also a time to remember those who have died because of domestic violence and to recommit to efforts to end violence within homes and communities.

 

Domestic violence refers to a violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, sexual assault, and/or fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.

Domestic violence may include acts of violence intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, and/or isolation to coerce and to control the other person. Violence itself may not happen often, but it may remain a hidden and constant terrorizing factor. Domestic violence may also include psychological violence, such as intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse or other individual through intimidation or manipulation to the detriment of that individual.

Although a look at statistics indicates that domestic violence is a major problem, we don’t really know how common it is because people often do not report it. Domestic violence occurs among women and men of all ages and all levels of income and education. Many times victims of violence suffer in silence because they do not know where to turn, where to find guidance and support.

Presidential Proclamation:

Presidential Proclamation – National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2015

In a related initiative, a number of celebrities, athletes, corporate leaders, and advocates are collaborating, via a series of public service announcements, to generate awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault and encourage bystanders to help. This NO MORE campaign is designed to galvanize greater awareness and action to end domestic violence and sexual assault.
For more information about this initiative, please visit:

NO MORE

Background information and resources:

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

National Network to End Domestic Violence

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Awareness Project

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Maine Coalition To End Domestic Violence

Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the healing and uplifting power of laughter.