Focus on Faith

1647-90 | Feast: Oct. 16 Patron Saint of Sacred Heart Devotees Jesus entrusted Margaret Mary Alacoque with one of the most important missions in the Church: […]

Nine days of prayer will commence on Oct. 10, which marks the international observance of World Mental Health Day, and conclude on Oct. 18.

How can we better build up the Kingdom of God, beginning with our own choices, actions and habits?

Let’s assume you have decided to start laying up treasures in heaven by practicing the charity that the Catholic Church has always encouraged, in keeping with your financial means. Maybe you take 10 percent of your pre-tax income and divide it two ways, with 5 percent going to your parish and the other half to charities of your choosing.

Voting: It is one of our most important responsibilities as citizens. Indeed, the church teaches that there are three primary responsibilities of all citizens: to pay taxes, to defend their country and to vote.

Jesus’s real legacy to his disciples–and us– was the peace he left behind. What positive energy we leave behind is ours.

Whether our hopes for this summer have been fulfilled or not, the season is waning. Most kids have returned to school, and the full force of the fall calendar is poised to kick in. All we can do now is hope that whatever rest and recreation we managed to get will be enough to draw on in the months ahead, enough to motivate us, enough to see us to the winter and through it.

Being a Catholic “student” happens throughout life: in our schools and faith formation programs for all ages; in Mass through the Scriptures, prayers and (hopefully) homilies; in conversation and good literature and entertainment choices; in unexpected events and encounters that surprise us and enrich us; in personal prayer that reflects on the experiences of the day and our successes and failures as a disciple of Jesus, learning from our true Teacher.