Fourth Sunday in October (22-23) 30th Sunday OT

Message from Bishop Walsh: World Mission Sunday 2022

October 23, 2022

My dear friends in Christ,

You may remember that something special happens on the next-to-last Sunday of October each year: World Mission Sunday!

Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday for the global Church, with the first worldwide collection taking place in October 1927. Since then, this has remained a day that joins all Catholics of the world into one community of faith. It’s an opportunity at Mass that Sunday to recommit ourselves to our common vocation to have a missionary spirit, be one in prayer, and participate in the Eucharist.

Pope Francis’ message for this World Mission Sunday reflects on the theme: "You shall be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8). Our Holy Father reminds us that the Church is missionary in nature and that we are called at baptism to share in this mission together. As we pray and respond here at home, we share in those celebrations taking place in every parish and school throughout the world.

Your gifts on World Mission Sunday answer this call to be Christ’s witness by bringing concrete help and the Lord’s mercy to the most vulnerable communities in the world. Your generosity supports and sustains priests, religious and lay pastoral leaders in more than 1,100 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe. Our shared mission to proclaim the Gospel and serve the poor in all corners of the world comes alive because of you!  

World Mission Sunday rejoices in our unity as missionaries, as it offers each one of us an occasion to support the life-giving presence of the Church among the poor and marginalized. Thank you for your generous support of our collective mission to reach everyone with the love of Christ.

In Christ our Life!

+Most Reverend Jeffery J. Walsh
Bishop of Gaylord

 


Vote No on Proposal 3

The Catholic bishops in Michigan, together with the dioceses in this state, are calling on all Catholics to vote NO on Proposal 3 on the November election ballot. The proposal would create a constitutional amendment to allow for unlimited, unregulated abortion throughout all of pregnancy.  It also would prevent the state legislature from enacting any health or safety regulations on abortion providers and allow abortion providers to conduct an abortion on a child without the parent’s knowledge or permission. For more information about the proposal and how to help defeat it, please visit dioceseofgaylord.org/defeatproposal3 for more information on how to connect with the official “Vote NO” campaign.


Stewardship by the Book

Both the first reading and today’s psalm say clearly that the Lord hears the cry of the poor. Have I been given the gifts, of time or money or abilities, to be the means by which God answers their need?


Vocation View

If you exalt yourself, what do you leave for God to give you? Rather, listen to God’s voice. Doing God’s will is all you need to do.


Stewardship Reflections

“…for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”    Luke 18:14

Pride and ego are the root causes of most of our sins.  Thinking your time is so valuable or your talent is better than anyone else or your money gives you status is another way of making those things “gods” before God.  Pride is the opposite of humility.  Remember, all that we have and all that we are is a gift from God.  We should be humbled by God’s incredible generosity and be grateful for all we have been given. Ultimately, gratitude leads us to humility. 


Family Perspective by Bud Ozar

Listen to Jesus in today’s gospel: “who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is not the occasional big events, but the daily humble routine of family life which creates bonds and relationships which last a lifetime.


Word of Life

“I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. …But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. …The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”

Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, no. 99. © 1995, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved.


Saint of the Week-Blessed Bonaventure of Potenza- Feast Day October 26

Carlo Antonio Lavagna, born in Potenza in the Kingdom of Naples, took the name Bonaventure when he joined the Conventual Friars Minor. Some of his actions, done in exact obedience to the friars’ rule, were seen as miracles. Of his assignments, the most fruitful was eight years in Amalfi, where he focused on pastoral care and educating youths. Humility kept him from positions of authority within his community, except for master of novices. Especially devoted to the Immaculate Conception, he died at Ravello with Mary’s name on his lips. He was beatified in 1775, and is among saints from the Neapolitan region whose blood has liquefied after death.


Abuse of Minors or Vulnerable Adults by Priests, Deacons or Others
To report allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults within the Diocese of Gaylord by priests, deacons or other employees or volunteers, regardless of when it occurred, individuals should: Contact local law enforcement and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (855-444-3911). The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has also set up a special phone line for people to share information that may be of help in their ongoing investigation of sexual misconduct by Catholic clergy. That number is 844-324-3374. You may also contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Larry LaCross, at 989-705-9010.

In the State of Michigan many professionals, including clergy, teachers, doctors, counselors and named others are mandated reporters. This means such individuals are REQUIRED to make an oral or online report IMMEDIATELY to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services if they suspect a child is being neglected or abused in any way. Individuals may call the state report line at the number above, which is answered 24 hours a day, or submit a report online at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/childrens/report-process.