A Merciful Heart

On Saturday, October 17, the Companions of Pauline of the North American Eastern Province of the Sisters of Christian Charity held their annual retreat whose theme was "A Merciful Heart: Blessed Pauline and the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy." Led by Sister Ann Marie Paul, over 100 Associates and Sisters reflected on Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis's letter announcing the Year of Mercy, which begins on December 8, 2015.  Using this letter as a foundation, participants considered the Parable of the Prodigal Son as well as the writings of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity.  The day culminated in a reflection on "Our Merciful Hearts," in which participants considered how they will prepare for the upcoming Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. 

Sister Mary Veronica Kulsar, SCC, Coordinator of the Companions
of Pauline for the Eastern Province, and Sister Ann Marie Paul, SCC
meet with some of the participants in Saturday's retreat.

Prayer for the 11th of the Month

On the 11th of each month, the Sisters of Christian Charity pray and fast for peace.  Click here to access prayer resources from our North American Western Region to mark the 11th of the month.

A Story of Community

Click here to read Kerry Weber's "Of Many Things" essay in the October 5 issue of America.  Weber, Managing Editor of America, talks about the meaning of the Pope's visit to the United States.  Here is an excerpt:  "In the end, the story of Francis’ visit is, at its heart, a story of community. It has challenged American Catholics to acknowledge connections to those who may hold differing political views or those who may be on the periphery of society. It has reminded us that we should put as much effort and attention into welcoming our neighbor—the poor, the suffering, the dying, the imprisoned, those without a home or family or nation—as we have in welcoming Francis into our midst. . . . The papal visit has put the spotlight not just on Francis the man, but on the Gospel message he proclaims and lives: Mercy. Always mercy. Over and over again, Francis directs us back to Christ, who guides us in our own journeys and whom we must recognize in all those we meet along the way. "

Prayer for Synod on Family

The XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops -- focusing on "The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World" --  is being held from October 4 to 25.  Click here for more information, including prayer resources.  Let us pray for the Synod in a prayer that Pope Francis offered:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God's plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.