Lots of people like me love autumn- it is a season of change, as our world is transformed again- the leaves reflect our hearts and lives as many of us look ahead to the celebrations and observances that this time of year brings. Many people do not- they find the winds cold, the nights longer, and the warmth that we all enjoyed in the summer slipping away as the season begins to call us inside.
Our society has collapsed in many ways into the cold of division- most of all, through a volley of angry and bitter words from all sides, voices that reveal, unfounded or not, sad and troubling, hidden fears. We have forgotten the art of discourse, discussion and debate, as we slide into cold, bitter threats and worst of all, actions from all sides. This world, this country… we are better than this.
We are better than bullies that threaten and act. We are better than accepting words that judge and condemn others in our nation as some deign to speak for other angry, bitter people. We are better than rejecting those who look differently than us. We are better than accepting with quiet compliancy those who encourage, inflame and empower this behavior and encourage others to do in the name of an ideal that does not and cannot represent the best that we are. As one nation- that truly of out of many, we are one.
We are better than acting in violent ways which steal the sacred gifts of life, justice and liberty of others. We are, at our very best and strongest, when we care for and protect our most vulnerable- nothing less. Christ calls us to be better than all of this- and above all, we belong to Him.
Yes, the cold of winter is not far away, but so are the celebrations that so many of us look forward to- Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas- a time when we express, above and though all, though prayers and acts of gratitude and generosity, praise to the Prince of Peace, who came to us as the most precious gift of all, a child.
Let us face boldly the winter winds that howl around us with heads held high, confident in the warmth and the light of Christ, the only true light and hope of this divided world. In His name our words, and more importantly our example, will begin to change the tide. May the peace we pray for begin in our hearts. Christ demands it.
-Fr. John Sheridan
40 Days for life begins on September 24th this year and ends on November 2nd. It is teaming up with Hallow and will be on the Hallow Ap with daily reflections, along with prayer requests and a resource for pro life social networking. There are easy instructions on the 40 Days for Life web site to access these features on Hallow.
The Hope for Life Conference
The Hope for Life Conference will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4th at the Track at New Balance in Brighton from 8 AM-4 PM.
All are invited to this special event featuring The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie, Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart,
Mass by Archbishop Henning, music by the Vigil Project, and much more.
The event is a collaboration of the Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth,
and the Men of Divine Mercy Prayer Group. Please join us in honoring the sanctity and beauty of life.
For more information and tickets, visit hopeforlifeboston.com.
Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing Retreats
Are you – or someone you know – seeking peace after an abortion?
The Project Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston extends a special invitation to women experiencing regret from a past abortion to attend a Come to the Waters of Healing one-day retreat.
Fall dates are Saturday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 18. Locations are confidential. For more information on the retreats or other services, contact Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com. Fr. John is a Project Rachel priest.
Retrouvaille Means Rediscovery
Strengthen Your Marriage
Reconnect, communicate better, and navigate conflict with confidence.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES 2 NIGHTS ACCOMODATIONS AND 5 MEALS
3-PHASE PROGRAM: POST WEEKEND SESSIONS ARE VIRTUAL
MONTHLY ENRICHMENT OFFERED IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL
Don’t wait—take the first step toward building the strong, loving marriage you deserve.
Visit our website to find upcoming dates near you
508-271-7155 MarriageHelpNewEngland.org
Mass for Homeschoolers (9/29)
Archbishop Richard Henning invites homeschooling families to the Pastoral Center in Braintree for Mass and refreshments
on Monday, September 29th from 11 AM – 1:00 PM. The archbishop will begin with Mass in the Bethany Chapel followed
by a time of fellowship. Please RSVP at bit.ly/homeschoolersmass.
SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
STATEMENT: “Suicide is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Today our knowledge about suicide has evolved, as have conversations about mental health. We know that we save lives when we work to #EndTheStigma around seeking help. In September and always, we stand together in strength, dignity hope and purpose.”
Most people associate September with returning to school, the beginning of fall, and especially the short-lived season of the pumpkin latte. However, in 2008, September was declared National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is not my usual up beat bulletin article, but rather one meant to spread awareness of an issue that affects many, not only in our community but across the world.
Each Saturday morning, I spend time at a local diner in Chelmsford, Mass., called Doty’s Diner with my parents and one of our beloved servers, Shelly Massucco. Shelly shared her story of how she lost her son to suicide. She is truly one of the strongest and most amazing individuals, dedicating her life to raising awareness about the high costs of suicide. It always strikes me how candidly Shelly speaks about her son’s death and how it has affected her and her family. Her strength in being so open is something we can all learn from. She mentioned that her son Derek always seemed so happy, and she was completely blindsided when she learned the news of his death. When I think about suicide, I often feel the need to shove the topic under the rug as though it’s taboo, something not to be discussed. But that’s exactly the opposite of what we should do. This is the very behavior we as a community must avoid if we are ever to try, even in the smallest way, to stop suicide and the loss of so many precious lives.
Each of us is fighting an internal struggle that we are reluctant to let the world see, and sometimes — just sometimes — the world does see it and sadly looks the other way. In a world that feels increasingly divided, with violence on the rise, take a moment to say hello to the person sitting on the Mayor Menino bench in front of the old St. Mary’s School, or maybe let someone go ahead of you in line at Tatte. These small acts of kindness go a long way when people are struggling. While kindness alone will not stop the grave issue of suicide, it is at least a start. We have the power to do so much and to help so many in this world. More importantly, we can learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide — and if you see something, say something. Signs such as withdrawing from friends and family, extreme mood swings, increased alcohol or drug use, talking or even joking about death, and engaging in risky behaviors are just a few to take notice of when someone may be considering ending their life.
Let people like Shelly and her son Derek serve as a catalyst for us to do better and to spread awareness of suicide. We only have one God-given life, and while it may prove difficult at times, we must come together to support one another in times of trouble and despair.
Individual Impact:
1 in 20 U.S. adults (5%) have serious thoughts of suicide each year.
About 1 person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes.
79% of all people who die by suicide in the U.S. are male.
Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
In the U.S., suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24, and the 11th leading cause of death overall ( Resource—NAMI)
Here are some resources if you, or someone you know, is struggling:
In a crisis? Call/text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7
Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor)
The Trevor Project (text START to 678678 or call 1-866-488-7386)
~ John Volpe
We pray that those living with a mental illness, depression and suicidal thoughts may find the help and support that they need and for families and friends experiencing the loss of a loved one by suicide may find healing and comfort. We pray to the Lord.
