St. Óscar Arnulfo Romero (Feast Day March 24)

August 15, 1917 – March 24, 1980

Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez was born in a small town in El Salvador. From a very early age, Óscar knew he wanted to be a priest. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Salvador in 1942. He quickly became a popular, well-known parish priest, editor of his diocesan newspaper, and eventually, Bishop of Santiago de Maria. One day in 1975, soldiers raided a village in his diocese and killed many innocent people. Bishop Romero was horrified. At the funerals of these villagers, he spoke about people’s human rights and how the military was wrong in its actions. On March 24, 1980, he was gunned down by an unknown assassin while celebrating Mass in a small hospital chapel. The day before, he had asked Salvadoran soldiers to obey God, not the government. On October 14, 2018, he was canonized a saint of the Church.

·      What is meant by "repay to God what belongs to God"?

·      What exactly belongs to God?

·      What are some gifts that God has given to you, and what are some ways you can serve him?

·      St. Óscar Arnulfo Romero had a preferential option for the poor. Why is it important to help the poor and marginalized?

Make a Scarecrow

Learning how to make a scarecrow is pretty easy and fun for all ages! Scarecrows are ideal as fall decorating ideas and can add a festive feeling to your autumn porch. Search the Internet for material lists and instructions. Go to a local goodwill store to get overalls, flannel shirts, or other clothes for the scarecrow. Collect the rest of the materials you need and have fun!

Casamiento

Enjoy this traditional dish from El Salvador where St. Óscar Arnulfo Romero was born.

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can black beans, drained, liquid reserved

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups cooked rice

Heat oil in a large pot. Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until tender. Stir in the drained beans, some of the bean liquid, and salt and pepper. Cook at medium-low until heated through. Add rice and stir until cooked through. Adjust seasoning and add a little more bean liquid if necessary. Serve hot. Makes 4-5 servings.

https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/search?q=el+salvador

Life and Dignity of the Human Person Prayer

God of all life,

Help us to appreciate the great gift that is human life

formed in your image, a reflection of your holiness.

Help us to recognize you

in all whom you have created:

children not yet born,

families affected by poverty and war,

people of different abilities,

 people from other lands, and

all who are victims of hatred and racism.

Help us to bear witness to the dignity of all whom you have created,

regardless of stage of life,

or wealth,

or ability,

or color, or creed,

for every person is fully equal in your loving eyes.

Share with us your holy knowledge

that we are all your children,

each bestowed with inherent dignity.

May your justice reign forever! Amen.

From https://www.usccb.org/prayers/life-and-dignity-human-person-prayer

At what point during the Mass are we able to give our treasure back to God?

October is Respect Life Month. One of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching is the Life and Dignity of the Human Person. Resolve to learn one new thing about this aspect of Catholic Social Teaching this week. You can learn more at https://www.crs.org/sites/default/files/usops-resources/17us495_cst_handout-kids_en-digital.pdf or https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/life-and-dignity-of-the-human-person.

Octo means eight and before the Gregorian calendar, October was the 8^th month on a standard calendar. The name stuck even though it is officially the tenth month of the year.