St. Gregory the Great (Feast Day September 3)

540 – March 12, 604

Gregory was the prefect of Rome before he was 30. After five years in office, he resigned, founded six monasteries on his Sicilian estate, and became a Benedictine monk in his own home in Rome. He was ordained a priest and then served six years in the East as a papal representative in Constantinople. At the age of 50, he was elected pope by the clergy and people of Rome. During his papacy, he greatly surpassed the emperors in improving the welfare of the people of Rome. Gregory was direct and firm. He removed unworthy priests from office, forbade taking money for many services, emptied the papal treasury to ransom prisoners of the Lombards, and cared for persecuted Jews and the victims of plague and famine. He was very concerned about the conversion of England, sending 40 monks from his own monastery. He is known for his reform of the liturgy and for strengthening respect for doctrine. The mainstream form of Western chant, standardized in the late 9th century, was attributed to Gregory and named Gregorian chant.

·      What do you think the apostles thought when Jesus told them that he was going to suffer, die, and be raised from the dead?

·      Jesus told Peter he was an obstacle to him. Why do you think he said that? 

·      Is the devil real? Why does the devil want to hold us back?

·      Gregorian chant is a form of sung prayer. What are some of your favorite styles of prayer?   

Take a Day Trip

Enjoy one of the last Sundays of summer by taking a family day trip. Find a destination within a few hours of the place you live. Here are some suggestions if you live in southeast Michigan:

1. Detroit – Explore the Riverwalk and Belle Isle to see the Detroit River and city skyline, take a ride on the carousel at Rivard Plaza, and check out some of the cultural institutions like the Michigan Science Center and the Motown Museum.

2. Ann Arbor – Ann Arbor has great shopping, dining, and destinations like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. In addition, kayaking and canoeing are available on the Huron River.

3. Frankenmuth – Most families are familiar with this favorite day-trip destination, especially if they’ve ever stayed at hotels like the Bavarian Inn and Zehnder’s. You can also enjoy boat rides on the Cass River and, of course, a world-famous chicken dinner.

4. Grand Rapids – The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is an excellent destination for families with its interactive, hands-on exhibits. Older children interested in history may appreciate the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

5. Kalamazoo – If your kids love planes, Kalamazoo should make your top day-trip destinations list. The Air Zoo, originally opened as the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, has more than 50 rare and historic aircraft. Enjoy amusement park-style rides, take part in flight simulators, and check out historical exhibits.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Legend has it that while St. Gregory was celebrating St Mark’s feast day (April 25), he had a craving for cherries. Unfortunately, none of the cherry trees in his area were bearing fruit. The servants and gardeners were at a loss. As the legend goes, one gardener was wandering the gardens and was visited by St Mark. The Saint heard of his plight and blessed the tree, and immediately fruit appeared. Still today, St. Gregory is associated with cherries!

1 ½ cups heavy cream

¼ tsp salt

½ cup white sugar

1 vanilla bean, split and pods removed

½ tsp vanilla extract

3 egg yolks

¼ cup Bing cherries, pitted and chopped fine

4 ounces chocolate chips

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream salt, sugar, and vanilla bean and pods. Cook until sugar is dissolved and bubbles form at the edge of the pan. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and add about a ladle full of hot cream to the yolks. Stir to combine and temper the eggs. Add the eggs to the milk mixture and cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon and a finger swiped through coating should leave a clean line. Strain into an airtight container and add the vanilla extract. Chill overnight.

The next day, churn ice cream according to manufactures instruction. In the last few minutes of churning, add cherries and chocolate chips. Freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.

Prayer for a New School Year

God of wisdom and might, we praise you for the wonder of our being, for mind, body and spirit. Be with our children as they begin a new school year. Bless them and their teachers and staff. Give them strength and grace as their bodies grow; wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding; and peace and zeal to their hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus predicted his suffering and death. The Stations of the Cross show how Jesus suffered and died in the last moments of his earthly life. Find the stations in your church. How many stations are there?

Find a recording of Gregorian chant and listen to it.

This year, Labor Day is on September 4^th. Poor working conditions, low pay, and long hours were typical for American workers during the Industrial revolution. As labor unions became more popular, workers organized rallies and strikes to advocate for reform. Labor Day is a federal holiday that celebrates and honors American labor workers.