St. Oliver Plunkett (Feast Day July 1) 

November 1, 1629 – July 1, 1681 

St. Oliver Plunkett is especially familiar to the Irish and the English—and with good reason. The English martyred Oliver Plunkett for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution. 

Oliver was born in Ireland in 1629. He studied for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained there in 1654. Due to religious persecution in his native land, it was not possible for him to return to minister to his people. After some years of teaching and service to the poor he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland. Archbishop Plunkett established himself as a man of peace and, with religious fervor, set about visiting his people, establishing schools, ordaining priests, and confirming thousands. Four years later, in 1673, a new wave of anti-Catholic persecution began, forcing Archbishop Plunkett to do his pastoral work in secrecy and disguise, and to live in hiding. Meanwhile, many of his priests were sent into exile, schools were closed, Church services had to be held in secret, and convents and seminaries were suppressed. As archbishop, Plunkett was viewed as ultimately responsible for any rebellion or political activity among his parishioners. 

Archbishop Plunkett was arrested and imprisoned in Dublin Castle in 1679, but his trial was moved to London where he was tried for treason. With deep serenity of soul, he was prepared to die, calmly rebutting the accusations against him and refusing to save himself by giving false evidence against his brother bishops. Oliver Plunkett publicly forgave all those who were responsible for his death. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered in July 1681. Pope Paul VI canonized Oliver Plunkett in 1975. 

·       In today’s Gospel story, when Jesus was in the crowd, many people bumped into him, but only one person touched him in faith. What was the difference between how the crowd encountered Christ and how the woman encountered him? What can we learn from this?

·       What would it have been like to witness Jesus raising a twelve-year-old girl from the dead?

·       Why do you think Jesus healed Jairus’ daughter? Does God still heal today?

·       If you lived in the time of St. Oliver Plunkett, would you continue to practice the Catholic faith even if it was prohibited by the government? Why or why not?

Family Bike Ride

Jesus traveled all over Galilee preaching the Gospel. Take some time to enjoy God's creation by going on a bike ride together as a family. Consider riding by a church and stopping briefly to say a prayer. Remember that inside each Catholic church there is a tabernacle which contains the Eucharist, the real presence of Christ. Be sure to thank Jesus for his sacrifice and the gift of the Eucharist.

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes 

Enjoy this potato dish in honor of our Irish saint!

8 large potatoes, pared

8 oz. cream cheese, cubed

¼ cup sour cream

salt and pepper to taste

butter

paprika

Boil potatoes in salted water until tender; drain and mash. Add cubed cheese, sour cream, butter, salt and pepper and mix well. Cover. Can be stored in refrigerator several days. Before serving sprinkle with paprika and bake uncovered in 350-degree oven 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Serves 8.

Prayer for the Sick by St. Augustine of Canterbury

Let the healing power of Christ flow through your family as you pray this prayer.

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. Amen.

Where is the oil kept that is used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?

Prepare and deliver a meal to someone who is sick or needs assistance.

Potatoes were the first food ever grown in space. They were grown in the space shuttle Columbia in 1995.