St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) (Feast Day August 9) 

October 12, 1891 – August 9, 1942 

Edith Stein was born into a prominent Jewish family in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland). At the age of 14, she stopped believing in God. She went to university and became fascinated with philosophy. She eventually earned a doctorate in philosophy in 1916 and became a university teacher. Her spiritual journey began after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, which led to her baptism in 1922. After several years as an active laywoman, rising intellectual, and pioneer feminist, Edith Stein entered the Carmel of Cologne where – in imitation of St. Teresa of Avila -- she became a Carmelite nun, taking the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and devoted herself to contemplative prayer and philosophical work. 

After living for four years in the Cologne Carmel, Sister Teresa Benedicta moved to the Carmelite monastery in Echt, Netherlands, in 1938. The Nazis occupied that country in 1940. In retaliation for being denounced by the Dutch bishops, the Nazis arrested all Dutch Jews who had become Christians. Teresa Benedicta and her sister Rosa, also a Catholic, died in a gas chamber in Auschwitz on August 9, 1942. 

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was a woman of integrity who followed the truth wherever it led her. Pope John Paul II beatified Teresa Benedicta of the Cross in 1987 and canonized her 12 years later. 

·       Why did Bartimaeus continued to call out to Jesus even though people told him to be quiet? In what way does this inspire your prayer?

·       What would you do if you heard Jesus calling for you?

·       Why is having faith important?

·       St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was inspired by (and took the name of) St. Teresa of Avila. Which saint most inspires you?

Leaves and Pumpkins

In today’s Gospel, Bartimaeus received his sight. Take in the beautiful sights of Michigan by packing the family car and taking a scenic drive to see the fall colors. You don’t have to go far to see majestic trees in their splendor. On your way back, stop by a local farm or market to pick your own pumpkins and stock up on gourds and squash for crafts and cooking.

Pigs in a Blanket

This is a quick and easy treat after a long day or for Halloween.

1 package cocktail franks

1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough

mustard

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Cut the dough into strips and wrap around the cocktail franks. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Cook 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with mustard or other dipping sauce.

Litany of the Saints

In the Christian tradition, Halloween is really All Hallows’ Eve, which is the eve of All Saints’ Day. Pray for the intercession of all these holy men and women with this personalized Litany of the Saints. Include important saints to your family. This could include family member’s names, Confirmation names, as well as saints associated with hobbies or specific situations facing your family today. Select one person to lead or rotate leaders. The responses are in bold.

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Ste. Anne, pray for us.

St. Joachim, pray for us.

St. John the Baptist, pray for us.

(You can include the saints important to your family here.)

All you Holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us.

All you Holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.

All you Holy Disciples of the Lord, pray for us.

All you Holy Innocents, pray for us.

All you Holy Martyrs, pray for us.

All you Holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for us.

All you Holy Doctors, pray for us.

All you Holy Priests and Levites, pray for us.

All you Holy Monks and Hermits, pray for us.

All you Holy Virgins and Widows, pray for us.

All you Holy Saints of God, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Amen.

On November 1, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the All Saints. It is a Holy Day of Obligation and requires us to attend Mass.

Practice the virtue of temperance by limiting how much candy you eat after trick-or-treating.

Halloween is over 1,000 years old. Christians originally wore costumes to drive away evil spirits. You can always call on your Guardian Angel and St. Michael the Archangel to protect you.