OCTOBER Overview. Family on Mission.  Every single family of any description, human, plant or animal has a role to play to sustain our world, as a family of families.  As the human family, we have the power to deliberately choose our sense of mission. As Catholic Christians we are “baptized and sent.” We cannot afford selfish greed, or hurtful violence, but are called to adopt God’s mission of love, love of creation and of all its creatures. St Francis, the patron saint of ecology is our inspiration on our mission.  Pope Francis: The family is an agent of pastoral activity through the explicit proclamation of the Gospel, their witness, solidarity with the poor, openness to diversity of people, protection of creation, moral and material solidarity with other families and commitment to the common good.  AL 290 

Setting the scene for the MARFAM DAILY THOUGHTS October. Instead of a preached mission the parish had decided to promote daily reflection on the theme of “Missionaries in the Family” using resources provided.  The synodal dialogue process in some ways also resembles the process used in these MARFAM THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY, which are based on the SEE-JUDGE-ACT or PASTORAL CYCLE approach. A 4 step format is used: 1. A look at life, anecdote.  2. Scripture from readings of the day. 3. Pope Francis writings, particularly Laudato Si’. 4. Action and prayer.     Pray:   Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love, so that walking together we may renew the face of the earth. 

October 1.   St Therese of Lisieux. Season of Creation. The families in the parish were invited to read her story.   Therese grew up as a pampered girl and when she felt the calling to become a Carmelite her family didn’t think she would be strong enough.  She persisted and entered the convent at age 15. Ill-health did prevent her from going to a mission country which is what she wanted but she kept her love for the missions.   She spent the last 9 years of her life aiming at perfection through what she called “the little way” and through prayer and meditation.   Her little sacrifices of ordinary events in her daily life were seen as flowers and this simple spirituality earned her the title “the Little Flower.”    After hearing the story little Lizzy said, “I think I can be a missionary like St Therese too, doing all my chores as best I can.” Pauline added, “Why don’t we use the idea of a flower for the sacrifices we make too. Then we can take those flowers to someone who is sick, in the parish or community.”  

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  Jesus said, “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.  Mat 18:1-5.  Pope Francis: St Therese invites us to practise the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship.  Our prayers also extend to the saints and blessed ones who made divine mercy their mission in life. MV24. Eco-tip and prayer:  Share how St Therese can be a model for each family member.  Pray: Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love, so that walking together we may renew the face of the earth.