Welcome to Our Lady of the Woods

You don't need to be religious to know that human life begins at conception--it's a scientific fact. But the Word of God makes this abundantly clear, underscoring that unborn human life has infinite value. Here are a few key passages: Psalm 139:13 “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb." Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” Isaiah 49:1 “The LORD called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.” Luke 1:41–44 “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice…‘For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.’” The truth is clear--and so is our duty at OLOW to continue to work toward the end of abortion. That includes today, the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, and every day. #ScriptureConnections

Since 1908, Catholics have partnered with other Christians to ask God to fulfill Christ's prayer at the Last Supper: that they all may be one. This practice continues with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which we observe throughout this week. Visit the website of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity to learn more about how you can participate--and let's all pray for Christian unity here at Our Lady of the Woods. https://www.christianunity.va/content/unitacristiani/en/settimana-di-preghiera-per-l-unita/semaine-de-priere-pour-l-unite-des-chretiens-20241/anglais.html

Snow is for snowball fights, snowmen, and snowmobiling. But believe it or not, sacred scripture has something to say about the fluffy white stuff, too. In scripture, snow often symbolizes purity, cleansing, and forgiveness. We see this, for instance, in the Book of Isaiah: "Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they may become white as wool." We don't think this means you can "help" your younger sibling experience God's mercy by "whitewashing" them in a snowbank, but we'll double-check with Fr. Bob to make sure! #ScripturalConnections

It's National Take the Stairs Day, an annual opportunity to forgo the elevator and get the old heart rate going. But since our bodies are "a temple of the Holy Spirit within you" (1 Cor. 6:19), we should each try to take good care of ourselves every day of the year. So help your fellow OLOW parishioners: what is YOUR favorite "healthy habit"? It doesn't have to be anything herculean; just something small and intentional that you do to help "glorify God with your body." Tell us in the comments below!

With the Christmas season behind us, we now move into the first week of Ordinary Time, designed to help us grow in hope and perseverance. But just because this period doesn't have the high points of Christmas or Easter doesn't mean that it's not a great time to grow in holiness. In addition to daily Mass: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM, click the link to learn other ways to make your Ordinary Time extraordinary. https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/how-to-celebrate-ordinary-time-in-daily-life

We know the deal: baptism washes away original sin and makes us sons and daughters of God. So…why would Jesus, the sinless Son of God, need to be baptized? In today's Gospel passage, John the Baptist is clearly wondering the same thing. And yet Jesus tells John to baptize him anyway. Not because he needs it. But because we do. And Jesus meets us in our need. In many ways, we can think of Jesus's baptism as the water being baptized, or washed clean, by him. He makes the waters of baptism a place where we can truly encounter his saving, cleansing grace. This Sunday at OLOW, let's remember our own baptisms and the great gift that God has given us. #SundayScripture

Ukraine is about 1,500 miles from the Jordan River. But on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which we celebrate tomorrow, Catholics in the Eastern European country "break the ice"--literally--to enter the saving waters of baptism. Follow the link to learn more! (And we'll see about proposing this "holy polar plunge" to Fr. Bob.) https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/feasts-holy-days/theophany-or-jordan-ukraine

Are you still celebrating Christmas? You should be. As Catholics, our party welcoming the newborn king goes all the way from Dec. 25 until the Baptism of the Lord, which is this coming Sunday. The practice of celebrating a big event for several additional days isn't a Catholic invention. It's actually rooted in the Old Testament scriptures. In fact, the Jewish people had multi-day celebrations for Passover (Ex. 12:15-16), the Feast of Booths (Lev. 23-39-41), Solomon's dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8:65), and several other holidays. The idea is that some occasions are so momentous that a typical calendar day isn't long enough to celebrate them properly. If that's the case for some of these Old Testament feasts, then it's certainly true for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Join all of us at OLOW as we celebrate the remainder of this Christmas season. #ScripturalConnections

There are millions upon millions of stars in the sky on any given night. Yet for the three wise men, only one mattered. The star over Bethlehem meant something different than all the others in the universe. Instead of conveying the vastness of space, it meant something else: Emmanuel. God is with us. The coming of Christ was--and continues to be--the answer to the deepest longings of the human heart: to be united with God, for now and for all eternity. And the wisemen's response of joy upon seeing the star of Bethlehem is the only one that makes sense. Is this our experience when confronted with the coming of Christ? Or has it become something commonplace and insignificant to us? This Epiphany Sunday, let's ask God to help all of us OLOW see Christ's coming like the wise men saw the star — with joy. #SundayScripture

There is power in the name of Jesus, which we meditate upon today, the memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. But did you know there are all kinds of ways to say the name of our savior? Here's how Catholics say the name of Jesus around the world! Hebrew: יֵשׁוּעַ (Yēshūaʿ) Russian: Иисус (Iisus) Italian: Gesù Arabic: يسوع (Yasūʿ) Greek: Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Japanese: イエス (Iesu) Hindi: यीशु (Yīśu) The great thing is, no matter how you say it, you're still invoking the name of our Lord, the Son of God who entered into time and space 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. So give it a go, OLOW family: Call upon the name of Jesus in whatever language you like, today and every day.

Happy New Year! And happy Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Today is a "holy day of obligation," meaning the feast we celebrate is so important that the Church says we should all be together! So make sure to join us for Mass today at Our Lady of the Woods to show our love for Mary and to thank God for 2026! Mass times for today (and every other day) can be found on our website: www.olow.org

Remember, friends - while you celebrate tonight, you should still come join us for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, tomorrow. Mass will be offered at 4:30 PM on 12/31 and 10:00 AM on 1/1.

Learn more about this holy man from the Crossroads Initiative: https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/winning-the-crown-thomas-becket/

Today, we meditate on the fact that Jesus did not just come into the world - he came into the family and subjected himself to family authority and care. How humble and incredible! Mary and Joseph, pray for all our families here at OLOW on this feast.

We continue the "Witness Days" with John the Apostle. He was the only one of the Twelve NOT to be martyred, though he desired to be. Instead, God called him to remain, and granted him the visions that would eventually become the Book of Revelation. It's a good day to brush up on this last book of the Bible: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/apocalypse

Today begins what are called the "Witness Days" in the Church. First up is the deacon Stephen, the first martyr in the Church. As a "martyr in deed," he gave his life for the Lord. Come celebrate with us!

God Almighty came into the open world today and began his saving work. Alleluia, and "Merry Christmas" from all of us here at Our Lady of the Woods!

The O Antiphons create a reverse acrostic, which spells out the Latin phrase, "Tomorrow I will come."

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! Join us!

It's impossible NOT to notice the turn in today's readings - we shift from Jesus ministering to the beat-by-beat plot leading to His nativity. This is a great time to commit to daily Mass and hear the WHOLE story.

O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

Today, the United States celebrates the ratification of the Bill of Rights, and the first freedom established in it is freedom of religion. Let's pray for an increase of religious liberty, so that all may be free to follow God at OLOW and around the world. Take a moment and read the Bill of Rights here: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript

Today, we hear Jesus praise John and then add this strange line. What does it mean? Does it mean that John the Baptist isn't an incredible saint? No, all it means is that John, as the Forerunner, isn't in that inner circle of disciples. All Jesus is saying is, "As great as John is, it IS better that you are with Me." Lord, today, draw us closer to You here at OLOW. May we prefer you to all others.

Today also happens to be Gingerbread House Day - so challenge yourself to make one (store-bought kits are fine) that also brings honor to Our Lady. Will you use blue frosting? Mexican flags? Something else? Return to this post and send your pictures in through the comments.

Need a little pick-me-up today, OLOW? Take just 90 seconds and listen to the great Marian hymn of Advent - the Alma Redemptoris Mater: https://youtu.be/flawOw7x3Gg?si=aiD6MACFa0zTbOe1

Today, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we remember how the Father preserved the Blessed Virgin Mary from sin so that she might be the best mother for Our Lord. Join us for Mass today - 9:00 AM & 6:00 PM.

Today's responsorial psalm may feel like it hasn't come to fulfillment, and that is true - in part. But when we think of the many ways the People of God have established justice on the earth - rights for workers and children, the unborn and the elderly, to name a few - we realize that many of the rights we enjoy today have their roots in the life and teachings of our Lord. Join us this weekend to celebrate the great gift of Jesus and the life he brings!

On this day in 1933, Prohibition ended in the United States. If you've got a moment, take some time to (prudently) celebrate…maybe with wine, which "gladdens men's hearts." -Psalm 104:15 Cheers from all of us at OLOW!

One of the greatest Jesuit missionaries, St. Francis was an incredible wonderworker, raising multiple people from the dead, healing the sick, and even once receiving a lost crucifix from a crab (who grabbed it out of the ocean for him!). The artist Rubens painted this image even before Francis Xavier was officially declared a saint. Great missionary and friend of the suffering, pray for us all here at OLOW! Check out the painting here: https://bit.ly/sfx-miracles

OLOW, "…let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope." We pray to the Lord…

It's easy to think that our lives are completely under control. But all it takes is one unexpected event--like being robbed in the middle of the night!--for us to remember that life is unpredictable and not guaranteed to go the way we want, no matter how much we try to control it. If this is true on a micro level, it's also true of our lives as a whole. And this is what Christ is reminding us in today's Gospel. Namely, our life is a gift--it isn't something that we have ultimate control over. And it can come to an end suddenly and without warning. Jesus doesn't tell us to scare us, but rather to help us embrace a simple truth. We should live every day as a precious gift, one that is lived in relationship with God and in service to others. OLOW family, let's all embrace this truth as we begin our Advent journey. #SundayScripture

If a typical painting is worth 1,000 words, then Michelangelo's The Last Judgement might be worth 10,000. Painted in the Sistine Chapel, his masterwork is an artistic expression of the theology of death and judgment, a theme we are meditating upon presently at the end of the liturgical year. At the center of the painting is Christ, mighty and strong, surrounded by his blessed mother and the apostles and martyrs, and passing judgment on the dead. On the right-hand side of the fresco, we can see the saved being raised from the dead, freed from bondage, and taken up to heaven by angels--while on the left, we can see the damned being carried downward by demons and ushered into eternal fire. More than just an avant-garde work of art, Michelangelo's The Last Judgement is a call for all of us at OLOW to meditate upon the end of time, and to continue to strive to be among those welcomed into eternal life. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Happy Thanksgiving! Today is all about giving thanks to God for all the good things we have in our lives. Follow the link for a great Thanksgiving Day prayer from the US bishops. https://www.usccb.org/prayers/thanksgiving-day-prayer

Tomorrow is turkey day! So what's your favorite Thanksgiving food? With so much stuffing, pie, green beans, corn, cranberries, and, yes, turkey, it's hard to choose!

There are about 700,000 Vietnamese Catholics in the U.S., and today is their day. On this day, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions, remembering these martyrs whose heroic witness in the 19th century allowed the faith to flourish. Vietnamese Catholics in places like Orange County, Calif., New Orleans, and Houston mark today with beautiful processions that include traditional clothing, colorful lanterns and drums, and a litany of the 117 martyrs' names. St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc and Companions, pray for all of us at Our Lady of the Woods!

Faced with his own death, the penitent thief embraces a truth that we can so easily forget: that Jesus Christ is king of the universe, and his kingdom will last forever. This isn’t to say that our lives on earth--our acts of love, justice, and goodness--are meaningless in their own right, just boxes we check on our way to heaven. Instead, what the kingship of Christ conveys is that nothing has any ultimate value apart from him. Because what is not consecrated to Christ, the King of the Universe, will not last. So OLOW family, let's offer our whole lives--our hearts, bodies, minds, and souls--to Jesus Christ, so that we might enter into his kingdom, now and forever. #SundayScripture

Today we celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. No, not Mary presenting Jesus at the temple. But Mary herself was presented as a young girl to be consecrated to God. It underscores the important role she was being prepared to play, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Let's look at Mary's different titles, OLOW family, to see how this is the case.

November is almost over, but there's still time to pray for your beloved dead during this special month. Follow the link for info on how to pray a novena, or nine days of prayer, for recently deceased loved ones. Please don't forget our beloved dead here at Our Lady of the Woods. https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-for-the-dead

November is devoted to praying for souls in purgatory, and perhaps no work of literature has contributed more to our imagination of this state of being than Dante's Purgatorio. For Dante, purgatory is a place of penance and purification. Souls ascend a mountain towards heaven, overcoming vices like pride and lust in the process. But they aren't sad about it. Instead, they're hopeful because they know they are on their way to heaven. Give Dante's Purgatorio a read, and make sure to let us know what you learn! #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Think that all there is to life is power and wealth? St. Elizabeth of Hungary gives us good reason to think again. Although she was born a noble and married into a wealthy family, she decided that she would devote herself to serving the less fortunate and renounced her wealth. In fact, after her husband died, her in-laws banished her from court, and she experienced poverty first-hand. For Elizabeth, fancy clothing and sumptuous meals weren't life's greatest treasure; serving Jesus was. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for all of us at Our Lady of the Woods!

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his followers that they will be persecuted for the sake of his name. He even says that some will be put to death because of their Christian faith. So why does he then say that "not a hair on your head will be destroyed?" Jesus is telling us that earthly death--or hate, or name-calling, or meanness--is not the final answer. And while difficulties we may endure for the sake of being faithful to Christ may involve hurt and suffering, we are actually experiencing fullness of life by remaining united to Jesus--the source of life itself. OLOW family, let's put this into practice. Let's all think of an area where being a faithful Christian might cause us discomfort or even disdain from others--at work, at school, or even in our families--and let's commit to being united to Christ in the midst of it. #SundayScripture

St. Thomas Aquinas is arguably the greatest theologian of the Church, but today we celebrate the man who was his mentor: St. Albert the Great. What about you? Did you have someone who "showed you the ropes" and helped you be who you are today? We'd love to hear from you, OLOW family! Tell us in the comments below.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first American citizen to be canonized, after she came to the U.S. to serve immigrant communities around the turn of the 20th century. But believe it or not, she almost never came to America at all. In fact, the Italian religious sister had initially wanted to serve as a missionary to Asia--just like her namesake, St. Francis Xavier. But Pope Leo XIII told her, "Not to the East, but to the West," and urged her to serve the poor masses of migrants that were arriving on America's shores. She agreed and came to the U.S. in 1889. Mother Cabrini's impact in America is a powerful testament to the virtues of obedience and trust in providence--and we ask her to pray for all of us here at Our Lady of the Woods.

We're grateful to all of our veterans here at OLOW. Join us in praying this prayer from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces. Give them courage, hope, and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love, and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Amen.

In today's Gospel, Jesus refers to himself as the true temple. So why do we have a whole feast day dedicated to the founding of a church building? In a word, because of the Incarnation. Jesus is God become man. So though he is the object of our worship, it's also true that we need a dedicated place to gather as his body, to listen to his word, and to celebrate the sacraments he gave us. This is what churches are for. Today, we commemorate the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. By celebrating the establishment of this ancient church, the first major church built after Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire, we are, in a sense, celebrating all parishes--including our own Our Lady of the Woods. So, let's give thanks today to God that we have a place to gather and worship him, both in Rome and here at home. #SundayScripture

Here's a patron saint just in time for deer season. St. Hubert was a Frankish noble. But after his wife died while giving birth, he left the court and spent all his time in the forest hunting. On Good Friday, when everyone else was in church, he was searching for a big buck. While he was pursuing a stag, the magnificent creature turned toward Hubert, who was astounded to see a crucifix floating between its antlers. Then Hubert heard a voice urging him to repent and seek guidance from a local bishop. St. Hubert, patron saint of hunters, pray for all of our hunters here at Our Lady of the Woods!

With the chilling of the weather and the falling of the leaves, November is a natural time to think about death and the impermanence of everything that isn't God. Gerard Manley Hopkins was a great Catholic poet, and his poem Spring and Fall, which was addressed to a young girl saddened by the changing of the season, fits the moment perfectly. Just another example of how good art can help all of us here at Our Lady of the Woods enter more prayerfully into the season. Spring and Fall Márgarét, áre you gríeving Over Goldengrove unleaving? Leáves like the things of man, you With your fresh thoughts care for, can you? Ah! ás the heart grows older It will come to such sights colder By and by, nor spare a sigh Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie; And yet you wíll weep and know why. Now no matter, child, the name: Sórrow’s spríngs áre the same. Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed What heart heard of, ghost guessed: It ís the blight man was born for, It is Margaret you mourn for.

November is dedicated to praying for the dead, and Nov. 1-8 is an especially powerful time to do so. The Church allows us to attain a plenary indulgence for souls in purgatory by visiting a Catholic cemetery during this time. Check out this link to see how it's done! https://www.churchpop.com/how-you-can-offer-a-plenary-indulgence-for-the-souls-in-purgatory-nov-1-8/

We just celebrated All Saints' Day, so we're curious to know: who is your favorite saint and why? Tell us in the comments below!

Jesus promises that he will raise up the faithful departed. So why do we bother praying for our beloved dead, as we do today? Does that mean we don't believe in his promise? Or think that he's not powerful enough to do it without us? Not at all. Instead, we pray for the dead not because we doubt God's promises, but because he has invited us to be a part of their fulfillment. God doesn't need our prayers to save others, but it is good for us to take part in this saving work. And, like a good father, the Lord allows his children to take part. Let's embrace these truths today, OLOW family, and for all of November, as we pray for our beloved dead. #SundayScripture

Today we celebrate all the holy men and women who are now united with God in heaven--and we ask them to help us live holy lives so we can someday join them. All you holy men and women, pray for us at Our Lady of the Woods!

As the leaves fall and the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church invites us to enter November with hearts turned toward memory, prayer, and hope. This month, we especially remember those who died and were buried from Our Lady of the Woods over the past year. Their names are displayed in this video accompanied by the gentle image of two hands holding a lit candle—a symbol of faith, love, and eternal light. We give thanks for their lives, their presence in our parish family, and the legacy of faith they leave behind. May they rest in the peace of Christ, and may we carry their memory with reverence and joy. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. #MonthOfRemembrance #StRochRemembers #AllSouls #CatholicFaith #EternalRest

On this All Hallows' Eve, the little ones are having fun - do you remember a particular Halloween? Please share with us below!

This is ALL we need to pray today! Join Fr. Bob and our community at Mass this weekend: Saturday at 4:00 PM, Sunday at 9:00 AM, and Sunday at 11:00 AM for our Children's Liturgy!

Sometimes, a practical solution exists to a problem that seems insurmountable. OLOW family, turn off your music and podcasts, go for a walk, and see if you suddenly stumble upon the answer to the problem you face!

Today, we get an example of how we are to pray - from a place of humility, recognizing that we are creatures, not creators. Jesus promises that those who approach him from a place of humility will ultimately take their place in heaven, exalted with him. Let's bring that to our worship as Fr. Bob celebrates Mass this weekend.

Any open Saturday is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Catholics around the world can celebrate special Masses and offer prayers in her honor. We love Mary here at OLOW!

On St. John's feast day, we ask - how can someone accomplish SO MUCH in one life? St. John, pray for us here at Our Lady of the Woods!

The third-longest-reigning pope in our 2,000-year history, St. John Paul II changed the lives of millions of people, including those in his native Poland. St. John Paul II, man of joy and the Good News, pray for us all here at OLOW!

On the Memorial of St. Paul of the Cross, we are reminded of the Cross of Christ and its great, rugged beauty. Vertically, the cross serves as the link between the earthly and the eternal, whereas in its horizontal dimension, it stretches out to people of every race and language, inviting them into communion with God. Isn't that incredible? Fr. Bob and our parish staff certainly think so!

We can often think that God is too like us - that he has prayer requests stacking up and the backlog is what's preventing him from acting. Not so! OLOW family, Jesus reminds us that God answers speedily - though from our limited human perspective, it might not seem to be so. God does reward persistence in prayer!

On the evangelist's feast day, share your favorite passage from his Gospel in the comments!

Today we remember St. Hedwig, a 13th-century duchess of Silesia, who, after her husband's death, joined a convent and devoted herself to serving the poor and prisoners. She is one of more than a dozen royal women who entered religious life late and became a saint! St. Hedwig, pray for us all at OLOW, especially our widows and widowers.

Bernini had the unique gift of making marble flow like water, clouds, and clothing. One of his most famous works, "The Ecstasy of St. Teresa," is well worth contemplating on her feast day. St. Teresa, pray for us at OLOW! Learn more here: https://www.learner.org/series/art-through-time-a-global-view/dreams-and-visions/the-ecstasy-of-st-teresa/

We here at OLOW are always praying that the founder of the Knights of Columbus would be canonized. Blessed Michael McGivney, pray for us as well!

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of what we are to do - pity the suffering - and what we should expect - the joy of doing God's will. What we should NOT expect is people's thanks or accolades. In fact, it is better for us, in our pride, if our good deeds are NOT recognized!

"Good Pope John," the saint we celebrate today, was known for his humor but also for his unceasing pleas for peace in the midst of the Cold War. If you need peace today, ask him to pray for you. Better yet, join us for Mass! Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM

Today, the Church celebrates the Jubilee of Consecrated Life. You can learn more here: https://www.usccb.org/resources/jubilee-consecrated-life-usccb-resource-packet-english

Today we remember St. Bruno, who founded the great mother house of the Carthusians and helped settle on their motto: "While the world turns, the Cross stands firm!" May we live out this motto today here at OLOW.

In today's Gospel, we hear this strange phrase about "unprofitable servants." In part, Jesus is commanding the disciples to simply convey HIM to people. We are called to do the same thing - not to add or detract from who Jesus is, but simply proclaim him. One incredible example of an "unprofitable servant" is St. Paul, who constantly reminded new Christians that he was simply handing on what he had received. Lord, bless and protect our servant and shepherd, Fr. Bob, today. As he does what he is obliged to do for our sake, reward him!

No, it's not some dentists' holiday - it's just an excuse to bring some joy to yourself and others! What are you smiling about today?

On this Memorial of the Guardian Angels, tell us how you've been saved from trouble by your heavenly intercessor! Guardian angels, pray for us here at St. Roch.

Please join us starting next Tuesday at St. Roch as we offer the Rescue Project! Click below for more information and to register. We are keeping registration open for just a couple more days! https://www.downrivermissionariesforchrist.com/the-rescue-project-2

This month, the Holy Father is asking us at OLOW and all the faithful to pray that we might partner with those of different faiths to protect the dignity of the human person.

Today we celebrate Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael--the archangels. Angels are spiritual beings who cooperate in God's work, and these three are the most powerful. Here’s a well-known prayer all of us at Our Lady of the Woods can say on their feast day. Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector: Help us in our battles against the spirits of darkness and against all the evil that threatens our salvation. Saint Gabriel is the messenger of the Good News: Help us to clearly hear Your word and to faithfully live it out. Saint Raphael is the healing angel: Help us on our journey through life, bring healing and guidance to our struggles and trials. May we be strengthened and comforted by their powerful intercession. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sometimes, Scripture leaves us no choice but to confront hard truths. Today's Gospel is a good example. The rich man's sin wasn't that he was rich. It's that he hoarded his wealth, lavishing it upon himself instead of tending to the needs of Lazarus, who lay sick and hungry on his doorstep. The fact that the dogs licked Lazarus's wounds isn't an indictment of the poor beggar, but of the rich man; even animals noticed the needs of Lazarus more than he did. OLOW family, everything we have is a gift. We are called to use what God has given us not only for our good, but for the good of those around us. This Sunday, let's prayerfully consider how we can choose a different path than the rich man, and serve those in need in our lives. #SundayScripture

Cosmas and Damian were physicians in ancient Rome, suffering martyrdom in 303 AD. The twin brothers had an interesting nickname: Anargyroi. It means, "without silver," or "unmercenary." They earned this title because they never charged for their healing services, which made them especially beloved among the poor. Many healing miracles are attributed to Cosmas and Damian, and the two are regarded as the patrons of all medical workers. Saints Cosmas and Damian, pray for all of us at Our Lady of the Woods that we too might give without counting the cost.

Today's National Comic Book Day--and believe it or not, there are some definite Catholic connections to the genre. Perhaps the clearest case is that of the superhero Daredevil, also known as Matt Murdock. The character often struggles with guilt as he carries out vigilante justice in New York City. A priest is his main confidant, and Murdock is often seen in a church praying or going to confession. He isn't a perfect Catholic model, by any stretch of the imagination. However, he is a witness to the fact that even though we are fallen and make mistakes, we can and should always turn back to Christ and his Church. We don't know of any superheroes here at Our Lady of the Woods, but know that you are always welcome!

Fall is in full swing! What do you love most about this special season? Tell us in the comments below--and we'll try to find out Fr. Bob's fall favorites, too!

Today marks the autumnal equinox, which means we're in the fall season. Catholic authors have often connected fall with contemplation, spiritual maturity, and recognition of life's fleetingness. We hope everyone at Our Lady of the Woods grows in these qualities this fall!

Some of us like to think that we can "multi-task" — truly focus on different activities simultaneously. But it's a myth — while our brain can rapidly switch its attention from one thing to another, we actually can't process multiple things at the same time. The same is true of love. While we might think that we can love different things equally at the same time, this isn't true. There will always be one thing, one love, that takes priority. So when Christ tells us in today's Gospel that we must choose between God and mammon, a pagan god of wealth, it isn't a choice between abandoning our faith or absolute poverty. Instead, it's a choice between what is our ultimate focus--and our ultimate love. Who is our master? We can only have one. When we love God above all else, it doesn't get rid of other good things, but orders them properly. Let's ask the Lord to help all of us at OLOW love him above all else. #SundayScripture

179 years ago, St. Andrew Kim Taegon was killed as part of a brutal series of crackdowns on Catholics in Korea. Now, the global Catholic celebration, World Youth Day, is set to take place in his home country in just two years. What a powerful testament to the fruitful witness of the martyrs! Is anyone from Our Lady of the Woods planning on going to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul? Check the link below to learn more. https://wydseoul.org/en

The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. In particular, the stunning blue of the interior ceiling — featuring gold stars dotting the canopy — combined with the purples and golds of the sanctuary and surrounding walls creates an otherworldly experience. Adorned with wooden statues of saints and stained glass windows depicting scenes from Montreal's religious history, the basilica is a fitting tribute to its namesake — Our Lady. And it's another example of how architectural beauty can help lift our hearts and minds to the source of all beauty, God himself. #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Although we strive to be citizens of the City of God, it's also true that we are members of societies here on earth. In fact, we live out the logic of heaven now by contributing to the earthly political communities of which we are a part. That's why citizenship, properly understood, is a Catholic virtue worth striving for--today, and every other day. Let's all strive to be good citizens, OLOW family!

Today marks the 405th anniversary of the Mayflower's departure from England. No Catholics were on board--the pilgrims were Protestant--but English Catholics followed several years later aboard two ships: the Ark and the Dove. The ships landed in the US in 1634, and their passengers established the colony of Maryland--the first planned Catholic settlement in British America.

When we look at the cross, with our Lord nailed to its wood, it's easy to feel shame and even self-loathing. After all, our sins put Jesus there. But that's not how Jesus looks out at us from the cross. He looks at us with love. And he suffered and died not to put us to shame, but to save us. To bring us back into loving union with God. This Sunday, let's make a point here at OLOW to see ourselves as God sees us, so that we might also look upon others with merciful love. #SundayScripture

"Mary." A simple name, with lots of meaning. Today, we reflect on the Most Holy Name of Mary--the focus of the following hymn, attributed to St. Anthony of Padua. We encourage our whole OLOW family to read it prayerfully today! #TruthGoodnessBeauty O name of Mary, joy to hear, A balm to souls, a name so dear. In thee the heavens find their song, And earth’s poor pilgrims journey strong. Thy name, a star o’er stormy sea, Guides wandering hearts to Christ through thee. When shadows fall and fears arise, Thy name brings light to darkened skies. Maria, blessed, pure, and sweet, In thee God’s grace and mercy meet. The angels chant thy holy name, And saints its endless glory claim. No sin can stand its sacred sound, In Mary’s name, true hope is found. The demons flee, their power undone, By her who bore God’s only Son. O Virgin Mother, Queen of grace, Thy name reveals thy tender face. Through thee we find the Savior’s love, And rise to dwell with Him above.

9/11. Those two numbers instantly direct our minds to one of the darkest days in American history--but also to the stories of heroism and bravery that took place on that September day, 24 years ago. Where were you when you heard about 9/11? What do you remember about that day? And how do you try to honor the lives of those who were lost today? We'd love to hear from you, OLOW family. Tell us in the comments below.

Sunday is a day of rest, but for professional football players, it's a day of action. Fortunately, many NFL teams have dedicated team chaplains, including Catholic priests, to care for players' spiritual needs. Check out the linked article from the Knights of Columbus to learn more about the ministry of NFL chaplains. https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/columbia/2022/january/gridiron-fathers.html

Happy birthday, Mary! Today we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Check out this video to see what today's feast day is all about and why it matters--and then consider giving Mary a great gift by joining us for daily Mass! Our weekday schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9:00 AM.