Archdiocese of Dubuque
Marriage & Family Life Office
1229 Mt. Loretta Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 556-2580, x233
www.dbqarch.org/family-life
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Marriage & Family Life Witness Article
"Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith" by Dan Russo
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Now more than ever, grandparents have an essential role in their families, particularly when it comes to passing on the faith to future generations. Read about "Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith," a conference that was held on August 25th at St. Mary Church, Waverly.
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Ways to Learn and Live the Faith
as a Catholic Family
October is Respect Life Month.
October 7 is Respect Life Sunday.
October is the Month of the Holy Rosary
- Pray the Rosary with Kids: Create a Rosary Board here.
- Teach your children how to pray the rosary with this Rosary for the Littles.
- Check to see if any local parishes will be doing a Living Rosary during October.
October 7 - The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
Learn about the origins of the rosary and ways it can be a dynamic teacher and nurturer of Christian faith here.
October 21 - World Mission Sunday
During the month of October, we are called to remember in a special way the great needs of the Church and her life-giving service in mission countries. This year Pope Francis invites young men and women who want to follow Christ, "to seek, to discover and to persevere in their vocation."
- Pope Francis’ Message for World Mission Sunday 2018 can be found here.
- Learn more about World Missions Day here.
October 31 - Halloween
Halloween is a holiday rich in history and meaning (much of it religious), making it a great opportunity to combine fun and learning about values for our children.
On the Road to Sainthood
Óscar Romero and Pope Paul VI will both be canonized in October. Learn about these models of faith.
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Marriage Matters
 The Vocation of Marriage
When the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a Christian vocation it is saying that the couple’s relationship is more than simply their choice to enter a union which is a social and legal institution. In addition to these things, marriage involves a call from God and a response from two people who promise to build, with the help of divine grace, a lifelong, intimate and sacramental partnership of love and life. Read more about the vocation of marriage here.
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Saints of the Month
 October 1 - St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- Spend a day doing little things for God and others in honor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, “The Little Flower.”
- To celebrate the Feast of St. Thérèse with resources, activities, and printables, click here.
October 2 – The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels
- Enjoy angel food cake, or another angel-themed treat.
- Find your favorite angel craft to complete as a family.
- Pray a Guardian Angel Prayer together.
 October 4 - St. Francis of Assisi
- Do something nice for animals to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, such as building a bird feeder, putting out bread with peanut butter and bird seeds, taking a dog to the park, etc.
- For ways to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, click here.
 October 5 – St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
- Learn about St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, an apostle of the Divine Mercy here.
- Read more about the story of St. Faustina here.
October 18 – Feast of St. Luke
 October 22 – Memorial of St. Pope John Paul II
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Website Spotlight
The Respect Life and Social Justice office promotes the dignity of all human life – created in the Image of God – as the basis for the fundamental human right to life. This right to life must also be considered in relationship to the common good of society. Each and every person is made in the divine image and must be treated as such both as individual persons and as members of a broader society.
For family resources, videos, activities and prayers, and to learn more about Respect Life and Social Justice Month, click here.
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There's An App For That
Family Rosary-Mobile Rosary
If you are learning the Rosary, there is no easier way than Family Rosary's Mobile Rosary. Those who pray the Rosary regularly will love how the audio guides you through the prayers.
Features:
- Pray the Rosary on your phone or tablet
- Soothing audio
- Learn more about the Mysteries
- Shows text for each prayer to help those just learning
- Select an intention or cause to pray for each time
- Share your cause with Facebook or Twitter
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Interest in Pinterest
October Pinterest Highlights for Families
from the Education Resource Center, Archdiocese of Dubuque
www.pinterest.com/dbqarch
Check out these October Pinterest topics focused on the family - the Domestic Church!
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Book of the Month
 UnPlanned
The Dramatic Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye-Opening Journey Across the Life Line
by Abby Johnson
Abby Johnson quit her job in October 2009. That simple act became a national news story because Abby was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas who, after participating in an actual abortion procedure for the first time, walked down the street to join the Coalition for Life.
Unplanned is a heart-stopping personal drama of life-and-death encounters, a courtroom battle, and spiritual transformation that speaks hope and compassion into the political controversy that surrounds this issue. Telling Abby’s story from both sides of the abortion clinic property line, this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the life versus rights debate and helping women who face crisis pregnancies. (www.amazon.com)
For more information and to purchase the book, click here.
This book is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: BK 241477.
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October Movie Pick
Check out this month's movie pick:
Horton Hears a Who
by Dr. Suess
This is the story of Horton—the lovable elephant who does everything in his power to convince the other animals that there is a city of small people on a speck which he must save from destruction. Because, after all, “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” This book opens the door for great discussions about what makes a person (is it size? Is it age? etc.) and helps kids to understand the importance of standing up for someone, no matter what other people say.
We want to teach our children about the beauty of the family, the miracle of human life, and the uniqueness of every human person. If we want to build a culture of life in our homes, we must give our children stories that promote the pro-life message of the sacredness and dignity of all human beings. All people, no matter what size or shape are people. We should look for God in everyone no matter how big or small they are. We should treat everyone like they have God inside him or her. We should never hurt or mistreat others because they are temples of God just like we are.
This movie is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: DV 30639.
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Prayers and Reflections
Giving Thanks to God
for the Gift of Human Life
God our Creator,
we give thanks to you,
who alone have the power to impart the breath of life
as you form each of us in our mother's womb;
Grant, we pray,
that we, whom you have made stewards of creation,
may remain faithful to this sacred trust
and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
From the Roman Missal, Mass For Various Occasions, 48/1. "For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life"
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All Are Welcome
Inclusive Retreat Day - November 3, 2018
The Office of Disability Inclusion is sponsoring a Fall Retreat that offers participants an opportunity to deepen their faith through prayer, reflection, sharing, and song in celebration with persons with disabilities. The Fall Retreat will be held at St. Matthew Church in Cedar Rapids on November 3, 2018. For more information, contact Jim Betzner or Mindy Hart.
Celebrating 40 Years of Ministry Inspired by the
Pastoral Statement of the USCCB on Persons with Disabilities
The National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) shares the following Celebrations of the 40th Anniversary of the Pastoral Statement of the U. S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities:
The Mustard Seed Project: This conference, held October 8-10 at Oak Brook, IL, explores the important topic of serving children with disabilities within the Catholic school setting. This year's theme: "Moving from Inclusion to Belonging."
In God's Image: This conference will be held on November 10 in Houston, TX, for families, FFLs, catechists, teachers, friends and care providers of children and adults with disabilities, and all who have a heart for disability ministry.
Book:
The Prince Who Was Just Himself
by Silke Schnee
 Every child is a blessing and a special gift—even a child who has disabilities. A recently translated book from Germany, The Prince Who Was Just Himself touches on several pro-life themes—from the blessing of children to the value of every human being.
In the story, the king and queen long for a third child. When Prince Noah is born with Down syndrome, his family immediately loves him and welcomes him into the family. But not everyone sees Prince Noah’s value and some of the subjects say mean things about him. When the terrible knight Scarface rides into the kingdom, Prince Noah is the only one who can save the day. The Prince Who Was Just Himself reminds us how each person has a special mission from God in this world, no matter what his or her abilities.
(https://www.pbgrace.com/5-pro-life-picture-books-your-kids-will-love/)
For additional information and resources for inclusion of persons with diverse abilities, please contact Mindy Hart, Director of the Office of Disability Inclusion.
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Upcoming Events
 Celebration of Life Mass
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Mark your calendars for the Celebration of Life Mass to be celebrated at St. Athanasius Church in Jesup on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 5:00 PM. The Celebration of Life Mass is held annually at a different location across the Archdiocese. The Mass recognizes, remembers and honors all people living with disabilities, their families and those who support and empower them.
Mass for Mental Illness Awareness
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Mark your calendars for the Mass for Mental Illness Awareness, which will be celebrated on October 14, 2018 at 2:00 PM at St. Patrick Church in Cedar Rapids. The Mass for Mental Illness Awareness is an annual event. Persons with mental illness, as well as their families, friends, caregivers and health providers are welcome. The purpose is to create a spiritual environment of hope, education and awareness to decrease the stigma of mental illness.
Youth Jam 2018
Saturday, October 20, 2018
 The Archdiocesan Middle School Youth Rally (AKA "Youth Jam") will take place on Saturday, October 20 at Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Middle School in Waterloo, from 2:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Youth Jam will again feature DJ Bill Lage and will involve high energy experiences, hands-on activities, prayer, and Mass. This event is targeted to those in grades 6-8 and their parents. The cost will be $29.00 per youth participant and $10 for adults. More information about how to register a group from your parish/cluster and a sample registration flyer you can use to recruit participants can be found at www.dbqarch.org/YouthJam.
This day is designed to bring grandparents and grandchildren together at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque to grow closer to one another and to Jesus through activities and prayer ~ treats too! The event will take place on Saturday, November 3rd from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The cost is $5 per person. Online registration is now open!
 3rd Annual Archdiocesan Women's Conference
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Archdiocesan Women’s Conference, Beauty in Christ, Saturday, January 26, 2019, DoubleTree by Hilton, Cedar Rapids, IA.
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Respect Life and Social Justice
