Good morning from Joy Valley! It has been a busy week for us (and we’re guessing for you, too!) We come to you at the close of this holiday weekend with a prayer that you are doing well, having enjoyed some relaxation with family, and are not stuck in traffic! Northern Michigan is a great place to spend Independence Day, but it inevitably means being in a logjam of vehicles!
Speaking of logjams, both of our families have had lots happening this week and weekend, so we’re going to keep The Cause of Our Joy short today. We’ll be back next Saturday with a regular email! So, without further ado, let’s get into this!
Precious Blood
Did you know that the month of July is traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus? Dr. Taylor Marshall has an article discussing the Precious Blood of Jesus and includes a Litany of the Precious Blood.
The Eucharist
As many of you know, the Catechism calls the Eucharist the “source and summit of the Christian life.” Jesus, truly present in the Host, is an absolute miracle! And He wants us to take Him into ourselves! How humbling! How mind-blowing! He makes us holy because He is holy! This article, 10 Ways the Eucharist Can Increase Holiness, is a great read!
Sacramentals
You were so excited to be enrolled in the Brown Scapular and participate in all the benefits Our Lady promised to those who wear it… but then it broke. What should you do with sacramentals that get worn out or that are unwanted? This article from Catholic All Year will tell you what to do with them!
Holy Water
Speaking of sacramentals, Holy Water is an amazing one. When we use it we recall our baptism, invoke the Holy Trinity, remember Christ’s passion and death, and even obtain assistance in times of temptation or danger. Newsweek is carrying an article about a Colombian Bishop who wants to convey these effects to his entire city. You’ll be surprised to learn how!
Saint Spotlight
St. Benedict, who we celebrate on July 11, is considered the father of western monasticism, but he’s responsible for more than just starting monasteries. In fact, we all owe him a debt of gratitude for preserving Christian culture during the fall of the Roman Empire! There’s something we can learn from him even now in our media saturated age. The National Catholic Register offers an intriguing question: what would St. Benedict think about your smart phone?
The Saint Benedict Medal and Crucifix are amazing sacramentals. If you would like to read more about St. Benedict and the meaning of the symbols on the medal, the National Catholic Register has a wonderful article on just this.
Fun with the Kids
Follow this link for fun ideas of things to do with the kids and grandkids to celebrate St. Benedict on July 11.
Marian Minute
Our Blessed Mother is our greatest intercessor. She is our Heavenly Mother and she wants to help us and love us like only a mother could. By bringing Mary into our lives, she will also bring our problems to her Son, Jesus. Patti Armstrong has an article on 10 Ways to Bring Mary Into Your Life.
Marian Center Events
We will be hosting community BBQs and bonfires every Friday in July.Click here for more info.
The Marian Center is hosting the Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit until the end of the summer. Find out more here!
To Christ Through Mary,
Katie Moe and Lori Mercer
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