It happens every fall. I pull out our kids' jeans from the last year and find myself dumbfounded by how much they've grown. Ahhhh! The inevitable panic sets in as I realize that, not only do the kids need an entirely new wardrobe, but that they are growing much faster than I realize. Where did my babies go? As our daily lives speed past, it is important to pause and acknowledge the many "grace-filled moments" that fill our time together on earth. In these hectic late-summer days, remember to give thanks to God for family, friends and especially our Catholic faith. May your days or preparation be blessed with much sacred space.

God bless, Heidi Busse

Pope Francis says:

You need three phrases in a family:
1) May I?
2) Thank you
3) I’m sorry.

Order this Pope Francis magnet for your parish!
Call 800-348-2440.

Conflict in Iraq gives nun mission of peace
By Hannah Brockhaus

Mother Olga Yaqob was only 16 years old when she began to volunteer at her church to help wash and prepare the bodies of people killed in the Iran-Iraq War for burial. "It was a very difficult, very challenging time in my life," Mother Olga said. "These memories are just so engraved in my mind and in my heart, that's why ... I am a strong advocate of peace, dialogue. "Never cease to pray for peace," she urged.

The heartbreak and tragedy Mother Olga witnessed as a teenager serving in her Catholic Assyrian Church of the East were only the beginning of her experiences during four wars and 35 years in her homeland of Iraq. Living in the United States now, Mother Olga's work continues to be influenced by her witness of the immense suffering brought about by the wars in Iraq.

Read the rest of this article from the July 27 issue of OSV Newsweekly

The Benefits of Being a Believer
By Joseph White, Ph.D.

Did you know that believing in God is actually good for your health and well-being? It's true. Recent studies show that there are benefits to being a believer. A solid religious faith strengthens family ties, helps to build closer couple relationships, even helps to forge stronger community connections. In good times our faith reminds us that we were created in God's image for the purpose of love; in tough times our faith is a foundation that grounds our very reason for being. Being a believer is good for more than just our souls!

Equip your catechists with tips and tools to keep their kids' attention this fall by pre-ordering Joseph White's new Divine Pedagogy Handbook: Keeping Kids' Attention! This handy little workbook (available soon!) is perfect for catechist in-service gatherings or home use. Grab one for your whole team -- your volunteers will thank you! Available soon!

Click here to read and save a sample of the new handbook!