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This Saturday, August 15 we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. On this feast day, we recall that the Blessed Virgin Mary did not suffer death, but was raised (assumed) into heaven, body and soul.  Our belief in the assumption is reflected in holy scripture and affirmed by Sacred Tradition - the official teaching of the Church, passed down through the ages.  Read more about the Solemnity of the Assumption.

Learn more about Mary in the Scriptures Why do Catholics honor Mary, the Mother of God?  Where do our beliefs about Mary come from? Lectio Mary: The Bible and the Mother of God is a free video series available online from Formed.org . It examines what Scripture, the life of Christ, and the early Church fathers reveal about Mary. Dr. Brant Pitre examines the connections between the Old and New Testaments to explore the life and identity of Mary, the Mother of God. 

Decorate and Send Marian Prayer Cards The Hail Mary is only one of many prayers dedicated to the Blessed Mother.  Your family can decorate these Marian prayer cards in honor of the Solemnity of the Assumption.  Send your completed prayer cards to friends and family members, and invite them to pray with you for a special intention.

Make an Assumption Day Feast! In some countries, the Solemnity of the Assumption is celebrated by a blessing of fruits and herbs. The food blog "Catholic Cuisine" offers a yummy menu for Assumption that features fresh herbs, fruits and flowers. Be sure to also check out the super kid-friendly recipe for flower fruit sandwiches in honor of Our Lady!

St. Edith Stein was born into a large German Jewish family on October 12, 1891. She is also known by the name she took upon entering religious life - Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The fascinating story of St. Edith Stein includes her life as an atheist, a feminist scholar, a convert to Catholicism, a Carmelite mystic, and a Jewish Christian martyr of the Holocaust. Edith's life was marked by her struggle for acceptance and her unwavering search for truth. Ultimately, Edith found the acceptance and peace she was seeking in the cross of Christ. 

Learn more about St. Edith Stein The article "The Life and Legacy of St. Edith Stein" gives a wonderful personal and historical context to the life of this unlikely saint.  The biographical film "Edith Stein: The Seventh Chamber" (available online at Formed.org ) explores the influence of Carmelite spirituality on Edith's search for truth and holiness.

The Jewish roots of the Eucharist  The actions of Jesus at the Last Supper are rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish tradition. In this video, Dr. Brant Pitre explains why understanding phrases like "the blood of the Lamb" and "the New Covenant" within the context of the Jewish feast of Passover offers a crucial insight into our celebration of the Eucharist. (Available online at Formed.org )

What is Carmelite Spirituality? Edith Stein is one of many saints who come to us from the Carmelites, a religious order founded in the 1200's. Carmelite spirituality, with its focus on contemplative prayer and devotion to Mary, is one of the great spiritual "schools" of the Church.  One of the most well-known Carmelite devotions is the brown scapular, worn by many Catholics as a sign of devotion to the Blessed Mother.

What is your personal spirituality? Is your spirituality Dominican? Ignatian? Are you a Carmelite, like Edith Stein? This online quiz by Vision Vocation Network is a fun way to explore some of the different schools of Catholic spirituality.

Friday of this week, we celebrate the feast day of our parish's patron saint, St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Learn more about St. Ignatius of Loyola St. Ignatius was a master of prayer; the spiritual exercises that he developed have helped millions of people grow closer to God through prayer and reflection.  This saint and founder of the Jesuit order was not always so interested in spiritual matters, though.  His conversion from a worldly, cynical soldier to a spiritual leader is a wonderful story, full of drama and plot twists.  You can learn more about his colorful life and inspiring faith when you watch the feature film, "St. Ignatius of Loyola," available online at Formed.org 

St. Ignatius Rocks! Our Youth Ministry department is hosting an outdoor art installation in honor of St. Igantius' feast day. Youth and their families are invited to paint a rock in honor of St. Ignatius, and to lay their decorated rock at the foot of the St. Ignatius statue (located in the Legacy Garden).  

What is Ignatian Spirituality? Xavier University in Ohio has a wonderful collection of videos which more clearly explain Ignatian spirituality, and how it can help us grow in holiness. You can also read some of the beautiful prayers written by St. Ignatius and other Jesuit saints and theologians at IgnatianSpirituality.com 

Are you unsure what God is asking of you during these challenging times?  In the spirit of St. Ignatius, spiritual directors are people who have special training to accompany others who are seeking to discern God's will for them. St Ignatius is blessed to have a number of spiritual directors who serve in the parish.  Each director has received specialized training and certification in Spiritual Direction. They volunteer their time in this ministry and do not personally accept compensation.  To learn more about this ministry, and for information about meeting with a spiritual director, check our webpage.

Saints Joachim and Anna were the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are the patron saints of grandparents.