October Blessings: Holding Close to What Lasts

Hello my sisters in Christ,

Incredibly, we find ourselves in October, which really feels like pumpkin month because all of a sudden, pumpkins came out of nowhere and are decorating shops, offices and homes. I must confess that I cannot help but smile every time I see a pumpkin because I think of our very own Adelaida, who happens to be an avid pumpkin collector. With every gathering that our sisterhood has, I learn more and more about each of you.

My sisters, you are all the heart of this club, and you are what makes all of our initiatives

worthwhile. I am so thankful for each and every one of you.

October, however, is more than delectable pumpkin spiced lattes; it is a month that is

dedicated to the Holy Rosary, with the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary being celebrated on October the 7 th. We celebrated the memorial of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus on October the 1st and followed that up with the memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels on the 2nd . October is blessed indeed!

When I was seeking inspiration to write this newsletter, I asked a friend’s child what October

made them think of. At first, they gave me the typical and expected response, which was

Halloween, candy, and parties. When I probed a little further, they said they liked to dress up so they could pretend to be anyone they wanted. That, my sisters, got me

thinking.

This kiddo likes dressing up so they can pretend, just for a night, to be someone they are not. Obviously, I don't think there is anything wrong with this notion. I have, over the years,

enjoyed the fun times of acting in character as the persona that I have been dressed up as. It is innocent and fun.

I am struck by our society's fascination with the temporary. We like dressing up

as something we are not, just for an evening. We like ordering ornaments and giving our Christmas trees a theme, and then the following year we choose another. We have things

delivered to our doorstep on a whim. We buy and replace furniture more frequently than ever before.

I remember growing up in a home where the furniture was taken care of and the

formal dining room was to be preserved; meaning, it was utilized with great care and was not a place that you could sit at if you were not clean and smartly dressed. Do you remember that?

When I think of my faith, I think of Christ, the Holy Family, and our church. These last the test of time. They are what we can hold firm to, no matter the season or the day. They are

unwavering and constant.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells Peter that he is the rock on which HE would build His Church. Our problems, my sisters, are temporary. Our fears are temporary. The wise always say, “This too shall pass.” We live in temporal experiences. This is why it is important to look at whatever we are facing and recognize it as such.

Some problems last longer than others, like medical conditions, but even these often change, whether for better or worse. Our experience with God and our union with Him, however, is forever. That lies within our very soul. As Catholics, we believe that our souls will live on. Our prayer is that they are in a constant state of peace and luminous love, surrounded by His most holy light and presence.

So, my sisters, let's enjoy the temporary things like dressing up, latte flavors, and decoration.

Let’s live in these little moments; but let’s also consciously hold space for what is lasting and

forever. Devote time to worship that extends beyond Mass. Whether you pray the rosary, read the gospel, attend bible study, join a prayer group, or take a Soul Core class, remember that at the end of the day you are nourishing something that is not part of a season but part of eternity.

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Yours in faith,

Estefania

Love like Mary. Trust like Mary. Pray like Mary.