We dedicate the month of October to the Holy Rosary. Make time this week to share a decade of the Rosary with your families. The word rosary comes from Latin and means a garland of roses. The rose is a flower used to symbolize Mary the mother of Jesus. The rosary is a meditative repetitive prayer in honour of Mary. It consists of a set number of specific prayers. There are the introductory prayers: one Apostles’ Creed, one Our Father or the Lord’s Prayer, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be. At the center of the devotion, is the Hail Mary. It is repeated 150 times during the prayer. Rosary beads are used as counters to help maintain the rhythm as the prayers are prayed in sequence.

Sunday Gospel Reflection 

Luke 18:9-14

Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else:

“Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

“The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people.

And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn.’

“The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven.

He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner.’

Then Jesus said, “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God.

If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honoured.”

North Parish Event