From the Pastor's Desk | October 12, 2025

Month of the Rosary

October is dedicated to praying the Rosary and has been since 1571 when Pope Pius V commemorated the historic victory at the Battle of Lepanto on October 7 of the same year largely attributed to the praying of the Rosary.  

During this month of October I encourage everyone to begin to form the habit of praying the rosary whether that habit be daily or weekly. The rosary is the prayer of the life of our Lord as we meditate on the mysteries of his life and walk with him and his mother. St. Martha will host a rosary throughout the month of October, Monday - Friday at 3 pm in the chapel. 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!  

Life Chain

October is also Respect Life Month in the Catholic Church here in the United States. Thank you everyone who came out last week and sacrificed their time not only to exercise our first amendment rights but, more importantly, to speak for those who are unable to exercise their right to free speech because they have no voice or protections - namely the unborn.  

In his September 20, 2020 address to the United Nations, Pope Francis stated:

“It is troubling to see how simple and convenient it has become for some to deny the existence of a human life as a solution to problems that can and must be solved for both the mother and her unborn child.”

With the deepest respect, I wouldn’t seek to correct the Pontiff. Rather, I would offer a small addition: let us also remember the father.

It takes two to create a child, and yet too often, only the mother bears the weight of responsibility. A 2013 study published by BMC Women’s Health reported that 48% of women cited not wanting to be a single mother or experiencing relationship problems as reasons for choosing abortion. The same study noted that 1 in 6 children in the United States are raised in homes where the father is absent. (Source: https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6874-13-29)

As we continue to pray for mothers considering abortion as an option, let us also pray for and model strong, compassionate fatherhood. The fear of responsibility should never justify the taking of innocent life.

If you feel so inclined to help protect the unborn, I strongly encourage you to contact Protect Life Michigan at protectlifemi.org!  

Gospel Reflection

Who was the last person you thanked? Hopefully, that’s an easy question to answer because “thank you” should be among the most frequent phrases we say each day. But perhaps a better question is: Who in your life needs to be thanked?

A 2024 article published by the Stress, Anger, and Management Institute notes:

“Research suggests that Western culture, especially among younger generations, is becoming increasingly entitled (Campbell & Twenge, 2013). Factors contributing to this shift include an enhanced focus on individualism, changes in parenting styles that prioritize self-esteem over communal values, and an educational system that rewards participation over achievement. Moreover, the rise of social media exacerbates this trend by encouraging constant comparison, fostering feelings of inadequacy, and amplifying the desire for attention and validation” (Angry, Entitled, and Stressed: Our Condescending Western Culture, April 29, 2024).

Many of us have observed this growing entitlement, not just in society at large, but perhaps even in ourselves. Over time, we’ve become less gracious, less inclined to give thanks, and more likely to focus on what we lack rather than on what we’ve been given.

Unfortunately, this shift has made its way into the life of the Church as well.

Pete Burak, Vice President of Renewal Ministries (Ann Arbor, MI), offers an insightful distinction in one of his talks: the difference between Consumer Catholics and Hungry Catholics. He outlines three key differences between the two:

1. Appetite: 

Consumer Catholics treat the “snacks” of the faith - popular content, social media posts, brief reflections, television shows, podcasts - as the main course. These can be good in moderation, but they’re not meant to replace the richness of the Church’s core offerings. 

Hungry Catholics, on the other hand, feast on the main course: the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation), Scripture, the Magisterium, the wisdom of the Church Fathers and saints. They are nourished by depth, not novelty.

2. Approach: 

Consumer Catholics often approach the Church from a critical standpoint, asking, “What am I getting out of this?” or “Do I like this?”

Hungry Catholics come with a heart of gratitude, asking instead, “How is the Lord transforming me through His Church?” or “What conversion is God working in my life?”

3. Interior Life

Consumer Catholics rarely experience silence. Life is filled with constant noise and distraction.

Hungry Catholics understand the value of silence. They know that silence precedes insight, and that we must create space to encounter God.

We see this contrast clearly in this weekend’s readings.

In the first reading, Naaman, after some hesitation and wrestling, does as instructed and washes seven times in the Jordan. When he is healed of his leprosy, his immediate response is gratitude. He recognizes the magnitude of the gift he’s received and insists on offering praise and thanks to the Lord through His servant, Elisha.

In the Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers but only one returns to give thanks. A Samaritan, no less. The other nine? We don’t know what happened to them, only that they never returned with gratitude. They couldn’t (or wouldn’t) see their restored health as a gift.  

Gratitude reveals spiritual hunger. Entitlement obscures it.

Whether you find yourself more aligned with the Consumer Catholic or the Hungry Catholic, know this: the Church stands ready to serve you regardless. She always has and will continue. But if you recognize in yourself a drift toward consumerism - if the noise has drowned out the silence - perhaps this is the moment to pause and give thanks.

Give thanks to God for your life. Give thanks for the Church. Give thanks for the Sacraments, the Scriptures, the saints, and the endless grace made available to you.

Know of my prayers for you all! 

Fr. Ryan