St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin shared a reflection from pastoral associate, Betty Schwandt, on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

“We thank God for their ‘yes’ to God’s call to serve God and His people,” Schwandt wrote on Priesthood Sunday. “Let us pray for them daily. Thank you, Fr. Tom and Fr. Kevin, for helping us to grow closer to Jesus, walking with us on our journey, and for bringing the Sacraments to us.”

Schwandt wrote that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Faithful Citizenship 2020 bulletin is helpful as we prepare our hearts and minds for voting and the election of the new president. 

“People often have very strong beliefs and feelings in regard to politics. We must be respectful and kind to one another in dialogue and in listening. The second greatest commandment Jesus gave us is ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’” Schwandt wrote. 

We should always first be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving before we begin a conversation about difficult matters and always be at peace with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. 

Schwandt also wrote about the celebration of the Feast of the Archangels, particularly that of St. Raphael, the parish’s namesake. 

“Let us ask St. Raphael’s intercession for all of the healing that is needed – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, racially and politically,” Schwandt wrote.

Finally, on Oct. 4, we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. 

“Saint Francis of Assisi abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity after hearing the voice of God, telling him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty,” Schwandt wrote. “With his charisma, he drew thousands of followers to him and his mission.”

The parish celebrated St. Francis with a blessing for animals in the church’s courtyard on Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m.