Aim Higher Podcast: The Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord
Aim Higher Podcast
The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Join Father Anthony and Sister Catherine as they explore the history of this feast and reflect on a meditation from the Franciscan Meditations. The prayer Sister read for us: Out of infinite love for us, O Divine Savior, You crucified Your Blood and Your Life. How could I resist such love! How can I dare to forfeit it! Keep me in Your love, O Jesus, source of my salvation and bliss.
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Aim Higher Podcast! 2025 Youth Retreat Recap
Aim Higher Podcast
In early June, we had the pleasure of hosting our first Youth Retreat at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in Rochester, New York. The serene surroundings and welcoming atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for this experience. We invite you to join Father and Sister as they reflect on the memorable moments of the retreat and share their aspirations for future gatherings. Their insights promise to inspire and deepen our connection as a community. Deo Gratias!
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Aim Higher Podcast: Bonus! Youth Retreat Sermons with Bishop Giles Butler, OFM DD
Aim Higher Podcast
Pax et Bonum! Peace and good to you all! In early June, we celebrated our first Youth Retreat in Rochester, New York. Each morning, the children attended Holy Mass, beautifully celebrated by His Excellency, Most Reverend Giles Butler, OFM DD, and engaged in a series of enlightening sermons. Although these sermons were aimed at a specific age group, I believe they would be beneficial for all of us to listen to!
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Aim Higher Podcast: St. Anthony and the Miracle of the Donkey
Aim Higher Podcast
In this episode, Father and Sister explore the life of St. Anthony of Padua, one of their favorite saints and Father's personal patron. They focus on the captivating story of the Miracle of the Donkey, which highlights St. Anthony's deep connection with creation and his enduring impact on faith. Join them for insightful reflections on this beloved figure. Skip to the forty-minute mark to bypass Father and Sister discussing their upcoming Youth Retreat.
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Replay! Aim Higher Podcast: Ascension Thursday
Aim Higher Podcast
It's almost been forty days since we celebrated the Resurrection of Our Lord. In this episode, we discuss the beauty this wonderful feast offers us!
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Aim Higher Podcast: The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces
Aim Higher Podcast
"The will of God is that we should receive everything through Mary." — St. Bernard Every year on May 23rd, the Feast of Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, is celebrated with reverence and devotion. This special day honors the profound role of Mary as a mediator, a compassionate intercessor who bridges the gap between humanity and the divine. On this feast, we acknowledge that it is through her that all graces and blessings flow, inviting the faithful to seek her intercession for their needs and spiritual growth. Sister Catherine's Favorite Prayer: O Mary, Virgin Mother of God, pray to Jesus for...
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Aim Higher Podcast: The Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross
Aim Higher Podcast
In this episode, Father Anthony and Sister Catherine dive into the rich history surrounding the discovery of the Holy Cross, an event attributed to Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.
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Aim Higher Podcast: Reflections on Holy Week and the Last Supper
Aim Higher Podcast
In this episode, Father Anthony, O.F.M., and Sister Catherine, T.O.R., delve into the profound significance of one of the holiest weeks in the Liturgical Year—Holy Week. They explore key moments from the Passion of Our Lord, including the poignant betrayal by Judas, and the heart-wrenching denial by Peter, showcasing the frailty of human loyalty. The conversation also highlights the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples, and afterwards, instituting the Holy Eucharist. Drawing upon reflective readings from the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. John, as well as the...
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Aim Higher Podcast: The Chrism Mass & Holy Oils
Aim Higher Podcast
In this episode, Father Anthony, O.F.M., and Sister Catherine, T.O.R., explore the rich history and deep significance of the Chrism Mass. They delve into the ceremony itself, highlighting the rituals and traditions involved. Additionally, they discuss the meaning and use of the Holy Oils that are blessed during this sacred service, highlighting their importance in the life of the Church and the sacramental practices of the faithful. To dive directly into the heart of this episode: 39:05 To listen to the sermon referred to in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-1201R2iXk
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Bonus! The Unwavering Faith of Saint Joseph with Bishop Giles Butler, OFM DD
Aim Higher Podcast
March 19th is the Feast of St. Joseph, a day dedicated to honoring the steadfast protector of the Holy Family. In this episode, we delve into Saint Joseph's significant role as a loving husband and devoted father, reflecting on his unwavering faith and strength. We explore how we can draw inspiration from his virtues to enhance our own lives in meaningful ways. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give you our hearts and our souls.
info_outlineThe Liturgical Year will soon be coming to a close but there are still a few great feasts to remember!
**Celebrating Hallowtide**
The Liturgical Year is soon coming to an end, but like the mythical phoenix, it will rise anew with the season of Advent. Before the Church reaches this climactic conclusion with the Gospel account of the end of the world and the General Judgment, it celebrates one of the most sacred parts of the fall season—Hallowtide. Hallowtide refers to the triduum of All-Hallows Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.
Even though Pope Pius XII suppressed the vigil of All Saints in the 1950s, we can still observe this day as a time of spiritual preparation, thereby preserving the essence of Hallowtide. This celebration and commemoration embody the dogma of the Communion of Saints, an article of our faith explicitly stated in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe… in the Communion of Saints.”
**All-Hallows Eve Program (Evening)**
1. Renew the Baptismal Vows (the promises made to God at Baptism, located in the Missal at the end of the Holy Saturday services). 2. Pray a Rosary (dedicate this Rosary to the entire Communion of Saints). 3. Sing “O Come, Holy Ghost” (praying to the Holy Ghost to grant us the grace to become saints).
**All Saints’ Day Program (Anytime during the day)**
1. Attend Mass (if possible). 2. Pray a Rosary (in honor of all the Saints and Angels). 3. Read from the “Lives of the Saints.” A family may choose their patron saint for the year and read about his or her life. If this is your first year doing this devotion, consider starting with St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, since every family should have a devotion to this great saint. Afterwards, sing “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.”
**All Souls’ Day Program (Anytime during the day)**
1. Attend Mass (if possible, and perform the devotion described in the “Announcements and Reminders” section). 2. Prepare your Poor Souls list a few days in advance so the priest can place it on the altar during Mass, as is customary. 3. Pray a Rosary (for the faithfully departed). 4. Visit a cemetery (if possible; at a Catholic cemetery, you can choose anyone and pray for their soul. You may pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be. Follow those prayers with: “Eternal rest grant unto (him, her, them) O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”)
**Suggestions:**
One way that a family or individual can make the most of this holy time is by preparing meals that align with the nature of the feast. While the Church does not mandate fasting and abstaining on All-Hallows Eve or All Souls’ Day, choosing to do so can enhance our appreciation for the importance of preparation and prayer. Traditionally, beans or lentils are served on All Souls’ Day. Additionally, on the Feast of All Saints, consider preparing a special meal to reflect the celebratory nature of the feast.
To read Father Anthony's article, "The Last Great Feast":
http://www.franciscanfathers.com/popular_articles
If you would like to have your dearly departed remembered at Mass on All Souls' Day, you may contact Father Anthony: