Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, | |
As the weather begins to shift, and the world turns to rich autumn colors (well—more so up north than here in South Florida!), October invites us to embrace the beauty of the season—yes, including all things pumpkin spice! It’s also a time when many of our parishes come alive with fall festivals, parish picnics, and the ever-popular holiday craft bazaars.
To discover what's happening in and around our Diocese over the next few months, be sure to check out the Events Calendar. It’s always a joy to visit other parishes and support one another as members of the Body of Christ. You’ll find more details on upcoming October events in the Special Events section of this e-newsletter.
October in the Life of the Church
This month is rich with Catholic tradition and celebration. It features several beloved feast days, including:
- St. Thérèse of Lisieux – October 1
- The Guardian Angels – October 2
- St. Francis of Assisi – October 4
- Our Lady of the Rosary – October 7
- St. John Paul II – October 22
October is also traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, a beautiful devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Let Us Pray and Liturgical Living sections below, you'll find creative ways your family can embrace and celebrate this sacred tradition throughout the month.
We’d love to hear from you! Let us know how we can better support you and your parish in our shared mission of evangelization—to bring others to an encounter with Christ and into deepen appreciation for our rich Catholic faith.
Contact us anytime at: family@diocesepb.org
May God’s mercy and peace be with you and your family this October and always.
Cathy, Deacon Louie, Maria, Liliana, Andy,
Cindy, Rosario, and Beth
Share this email with everyone!
Together let us build, unite, and grow our Church.
| | |
LIVING THE TRUTH IN LOVE
The Priest -
The Sign of Hope
Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito,
Bishop of Palm Beach
| |  |
JOY OF THE FAMILY BLOG
Late Have I Loved You
Author: Cathy Loh, Diocese of Palm Beach Director, Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
| | | | |
Gen Z, The Church and Pro-Life
Kat Talalas from the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities interviews Bishop David Toups, S.Th.D., Bishop of Beaumont and member of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities. They discuss the recent trend of Gen Z embracing Catholic identity and avenues for formation, including respect for human life and dignity.
| | |
| | October is recognized as National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month to promote education, reduce stigma, and encourage mental health screenings. | |
Even devout Catholics can feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, and depression—unsure where to turn for help, and longing for support that’s rooted in the teachings of the Church.
That’s why Franciscan University created "Overcoming Anxiety & Depression." It's a FREE 7-part video series that brings together Catholic psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro and Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, for a grounded conversation on mental health, faith, and healing!
| | | | Celebrate the Gift of Life! October is Respect Life Month! | | Collection site is at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius. | | | | | |
Annual Butterfly Release
Sunday, October 26, 2025 @ 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach
St. Helen’s Respect Life Ministry invites you to join us to reflect, grieve, heal, and honor all babies who have not been born to this earth. Whether you personally have lost a loved one by miscarriage, stillborn, or abortion or know of a friend or family member who has, we pray that the symbolic releasing of butterflies will bring peace, love, and forgiveness to all who have experienced these great losses.
| | |
All Saints Day Mass
with the Bishop
Saturday, November 1, 2025
11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery
10941 Southern Blvd
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Please join us on All Saints Day, Saturday November 1, at 11:00 am. His Excellency the Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery.
| | | UNBOUND HEALING PRAYER MINISTRY | |
Ministry also available in English.
Contact us at 561-775-9524
| | The Catholic Grandparents Association hosts a Grandparents' Faith Café online via Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month. The Faith Café sees Grandparents from around the world gathering for an hour to hear from a guest speaker, to share moments of prayer and reflection and to be together in a social space. Click here | | | | For Young Adults .... Events and Resources | |
|
|
Do you have a Family Prayer Plan?
Studies have shown that the simple routine of praying together at home makes it much more likely you will ...
- Build a life-long, thriving marriage
- Strengthen your relationship with your children and teens
- Nurture strong faith in the hearts of your children and teens
- Reduce the level of tension in your home
- Increase marital trust, respect and intimacy
Life makes many demands on today’s families, and lives are often full and hectic. Finding the time for prayer can seem difficult - especially if you aren’t sure where to begin or how to pray as a family.
Praying and growing together as a family is a gift that will sustain each member of your family throughout the storms of this life and one that will prepare you all for the next life.
So make a plan!
| Resources from www.burningheartsdisciples.org | | | |
| |
Introducing ...
The Family Rosary Companion, an interactive, engaging guide designed to bring families together in prayer. Family Rosary and Catholic Mom have created a unique resource perfect for children of all ages! Additionally, all of the Mysteries are available as separate downloadable coloring pages! Scroll to the bottom of link to find a new, free Rosary prayer resources for you and your family.
Also available in Spanish.
| | | | |
We believe that it all starts with the family, the domestic church.
Our goal in the Office of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth & Young Adult Ministry (MFLFFYM for short!) is to support parishes, parents & families in their journey of faith as they live out their God-given call with others.
| |
| |
LittleFlower.org
Discover the Power of
Small Acts of Love
Inspired by St. Therese’s ‘Little Way,’ this free guide will help you spread kindness and faith in your everyday life.
Start your journey today and see how even the smallest actions can create ripples of love and hope.
| | | | |
Pray, Eat, Love - The Rosary!
Here are some great ideas for the dinner table and to foster the memorable family time you want for your family.
Recipe Highlights:
- Easy Beef Burgundy
- Rosary Cake
- Divine Mercy Cheesecake
- Remember St. Francis Dog Treats
- St. Francis Friend Beasts Crunch
| |
A CATHOLIC MOMS LIFE
Easy Saints Costume
If you are looking for a quick saint costume for your children or grandkids, you are in the right place! Heather Johnson is your go to gal to give you lots of ideas, check out her blog.
| | |
Adventures in your own backyard!
St. Francis Assisi
Feast Day: October 4
Whether you're a homeschool family or not, this is a great blog post from Sarah-Jean Ballard, creator and blogger at RaisingWildSaints.com.
Sarah-Jean shares her thoughtful insights on the power of messy play and learning through play. She encourages families to get their kids outdoors and back into nature—just like St. Francis did—and, best of all, unplugged!
In her post, she gives a compelling list of reasons why every family should consider adding a mud kitchen to their backyard. It might just bring back some wonderful childhood memories for you—I know it did for me! Hope you enjoy this fun little read!
P.S. Hey grandparents—these mud kitchens make amazing Christmas gifts! Just saying!
| | |
Have a good marriage but wonder if it could be better?
Then it's time for a Tune-up!
Reservations now open - Sign up early! Spots fill quickly!
| | National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) November 2-8, 2025 is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. | | | | | |
