Mark Your Calendar!

by Genevieve Perkins
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Did you know that each month has a traditional Catholic devotion? This year, let’s focus on each devotion month-by-month to grow in our faith and traditions! Make yourself notes, write it on your calendar, and pray a specific prayer each day of the month to remember. You could use a prayer already associated with the devotion or pray a personal one.

Our parish bulletin included a note reminding us that we should not use irreverent phrases such as “we’re serving wine at Mass.” After consecration, the wine is no longer wine—it is the Precious Blood of Jesus, to which the month of July is devoted.

Holy Communion is not always the simplest thing to explain, though with a lively faith it can be easy to be enthusiastic about it! People may be even be put off because we’re “exclusive” about who receives. (If you’re stumped on how to explain this subject to others, here’s some help.) Other people not understanding or not believing shouldn’t hold you back, though! How much do you understand? Do you need to pray “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!”?

This month being dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus, spilled on the cross for us, is your opportunity to focus directly on this topic. Read about it. Pray about it. Frequent the sacraments, including confession so you can receive Him with a clean soul!

Reflect on how you can succinctly respond to others’ questions about your faith, your Savior, and receiving the Precious Blood. The Anima Christi prayer may help you to delve into this month’s focus.

The Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Your wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from you.
From the evil one defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to You,
That with all Your saints,
I may praise You forever and ever.
Amen.