Dear Families,
Who are you more like — Martha or Mary? Explain your answer. Why is it important to listen to Jesus speak? Share a time when you have felt anxious or worried about something. How can you let Jesus help you with that? Blessed Frederic Ozanam had doubts about his faith when he was young. Have you ever had doubts about your faith? If so, what were (are) they? Liturgy Link-God can speak to us through all the things we say and do at Mass. What do you hear God saying to you today?
Family Challenge – Each day this week, compliment or encourage each person in your family.
Meet our Extended Family-Blessed Frederic Ozanam (Feast Day September 9) April 23, 1813-September 8, 1853** Frederic was a Frenchman born in Milan, Italy in 1813. He was raised in Lyon, France in a devout Catholic family. When he was 15 years old Frederic struggled with doubts about his faith, but he was helped through them by a local priest. Fredric later went to Paris to study law, where he excelled in apologetics, and was known for fiercely defending his Catholic faith. One day another student challenged Frederic to consider what he could do to live out his faith, instead of just talking about it. Frederic was inspired by this challenge to gather a group of students and “go to the poor” as Jesus had done. It was this group of students, who went out to serve the poor and lonely, that eventually became the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. On June 23, 1841, Frederic married Amelie Soulacroix. Together they had a daughter. He remembered his wife on the 23rd of each month with flowers and a poem expressing his love for her. Frederic continued to serve the poor even while pursuing his academic work. He visited them in their homes and spent countless hours with them. Sadly, Frederic died at the age of 40. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is still active today and serves the poor around the world.
Fun Facts – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has 5,000 councils and conferences across the United States to assist those in need. Members are called Vincentians. Through their outreach programs, they meet urgent needs, including feeding families and providing beds, clothing, and utility assistance.
Family Fun – Yard Sale – Blessed Frederic Ozanam put his faith into action with the St. Vincent de Paul society. Do the same with what you have at home. Clean out your home and host a yard sale. Consider giving the proceeds to a local charity or your parish. You can also have a lemonade stand or sell concessions (popcorn, etc.) to raise funds. Consider donating new and gently used items to your local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.
https://www.52sundays.com/sundays/july-20-2025
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski