Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • September 27, 2024 9 Praying with images, Visio Divina , is also a pow- erful means of prayer. There have been moments meditation of the cross of Christ, an icon, or painting that draw me into a deeper relationship with God. Praying the Rosary while gazing at a picture of Our Holy Mother is profound. Praying the Stations of the Cross while focusing attention to the stations draws me deeply into the suffering and death of Jesus, and into His gift of self for each of us. Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet while gazing at a crucifix is an amazing experience of how God loves us. These are just a few things that help me strength- en my love relationship with God through prayer. If you do not already have a dedicated prayer time, start today. There are so many ways to make prayer part of your day. If you are hooked on your smart phone, use one or more of the multitude of prayer and scripture apps available. Do you find it hard to sit down and read scripture, then listen to it! The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and it is a wonderful time to pray the Rosary daily. St. Augustine of Hippo said, “God is always try- ing to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.” In other words, we need to let go of the things that distract us and stand in the way of our personal relationship with the Lord. He is reaching out to us. Begin by praying for the Lord to show you what is getting in the way of your relation- ship and pray for the strength and grace to recognize and to let go of these distractions and enter into His loving embrace. Commit to daily prayer! For more “how to” on these four prayer forms, visit: www.biloxidiocese.org/prayer-forms. SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 6 Bishop’s Column From page 3 this retreat Fri., Nov. 8 through Sun., Nov. 10, at the Dedeaux Retreat Center, 14595 Vidalia Rd., Pass Christian. This weekend is full of fellowship, fun, prayer, testimonies, and more. For more information, contact the Office of Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Biloxi (228) 702-2142. ► LIFT Girl’s Retreat 97, Dedeaux Retreat Center, Nov. 15-17 ~ All 9-12 grade girls are invited to attend this retreat Fri., Nov. 15 through Sun., Nov. 17, at the Dedeaux Retreat Center, 14595 Vidalia Rd., Pass Christian. This weekend is full of fellowship, fun, prayer, testimonies, and more. For more information, contact the Office of Youth Ministry of the Diocese of Biloxi (228) 702-2142. ► SEARCH Retreat 2025, Dedeaux Retreat Center, Jan.. 3-5, 2025 ~ A SEARCH weekend is a Christian life experience. It is peer guided and peer given by a Diocesan youth and adult team. The weekend usually begins on Fri. evenings around 7:30 p.m. & ends Sun. afternoon 4 p.m. It will be held at Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Dedeaux, Pass Christian. Fee for the weekend is $100. A non-refundable $50.00 deposit is required with all applications. Bulletin Board From page 2 ► St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Long Beach, Oct. 19, “The Challenge” Middle School Retreat ~ St. Thomas the Apostle in Long Beach will host “The Challenge” Middle School Retreat, Sat., Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church Community Center in Long Beach Each youth minister/adult volunteer that is in charge of their middle school group is encouraged to bring a group. The teens SPORTS YOUTH MINISTRY ► LIFT Boy’s Retreat 98, Dedeaux Retreat Center, Nov. 8-10 ~ All 9-12 grade young men are invited to attend need to be with a group & not regis- tered individually on their own. Registration 8:30 a.m. The event is $25 per student. The challenge is for all sixth-eighth graders. ► Sacred Heart Parish, D’Iberville, Nov. 16 & 17, Pickleball Tournament ~ Please register to play at the Inaugural Sacred Heart Elementary School Pickleball Tournament Nov. 16 & 17 at Popps Ferry courts!!