Dear Friends,
"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified" (1 Cor 9:23-27).
Our spiritual life requires training. If we would like to do as St. Paul challenges us and "Run so as to win," then we must follow his advice and "exercise discipline."
It has been a yearly tradition within the Children’s Rosary to do nine days of prayer and fasting in the fall. This year it will begin on September 29 and end on October 7. We hope many will want to join us. Bread and water fasting is very effective as a means of sacrifice. Some may not be able to fast on bread, and this is okay. Prayerfully discern what is the best fasting for you. In the past, we have had adults and children join this fast. We do ask that you prayerfully consider what is safe and reasonable for you and your family. Some may be able to do a traditional bread and water fast. This is unlimited bread and water. Others may find another thing in their life that would be a great sacrifice to give up for that period. One of the most important things when one begins a fast is the disposition. One must approach fasting as an act of love to God.
Some may want to do this fast but have not fasted before and wonder if they could complete the nine days. What I have found is that the first two days are the hardest. There is this portion of each of us which I will call, “self,” that will complain and nag that you should give up. Do not pay attention to this. In many ways, the fast becomes easier as you go along.
Please accept this humble invitation to join these 9 days of fasting. It is an invitation to help to rid yourself of all the things holding you back spiritually. I will be praying for you. ~Blythe
The Fast will begin on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels, and conclude on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7.
1) Pray one Rosary each day, meditating on the life of Christ
2) Fast for nine days
3) Every day, please offer the rosary and the fast for the following intentions:
*Personal Intentions ( )
*May all that Our Lady wishes to accomplish through us and the Children’s Rosary be accomplished all for the glory of God.
*May the book, Child Consecration: To Jesus through Mary—Following in the Spirit of St. Thérèse, the Little Flower, be an instrument to bring a great many souls to Jesus through His Mother.
*For a special Children’s Rosary intention.
*In thanksgiving
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