September 29, 2026—Preparing to Take the Next Step: Discernment Night and Looking Ahead to the October
Tonight we pause to reflect on where we are in our relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Through prayer and personal reflection, we’ll consider the questions, hopes, and invitations that are part of discerning our next step: the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome on October 11th.
During the second part of the evening, participants will spend time with their sponsors—practicing Catholics who accompany them through friendship, prayer, and support.
We’ll also look ahead to our October journey as we begin exploring the Church’s teaching on everlasting life. We start tonight touching on today's feast of the Archangels (Michaelmas), and why we pray the St. Michael Prayer at mass.
Our gatherings this month will lead us toward the Fall Triduum: All Hallows’ Eve (October 31), All Saints Day (November 1), and All Souls Day (November 2). Together, we’ll explore what Catholics believe about death, heaven, the communion of saints, praying for those who have died, and the hope of resurrection in Christ.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore the Catholic faith or have been journeying with us for some time, you’re welcome to enter this reflection wherever you are.
A 17th century icon of the Three Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the most famous of the angelic rank. Saint Michael’s name from the Hebrew means “Who is as God?” which is the question that Saint Michael asked when Lucifer wished to set his throne equal to God. Lucifer gave no answer but his fall to this profound question which ended the war in Heaven between the demons and the rest of God’s faithful angels.
Saint Gabriel’s name in Hebrew means “Man of God,” and it was he that announced to Saint Anna the birth of her daughter, to the Prophet Zachariah the birth of the Forerunner John, to the Virgin her coming birth-giving of the God-man Jesus Christ, and appeared in the field to tell the Shepherds that Christ had been born.
Saint Raphael’s name in Hebrew means “It is God Who heals,” and he is known for healing and for protecting travelers as he is mentioned in the book of Tobit from the 3rd c. b.c. Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek that Jesus quoted from. Together these three holy Archangels intercede for all those who call upon them in their time of need.
(Source: St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Monastary)
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