Gulf Pine Catholic

4 Gulf Pine Catholic • September 15, 2023 Nativity BVM Cathedral Backpack Blessings Mass Children line up at the altar to receive a special blessing from Fr. Bart. On Sunday, August 27, the Nativity BVM Cathedral hosted a Backpack Blessings Mass at the 11 a.m. service. Children from through- out the Diocese were invited to attend and lay their backpacks at the foot of the altar during Mass. Celebrant Father Bartosz Kunat blessed the children, their backpacks and the faculty and staff who were present. Campus Minister, Lauren Ellis, organized this event as a way to help best prepare students for the new school year. The celebration was well attended and it was a special experience for all Diocesan students. To advertise in the Gulf Pine Catholic , call 228-702-2109 for more information, or email tdickson@ biloxidiocese.org . The newspaper is mailed to over 19,000 Catholic homes every other week. Prayer for Vocations Father, we're your people, the work of your hands. So precious are we in your sight that you sent your Son, Jesus. Jesus calls us to heal the broken-hearted, to dry the tears of those who mourn, to give hope to those who despair, and to rejoice in your steadfast love. We, the baptized, realize our call to serve. Help us to know how. Call forth from among us priests, sisters, brothers and lay ministers. With our hearts you continue to love your people. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.