St. Joseph The Worker in Mankato released a section titled "October Offerings" in the Sept. 27 bulletin telling parishioners what to expect in October in the church community.

"First of all, the entire month of October is designated as Respect Life Month and this year’s theme is 'Live the Gospel of Life,'” Father Tim Reker said in the bulletin. "Like many things, respect for human life is important throughout the year, but we usually have to focus our attention and effort at special times."

The church will be participating in the Catholic Charities Baby Bottle Campaign, which supports women who are making a pro-life choice for their unborn babies.

Sunday, Oct. 4, is the feast day for St. Francis of Assisi. This is typically not celebrated because it falls on a Sunday.

"One way to mark the date is by learning more about the Catholic Climate Covenant and the urgent need for action on creation care, climate change and how to begin healing from partisanship," Reker said. "Since 2006, the Catholic Climate Covenant has inspired and equipped Catholics to care for creation and care for the poor. You could join thousands of Catholics and other people of faith who want to learn, grow and respond to the Church’s teaching on caring for creation and the poor. Pope Francis was so inspired by St. Francis of Assisi that he is the first Roman pontiff to take the saint’s name. He has challenged us to make care for creation and care for the poor a cornerstone of our Catholic witness. This year also marks the 41st anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi being named the patron saint of those who promote ecology by St. John Paul II."

Reker also pointed out that the Catholic Church has celebrated World Mission Sunday for nearly100 years. On Oct. 17-18, Catholics recommit to a common vocation through events such as baptism, being a missionary, prayer and participating in the Eucharist, among other things.