Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Rejoice! Hope in Resurrection!
In celebrating Easter, we know we have hope through Jesus' Resurrection. Jesus is with us today and everyday. That is the hope in His Resurrection.
There are many reasons to rejoice. As this Easter Season continues for 50 days, we rejoice in the promise Jesus shares with us. As Jesus explains to Thomas in this weekend's Gospel:
"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
As we continue to celebrate the Easter Season, we rejoice in our hearts. Alleluia!
Mass Readings for Sunday, April 11: Second Sunday of Easter, Sunday of Divine Mercy
Jesus has Risen!...And this is only the beginning!
Last weekend, we celebrated the Good News of Jesus' resurrection through a blessed Easter Sunday. We share this special day together in Mass and with family. But as these next few weeks go on, do not let Easter lose its thrill. The empty tomb is only the beginning of the story, and there are important lessons to be gained from events immediately after the resurrection, as well as further down the road.
This weekend's Gospel focuses on Christ’s appearances after the resurrection and how the disciples perceived Him. Even though Thomas did not see Jesus, he did believe. John's Gospel reinforces our role in trusting God, as well as how we are encouraged to spread the Good News with others. We can be certain that Jesus is alive and worthy of our trust; because He takes away sin, we are to spread the news of His work with other people.
Activities for Family
Pierced Kaleidoscope Activity
In the Gospel story of Doubting Thomas, we learn as Catholics that we put our trust in Jesus despite the fact we cannot see Him physically. As Thomas believed in Jesus after seeing his pierced hands, enjoy creating this "pierced" kaleidoscope activity!
Materials
- Empty container (tissue box, paper coffee cup, oats container, etc.)
- Clear or color plastic wrap
- Scissors
- Glue, tape, or staples
- Construction Paper or tissue paper
- Optional: small scraps of paper, beads, markers, crayons, decorative supplies, stickers, pipe cleaners
Procedure
- Bottom Lid: From the outside of the bottom lid of the container, poke holes into a design, using scissors or a sharp pencil. Tape a clear or color plastic wrap on the inside of this lid.
- Top Lid: Cut a circular hole in the top lid to create an eye hole. Tape a clear or different color plastic wrap on the inside of this lid.
- Before closing the container, place beads, colorful scraps of paper or tissue paper, or other loose decorative supplies inside the container. These supplies will move around in the container to show different images.
- Decorate the outside of the container using markers, crayons, construction paper, pipe cleaners, stickers, and any other supplies. Write this week's Gospel message: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
- Close the container and look through the kaleidoscope, rotating the container to see different images!
Project IMT
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless,
tempest-tossed, to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
- Emma Lazarus (Inscription on the Statue of Liberty)
Answer for last week's question:
Q: What is the capital of the United States?
A: Washington DC
Just a Reminder!
2021 Bishop's Annual Appeal
2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal
Transformed by Christ’s Body and Blood –
Sent on Mission to Light a Fire in the Heart of the Church
A vocation to the priesthood is both challenging and rewarding. A priest is called to be a witness of Christ. He is a minister of the sacraments, proclaimer of the word, teacher of the faith, and steward of the Church. He accompanies the faithful through this world, leading the way to the eternal kingdom of heaven.
Discernment of a vocation to the priesthood requires specialized guidance to navigate the spiritual formation and academic demands of the seminary. While the Diocese of Metuchen has been blessed with an increase in the number of men studying for the priesthood—currently 24—the expense of educating and preparing our future priests is also rising. Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will help provide men with the opportunity to successfully complete their journey through the seminary and ensure the future of our Church. Please give as generously as your means allow.
Snap a Picture & Share your crafts with us!
Garcia Family
Justin's Cross of Palms
Justin Esteban Vidal
Jose's Cross of Palms
Uplift Video of the Week!
Mama Bear & Her Four Cubs!
Cute Video Alert! On March 27 in Winsted, Connecticut, this Mama bear safely crossed her cubs across this busy street. As all mothers know, children often get distracted easily...and at least one can bring extra challenges!
Enjoy this adorable video!
Holy Family Parish
- Register online: holyfamilyparishnewbrunswicknj.flocknote.com
OR
- Text holyfamilyforall to 84576 (or 202-765-3441 in Spanish)
Email: catherinek@holyfamilyforall.org
Website: holyfamilyforall.org
Location: 56 Throop Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
Phone: (732) 545-1681
Facebook: facebook.com/holyfamilyparish
Twitter: @holyfamily4all