Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Family Faith Updates - Answers to Your Questions!
When is First Communion going to be scheduled?
We are in the process of setting up small group Communion Preparation Classes for children ready to receive First Holy Communion. Just as a reminder, children must be age 7 or older, as well as participate in two years of Family Faith program, or another religious education program, prior to receiving the sacrament. First Communion will be scheduled for late spring/early summer. If your child has met these requirements and ready to receive the sacrament, our parish office staff will call you in the upcoming weeks to inform you of the dates and times of your child's small group Communion Preparation Class. More details will follow. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call the parish office.
When is Confirmation going to be scheduled?
Similar to previous years, the sacrament of Confirmation will given in Winter 2022.
Will we return to In-Person Family Faith Sessions soon?
At this point, in following guidelines outlined by Governor Murphy and the CDC, we are not planning to return to in-person (indoor) Family Faith Sessions and will continue meeting virtually during our monthly Zoom meetings. Although this is not ideal, we hope restrictions will be lifted and we can soon meet together.
We want to hear from you!
We value your feedback and suggestions! In the coming weeks, we will send each family a survey requesting your feedback regarding our virtual Family Faith program and your comfort in returning to in-person sessions. More details to come!
First Communion
Confirmation
Return to In Person Family Faith
Mass Readings for Sunday May 2: Fifth Sunday of Easter
In this weekend's Gospel, John describes Jesus' account with His disciples. He shares that message that if we stay connected to Him, He will help us to grow in all ways.
Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We need to remain in, cling close to Jesus, in order to grow as Catholics. We as the branches need the vine to survive, but the vine does not need to branches to survive. Without Jesus, we die spiritually. If we want to go to heaven and spend all of forever with Jesus, we follow and stick with him.
As we are the branches that attach to the vine, Jesus, we also believe Jesus is supported by God, the vine grower. Following Jesus' commandments and loving him means we follow in God's ways. This true vine provides us with what we need to live fruitful lives.
Vine & Branches Activity for the Family
Activity Part 1: Learn about Jesus' Message of the Vine and Vine Grower
Together with your children, read this week's Gospel passage from John sharing Jesus' message that He is the vine as God is the vine grower.
Next, show your children this drawing below. As they look at this picture, ask your children:
"How do the vine, gardener, branches, fruit, sun and water relate to Jesus' message to us through the Gospel?"
Below are the discussion points that can help to explain these features of the picture connecting to the Gospel:
- The Vine - In the Gospel, Jesus says that He is the vine. We rely on Him for strength and his ability to help us grow in Him. This is possible when we believe in Jesus and God.
- The Gardener - In the parable, the gardener is God. He is there to prune off branches that are not bearing fruit. At times, it can often take a lot of trimming. But we know God as the Master Gardener knows what he is doing and is truly trimming us back so that we can experience gorgeous fruit.
- Branches - We are the branches growing out from the vine. We are God’s hands and feet on this earth. We should serve him by serving others. We are called to love with a sacrificial love so that others can see God in us. These branches, however, are only useful if they remain in the vine.
- Fruit - When we remain in the vine, we (the branches) begin to grow good, healthy fruit. This comes in not only a virtuous life that is a model of honesty and integrity, but it is also shown in the love and care we have for others.
Activity Part 2: Create the Grape Vine and Branches Craft!
Step 1: Gather Materials
Step 2: Create the Grapes!
Step 3: Attach the Grapes and Finish the Vine
Step 4: Decorate!
Step 5: Add this Week's Bible Verse John 15:1
All Done!
Project IMT
Researchers from the American Immigration Lawyers Association said that there were as many as 120,000 family-based visas that were not issued due to the freeze from the Trump administration. It also barred entry for immigrants with employment based visas during this time. Lastly, it stopped thousands of visa lottery winners.
The temporary ban on green cards has now increased a growing backlog of Green Card applications. California immigration lawyer said there are up to 473,000 family-based visas waiting to be processed. This is why it can be so important to hire an immigration lawyer to help you through this process and make sure your case has priority.
Answers from last week's questions:
1. 27 amendments
2. The Bill of Rights
Snap a Picture & Share your crafts with us!
Jamie's Herb Planter
Marco's Earth Multicolor Crayons
Marco Ovalle
Diana & Christian's Earth Multicolor Crayons
Leo's Herb Planter
Henry's Earth Multicolor Crayons
Uplift Video of the Week!
A Long, Overdue Hug!
This emotional reunion of a grandson and his grandparents will bring tears to your eyes!
Erica Lusher drove her family 800 miles to Port Orange, Florida, to surprise her parents after a long year of quarantine from the pandemic. She first sees her mother, then her father. Her son and father tear up with joy as they give each other a long, overdue hug!
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