The Family Zone
Lectionary-Based Playlist /Issue 34/November 22, 2020
Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’
With Thanksgiving approaching on Thursday, your family may consider reaching out to the "least of us." How can you show your gratitude for your blessings by blessing others with kindness?
Pick and choose those activities that will help your family explore this week's Gospel message. Most importantly, we invite you to use the activities in this learning playlist as a conduit for conversation and deeper faith connection. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
READ!
Family Stories:
The Donkey Who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul
Thankful by Eileen Spinelli
The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau
Parent Article: Helping your young child to build empathy: https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/age-7/social-skills/empathy
Fostering the practice of gratitude: https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/marriage-and-family/parenting/cut-the-complaining.html
Finding God in Giving Thanks: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/ordinary-time/finding-god-in-giving-thanks/
For Teens:https://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/people-helping-people/thanksgiving-with-the-homeless This is a great article to break open conversation about some of the discomfort a teen might have when heading out to serve others.
Write!
- Create a family gratitude journal or a gratitude wall with sticky notes. Each week, take some time as a family to recognize those things for which you are grateful and praise God for your blessings!
- Write about something good you saw happening in your community. Share your story with your extended family!
- Try this lesson plan as a family: https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/It-is-Right-and-Just-A-Thanksgiving-Lesson-Plan.pdf
- Complete the Thanksgiving word search from meaningfulmama.com below, to start your conversation about gratitude; what would you add?
- Observe the Feast of Christ the King by making this special crown! https://www.catholicteacher.com/activity-printable-crowns-for-christ-the-king/
LISTEN!
PRAY!
- Try using a special Grace prayer for Thanksgiving meal time or write your own! Here is an interesting article and prayer from theplantbasedcatholic.com: https://theplantbasedcatholic.com/2018/08/20/prayer-before-meals/
- The grace found on the PDF below helps us to remember those who go hungry on Thanksgiving or other days. It is a nice way to include a reflection on how you might help others, during your holiday.
- Make a Thankful Scripture tree or Prayer Placemats as a prayer time with your family to prepare for the holiday:
WATCH!
Play!
- Play Thankful "categories." Write out the word THANKFUL with a line for each letter of the word. Set a minute timer and see how many things you can list that begin with each letter. Give one point for each answer that is unique. Try it with GRATITUDE, FAMILY, BLESSING or or THANKSGIVING
- Play a gratitude game with a fun twist at your holiday table: https://www.playpartyplan.com/gratitude-skittles-game/
CREATE!
- Create Blessing Bags for an area soup kitchen or shelter. Here are some ideas: https://www.thriftynorthwestmom.com/blessing-bags-assemble-bags-keep-hand-need/
- Use the Turkey template on the third page to have each person at your Thanksgiving table decorate and write what they are thankful for; hang them on your tree when you put it up for Christmas! http://homeschooled-kids.com/thankfulturkey.pdf
- Gather a solid, light colored pillowcase and fabric markers. With the fabric markers, write all your blessings. Each night, when you go to say your prayers, spend some time looking over your pillow case. Say a prayer of praise and fall asleep with your blessings on your mind!
- Put together a Thanksgiving kit for a neighbor who is alone or suffering. It could include some decorations, some special food, or simply a card and a handmade craft. Let them know you are grateful for his or her presence in your life.
- Make a gratitude turkey centerpiece for your table! https://www.crayola.com/crafts/paper-bag-turkey-craft/
- Use the craft template below, from Ministry to Children, to make this beautiful Thanksgiving decoration for your celebration:
WONDER!
- Is God thankful for me?
- What do I have in common with my neighbors; are we thankful for the same things?
- Do I ever forget my blessings? What makes me do that?
- How can I be kinder to the people around me?
- Did I witness an act of service or kindness this week? How did it make me feel?
WORD OF THE WEEK!
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Debtor in PossessionEmail: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210