The Family Zone
Feast of the Holy Trinty /Issue 10/June 7, 2020
THE HOLY TRINITY
The foundational image revealed to us by God is the Holy Trinity. The Trinity is a mystery: one God in three persons! It cannot fully be understood by us.
The family is often said to be a reflection of the Holy Trinity. Just like God is not solitary, either are human beings; we live best in community with the support of one another. Click on the link below to read how the family can be this representation of the Holy Trinity to the world!
https://osvnews.com/2014/11/02/here-are-four-ways-the-family-can-imitate-the-trinity-and-reflect-god-to-the-world/ or watch the brief 2+ minute video to better understand the connection between our human relationships and the Holy Trinity!
NOTE TO PARENTS: Stay with us through the summer months as we shift to Summer with the Saints, fun family challenges, at home VBS ideas and more!! The Family Zone Summer Edition begins NEXT WEEKEND!
MAKING GOSPEL CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR FAMILY on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
"God so loved the world that he gave his only son!"
This Sunday's gospel can be found at: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060720.cfm
Discuss the following with your family:
1. Which part of the Holy Trinity do you envision when you think of God? God, the creator; Jesus, our Savior; or the Holy Spirit?
2. The Trinity lives in communion, supporting and communicating one another. How can we mirror that in our family? How can we be a support to each other? What do we need to talk about?
LET'S PRAY
SACRAMENTAL LIVING
Joining the Church is a 3-step process, like how God is three-in-one. At Baptism, we become children to the Father; at Confirmation we are strengthened and sealed by the Spirit; and at the Eucharist we receive Jesus, body, blood, soul and divinity. Here’s what the US Bishops have to say about each of the Sacraments of Initiation and an easy to understand video about the Sacraments of Initiation that you can share with your kids!
CATECHESIS CONNECTION
To learn more about the Holy Trinity, click on the PDF below!
SUPPORTING THE FOUNDATION
It has been a particularly difficult week in our country and our community with regards to racial division. If you would like resources on how to speak to your child about what has been happening, this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics is particularly helpful. We have also included a short video to help you enter into this conversation with your kids.
Here is an article for further information about how to talk to your child about racial bias:
RECIPES OF THE WEEK
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN FIND THE HOLY TRINITY IN CUISINE? If you know anything about Cajun cuisine, you know the heart and soul of most dishes is a mixture of celery, onions, and bell peppers. Because these three ingredients are the base of so many creole dishes and are highly regarded, many chefs call the flavorful blend of vegetables, "The Holy Trinity". We pray these recipes that use the "The Holy Trinity" nourish your family's bodies just like the Father, Son, and Spirit nourish your souls.
- Creole Shrimp Pizza: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/creole-shrimp-pizza/
- Pressure-Cooker Cajun Pork and Rice: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pressure-cooker-cajun-pork-and-rice/https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/simple-homemade-ice-cream-in-a-bag-edible-science/
- Kid-Friendly Creole Pasta Primavera: https://www.thekidscookmonday.org/recipe-items/creole-pasta-primavera/
GET MOVING!
Since the Trinity is all about the number 3, why not continue the theme with planning a family triathlon for something different this week? A traditional triathlon involves running, biking and swimming...but you can string together any three exercises that work well together if you don't have access to those three. You can even get the imaginations working to have exercises that your family thinks represents the three persons of the Trinity! (ALL Powerful Father ..weightlifting? You get the idea!) The family triathlon can be a fun way to bring a little friendly competition into this week's workout and you can even encourage other neighborhood families to take part individually and share their results!
WHAT EXERCISES CAN YOU STRING TOGETHER TO MAKE A TRIATHLON TRIO?
RUNNING SWIMMING BIKING ROLLERBLADING JUMP SHOTS GOAL SHOTS
WALKING SUN SALUTATIONS JUMPING JACKS OBSTACLE COURSE WEIGHTS
Interested in fun triathlete workouts for kids? https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/News/Blogs/Youth-Tips/2018/August/28/Fun-Triathlon-Workouts-for-Kids
Create!
This week, we are celebrating the Holy Trinity! There are many symbols that represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all make up one God. One symbol is an apple. The skin of the apple is like God the Father because he protects us. The flesh of the apple is like God the Son, because Jesus Christ took on human flesh. The seeds of the apple are like God the Holy Spirit because He helps us grow. There are three parts but all together it is one apple, much like the Holy Trinity.
During the week, create with an apple and appreciate each part of the apple as the Holy Trinity:
Complete a science experiment: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/apple-science-experiments-stem/
Create an apple craft: https://buggyandbuddy.com/apple-crafts/
Bake your favorite apple treat: https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/recipes/healthy-apple-recipes-for-kids/
Create a bird feeder from an apple: https://littlegreenexplorers.com/how-to-make-a-simple-apple-bird-feeder/
Plant Apple seeds
Links for Further Learning around the Topic of Combatting Racism
Everyone Belongs
Children's book on racism and our Catholic response. Available on Amazon and at Loyola Press
https://store.loyolapress.com/everyone-belongsPBS Parents
Would you like to know what your child is thinking without getting too deep into a discussion they aren't ready for? Follow these steps to engage in a conversation with your child about respect for others
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/5-engaging-questions-to-discover-your-childs-thinking
Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love
Open Wide Our Hearts is a pastoral letter against racism that came out in the fall of 2018.
The USCCB provides many educational resources and study guides around this letter. These resources can be easily adapted to a family conversation instead of a classroom lesson and a great way to educate yourself on our Catholic stand against racism
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/index.cfm
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