The Family Zone
Happy Mother's Day!/Issue 6/May 10, 2020
Celebrating Moms, Grandmothers, Godmothers and Special Women in Our Lives
This weekend we celebrate all the moms and mother figures in our lives. Mother's Day can be a joy for so many, and can also be a tough day for some of the special moms in our lives. Whatever day you find yourself having, we pray that you might find peace in your day. We've included two videos for moms below. The first is a special message to mother's, grandmother's and kids from Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. We are excited to have his presence in this week's newsletter!
The second short video below highlights a mother who connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary and art as a way to help her face some of the anxieties of motherhood.
MAKING GOSPEL CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR FAMILY / FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
"Do not let your hearts be troubled" This is the first line of today's gospel; so appropriate as we continue to socially distance ourselves from others; in many cases, our loved ones whom we miss deeply. Now is a great time to focus your family's thoughts on gratitude. Try to spend some time at the end of the day praying in gratitude for all the good that you have seen in your day.
This Sunday's gospel can be found at: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051020.cfm
Discuss as a family:
How can you share God's love with others this week?
How can you, as a family, share your trust in God by inviting more prayer into your week?
What types of prayer are reassuring to your family members? How can you include those prayers in your schedule.
TRY THIS VISUAL OBJECT LESSON: Gather some sticks in the yard, or on a walk. Give every family member a stick, with one additional stick available. Have a conversation or a family prayer time that allows everyone to share his or her concerns or fears. Put the sticks together and add the other stick in as JESUS. Bind all the sticks together. Prove how unbreakable that stick bundle is by trying to snap it. YOU are strong; your family is strong; and together with Christ, you can face your fears. The video below is a beautiful compilation from Catholic musicians around the country. It is very peaceful and would be a nice way to end your object lesson or just enjoy for your personal peace. If you are finding that your family is experiencing a rise in anxiety with the cancellation of school and special experiences being cancelled, we have resources for you. You can find them at: https://oec.dor.org/youth-ministry/hcubed/
SACRAMENTAL LIVING
Do you remember your child's special baptism day? Perhaps, on Mother's Day, you can light a candle and spend a moment quietly reflecting on your call as parent as well as "baptized."
Download the PDF to reflect on the Sacrament of Baptism and it's connection to our daily life.
LET US PRAY
"A SPIRITUAL BOUQUET TO OUR BLESSED MOTHER
May has traditionally been observed as a month dedicated to Mary, Mother of God. It is also the month in which we celebrate our earthly mothers through the observance of Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day provides a beautiful opportunity to pray for all mothers, including those facing an unexpected pregnancy. However, it can be a difficult holiday for many, including those struggling with infertility, those who have lost children, and those who have lost their own mothers.
This activity seeks to lift up the many intentions laid on our hearts by the observance of Mother’s Day and offer them to Our Blessed Mother, during the month honoring her. It also provides a way to give thanks for her maternal love and care for us. On the weekend of Mother’s Day, parishioners are invited to write a prayer intention on a slip of paper and offer it, along with a flower whenever possible, to Our Lady. While there are many options for adapting or carrying out this activity, the purpose is to present a spiritual bouquet to Our Lady, by placing the intentions and flowers beneath a statue, icon, or image of the Blessed Mother."
CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS FROM THE CATECHISM
To help you learn the faith at home together
Image by Gerd Altman on Pixabay
Supporting the Foundation
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
A Saint for Mothers
St. Anne is the patron saint of women in labor, so she is an excellent saint to highlight on Mother's Day though her feast day is not until July! Anne and Joachim were the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and although we do not a lot about them, we hold them in special significance as the grandparents of Jesus; because of this, they are the patron saints of grandparents! If you are able to share the day with grandma with a driveway hello or special gift on the porch, maybe you can create fro her this special cake.
FAMILY COOKING CRAFT
GET MOVING!
Here is one to get you started with moving and coming up with your own ideas!
CREATE!
More Great Things to Create for the Special Women in Your Life!
2. Create a card masterpiece by quilling: (Video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fFXAoi2Vrc)
3. Design a video for mom using imovie, Google slides or PowerPoint
4. Write a play or a song for Mom!
5. Create a scavenger hunt in the house for Mom to complete
6. Build Mom an awesome lego sculpture or design a dream house for her using pictures from magazines!
7. Write letters to all the special "MOMS" in your life and send them in the mail
8. Fill a jar with papers that you filled out and call it 25 things I love about you!
9. Make a coupon book for cleaning chores you can take over for Mom or fun things you can do together!
10. Doodle mom a masterpiece! http://toytheater.com/category/create/art/doodle/
Keep Learning About Mary This Month
Facing New and Uncertain Situations Like Mary
Magnifikids
Day of Prayer, Fasting and Charitable Works for All Faiths
Thursday, May 14, 2020, 12:00 AM
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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