The Family Zone
The Sixth Sunday of Easter/Issue 7/May 17, 2020
ASCENSION THURSDAY
On Thursday, May 21, we will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. It is a holy day of obligation that takes place exactly 40 days after Easter Sunday. Acts 1:3 tells us: “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” We have enjoyed hearing the Resurrection Gospels of Jesus' appearances to the disciples after the crucifixion and now we observe the day Jesus rose to heaven, leaving the Holy Spirit as His advocate. There are many Ascension traditions in Catholic culture that are ideal for family time. In the article linked below, the author quotes some ideas from Florence Berger, writer of Cooking for Christ. Miss Berger shares ideas for celebrating the day such as having a picnic or backyard campfire and bringing new fruits of the season into your meal! READ MORE: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=458
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 June 14!
MAKING GOSPEL CONNECTIONS WITH YOUR FAMILY on the SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
.This Sunday's gospel n be found at: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051720.cfm
Discuss as a family:
Can you name the ten commandments? Which ones?
IF YOUR FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE PDF BELOW.
Do you think about whether or not you are keeping the commandments when you make decisions?
Which commandments are hard to follow?
Is it reassuring to know that God will not abandon us? Do you remind yourself of this when you are afraid?
SACRAMENTAL LIVING
Our Creed teaches us that “Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.” Until he returns, Jesus commissioned his apostles to carry out parts of his ministry, including forgiving sins.
LET US PRAY
May 16-24 is Laudato Si Week. It is the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' historical document that called us to care for our common home and recognize the dignity of all persons. As Laudato Si week is happening during this also historical pandemic, it is a wonderful opportunity for families with older children to reflect using this guide: https://laudatosiweek.org/coronavirus/
Watch Pope Francis invitation for all of us to participate in this crucial week below!
All families are invited to use the prayer card to pray each night of Laudato Si week, for our earth and all its peoples as we continue to heal from the effects of the coronavirus and anticipate new ways of life. Help your child to understand why he or she is praying for other families around the world and why we need to care for our earthly home. The video "Drop by Drop," below, helps kids to understand what life is like for children in other parts of the world.
CATECHESIS CONNECTION
To help you learn the faith at home together!
Forty days after he rose from the dead, Jesus ascended into heaven to be with the Father. He left the disciples with the Great Commission and promised his Church an advocate.
Supporting the Foundation
Parents, do you need a little extra peace in your life to nourish you, quiet your mind and calm your nerves?
Here are some online ways to nurture yourself with prayer time at your convenience.
1. https://www.sacredspace.ie/covid-19-isolation-retreat
2.https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2020/03/14/examen-covid-19/
3. https://pray-as-you-go.org/player/prayer%20tools/walkingguidemalevoice
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
This week we are preparing for the Ascension of Jesus. The Ascension of Jesus takes place 40 days after his resurrection. Jesus ascends, or rises up, from Earth to Heaven to be “seated at the right hand of God the Father.” For this week’s recipe, to highlight the rising of Jesus, make a loaf of bread with your family! Instructions and ingredients are included in the link: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/kids-can-make-homemade-bread-3686283
GET MOVING!
( https://www.730sagestreet.com/spell-your-name-workout/ )
This week, use the graphic below to spell some words and GET MOVING! Each day of this week, exercise to a different word! You may want to spell out the word first and keep it in front of you! Day 1 start with your first and last name! Complete the exercise that corresponds with each letter of your name!
In the next few days try some other words or phrases: ASCENSION THURSDAY, JESUS TO HEAVEN, TWELVE DISCIPLES, RIGHT HAND OF GOD,
CREATE!
After Jesus had ascended, his disciples were left on earth to continue his teachings. Jesus said in John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you”. A common image is Jesus rising into the clouds with his arms open, speaking to his disciples. Reflect on, then recreate this image with supplies that you have at home.
- Create your own cloud with shaving cream https://www.aliceandlois.com/kids-cloud-science-project/?pp=0
- Write a letter or a song to Jesus from the point of view of one of the disciples. How are you feeling? Scared? Excited? Happy?
- Go on a walk and draw a picture of what you see in the sky! Where do you see Jesus?
- Create a floating picture of Jesus! https://youtu.be/0kl8GyaaeEw
- Jesus ascends into the clouds: https://www.123homeschool4me.com/jesus-ascends-bible-craft-for-kids_4/
LINKS FOR FURTHER LEARNING, FAITH AND FUN
Ascension Worksheets for further Learning
Catholic Kids Care for Creation
Explore Laudato Si further and care for the Earth!
https://www.catholiccreationcare.com/creation-care-kids.htmlAre you a budding artist?
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