HE MAKES THE DEAF HEAR AND THE MUTE SPEAK
JOURNEYING WITH ST. JOSEPH
St. Joseph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us!
In 1847, during a typhoid epidemic in Bytown, now Ottawa, a chaplain placed a statue of St. Joseph in the church where people gathered each day. The disease quickly disappeared. The intercession of St. Joseph for healing of the sick has been recorded in many stories of the Saints as well.
READ!
SUNDAY READINGS:
Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday's Mass for the coming two weeks. This will give you a chance to prepare your heart and mind for full and active participation in Mass this weekend! For a Mass schedule in our diocese click on the green button below.
Family Stories: Story Time with a Positive Message. This edition shares some books that share the theme of healing. These could be a great starting point for conversation after a tough year!
- Whimsy's Heavy Things by Julie Kraulis
- The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
- The Scar by Charlotte Moundlic
- The List of Things that Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead
MASS CONNECTION
"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." Great healing comes through the Eucharist, when we receive the Body of Christ. This is why we recite these important words from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 8:5-13. The words we say prior to going forward for communion are from the words of the centurion in this passage. The centurion asks Jesus to cure his serving boy who is sick at home. Jesus is ready to go to the centurion's home upon hearing his request, but the centurion refuses Jesus' offer. “”Sir,” the centurion said in reply, “I am not worthy to have you under my roof." It is interesting to think about Jesus coming under your roof when you receive the Eucharist. It helps to make it even clearer that when we take the Body of Christ, Jesus is becoming part of us and we are called to leave Mass, sharing Jesus with the world through our actions. As we say these words out loud, Jesus can hear our desire to be healed from any bad choices we have made during the week; It is a beautiful life-giving part, of the celebration of the Mass!
PRAY!
Do you have summer birthdays in your home? Did you know there are blessings that can be said on a child's birthday? A birthday blessing is a nice way to bring God into a celebration that is often focused on cake, parties and presents. How nice for both parents and child to recognize the incredible God-given gift the birthday boy or girl has been to the family!
Here is one from the USCCB for our August birthdays or those yet to come!
FAMILY FIELD TRIPS!
Abbey of the Genesee- Finger Lakes
The Abbey of the Genesee is a Roman Catholic Community of Trappist Monks in Piffard, NY who support themselves by making and selling Monk’s Bread and other specialty baked goods in their on-site store. Visitors will enjoy the grounds surrounding the abbey as a peaceful setting for enjoying God's creation. The Genesee Abbey church is open Monday-Sunday (8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). The Abbey Gatehouse Store is open Tuesday-Saturday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). For more information and to plan your visit, click here.
PLAY!
Find ways to laugh and be well...play time is just for fun this summer; indoors and out!
Play cornhole with family or friends! If you don't have the cornhole boards, you can make your own by cutting holes in two large boxes! Below is a plan for a DYI; a great rainy day project that will give you fun for days to come!
https://flourandfelt.com/cardboard-cornhole/
Find MORE bean bag games by following our Pinterest Page on Summer Family Fun~
CREATE!
Great projects for exploring, designing, building!
Make your own candles from old crayons! Follow the instructions in this video: https://youtu.be/_cBjh7xytSg
You can use this candle as your own prayer candle when praying with your family!
COOK!
Labor Day is fast approaching! Labor Day is dedicated to the achievements of all workers. Jesus was (and continues to be!) the hardest worker we know. He worked to cure people, seek out those on the margins of society, and feed the hungry. Even now he works to be with us in the sacraments and every moment of our lives. As you make these delicious Labor Day recipes take a moment to thank Our Lord for working in our lives.
RAISING KIDS WHO CARE
Asking fun questions of a group (family or group of friends) helps children to see that there are different opinions and perspectives in the world. For example, ask what their favorite pizza topping is; just because he or she likes pepperoni, it doesn't mean that will be the favorite of everyone! Try games like "This or That" or other comparison/perspective games that allow your child to start to understand the experiences and preferences of others and they will begin to better understand the beauty of God's extensive creation!
WONDER WITH THE HOLY FAMILY
It must have been amazing being Mary or Joseph and knowing they were living with the Son of God! The understanding of Emanuel – God with us – must have taken on a new meaning for them. And yet, how amazing that we have the same truth. God really is among us in very real and True ways. From being a part of the Body of Christ through our Baptism to experiencing God’s presence in the Eucharist – God is with us!
Parents: Sometimes life is so busy it is hard to catch our breath. And yet, God is there. Take a breath or two and just see the marvel that is your life and the blessings God is giving you today. From the laughter of your family, to their whines; they are a blessing in your life. How have your children been a source of healing in your life? Have you ever stopped to wonder at God's presence in your family?
Children: God has given us an amazing world. So much of it can remind us of God if we just look at it right. What do you see in life that makes you stop and say, “That’s beautiful!”? When have you asked God to help you with a hurt or sadness? God is present everywhere and can help to make your pain better.
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Debtor in Possession