Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, July 4, 2021
Our God & Our Freedom
July 4th signifies America's Independence Day. As a nation, we celebrate the freedom that we have in this country. Beyond this day, true spiritual freedom, which comes only from God, can be experienced wherever we are: in another country, in prison, in school, and in our homes.
Jesus paid for our freedom from sin with his blood. He died on a cross so that he could set us free from sin. The freedoms we enjoy in America are great, but they are nothing compared to freedom in Christ. When Jesus sets you free, you are no longer a slave to sin. You have a new life, and you can have eternal life with Jesus.
As we celebrate our freedom as Americans this Independence Day, let us also celebrate our freedom in Christ. Even more than the freedoms we have in this country, nothing can separate us from the freedom we have in Jesus.
Mass Readings for Sunday, July 4: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this weekend's Gospel, Mark shares the story of Jesus' travels back to his hometown of Nazareth. When you think of home, perhaps you think of a place of love and acceptance. Jesus was looking to rest, and thought we would find it back home. But sadly, that’s not what happened at all.
When Jesus was teaching, the people became angry and wouldn't listen to Jesus. Maybe they were jealous that someone they knew had power they didn't have?
Sometimes we can act like the people in Jesus' hometown. We forget that God has all the power. We don't always trust God to guide us. We don't admit that we need healing and changes in the ways we have always done things. God wants us to stop worrying about our pride, forget old hurts and disagreements, and be open to new ideas. God can help us to recognize our challenges and learn to appreciate God's power and trust in his grace. When we trust in God's power, amazing things can happen and God can guide us through things that none of us can do alone.
Activities for Family
God Bless America Craft
On the 4th of July, we celebrate our freedom in America. As Catholics and believers in Christ, we celebrate our freedom every day, because Jesus has set us free from sin and death!
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. -1 Peter 2:16
Here are 2 activities for children to chose from to celebrate Christ and America. See the pictures below as an example:
- USA Rocks! - Go on a scavenger hunt around your home and search for large rocks. Using paint or markers, decorate the rocks with messages of God's love and appreciation of our nation's freedoms.
- Catholic American Flag - Using construction paper, scissors, and glue, have the kids create a Catholic flag combining God's love and our American flag. Use a white piece of construction paper or cardboard as the background. Cut out a smaller rectangle of blue and then a red cross. Or use an America/Freedom themed coloring sheet as the take home. Include a phrase like, "God Bless America!" or another quote from the Bible.
Project IMT
2. When is America’s birthday?
Check next week for the answers!
The Declaration of Independence Was Written on a
Laptop...Okay, not a modern laptop, but still. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on a writing desk that could fit over one's lap. This device was referred to at the time as a 'laptop.'
Share Your Work!
Snap a Picture & Share Your Crafts With Us!
Gabriela's Jesus Heals Craft
Gabriela de Jesús Rojas Orta
Marco's Jesus Heals Craft
Christian & Diana's Jesus Heals Craft
Christian & Diana Comisario
Fredy & Rosabel's Jesus Heals Craft
Jose & Guadalupe's Jesus Heals Craft
Uplift Video of the Week!
Dad Turns Off Wifi to Bring On Family Time!
Kenneth Bass, 40, from Washington DC, was frustrated that his four children were spending their time in their room on thier devices. So he thought of way to bring them out, off the technology, and bring together his family...turning off the Wifi!
On June 9, Kenneth turned the WiFi off and waited a few moments before all of his children came out to the hallway to find out what was happening. When Jaiden, Aminah, Jerrell and Nathaniel peaked their heads out of their rooms, there was only one thing on their minds: what happened to the internet connection?
Holy Family Parish
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OR
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Email: catherinek@holyfamilyforall.org
Website: holyfamilyforall.org
Location: 56 Throop Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
Phone: (732) 545-1681
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