THE FAMILY ZONE
Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 74/ 11.28.21
Advent: Darkness to Light
JOURNEYING WITH ST. JOSEPH
The year of St. Joseph is coming to a close on December 8, but that does not mean St. Joseph is going away. We can still turn to him as an inspiration and as a model for us. St. Joseph has been an inspiration to Christians for over 2,000 years – and will continue to be for many, many more. Learn more about him, and the other Saints, as a way to find inspiration in your own life at https://www.catholic.org/saints/.
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 grey button below.
12/5/21 Second Sunday of Advent: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120521.cfm
12/12/21 Third Sunday of Advent: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121221.cfm
Family Stories: Story Time with a Positive Message.
- Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp
- Who is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff
- 24 Christmas Stories to Welcome Jesus by Eric Puybaret
Parenting Articles: Traditions to help you slow down: https://www.catholicherald.com/faith/three_advent_traditions_to_slow_you_down/
Celebrating Advent as a Family from AXIS Christian resource site: https://info.axis.org/blog/10-ways-to-celebrate-advent-as-a-family
Ideas for Celebrating the season: https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/young-voices/busy-catholics-guide-advent-10-tips-observing-season
WRITE!
- Instead of writing a Christmas list of things you WANT, take some time to make a list of ways you can bring Christ's light to others. Choose a few or more items on your list to do during the season of Advent!
- Take one of your favorite Christmas stories and write it into a play for your family to perform together! It could be a presentation for the relatives on Christmas Eve!
- Handwrite notes of gratitude to family and friends to share the Light of Christ this season!
- THE STAR film has downloadable kids' activity sheets to accompany the movie if you are watching it during the Advent season! http://www.thestarmovie.com/thestaractivities/
LISTEN!
WATCH!
CREATE!
PRAY!
Add this prayer to your bedtime prayers with young children to build anticipation about Jesus coming on Christmas Day! https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/prayer/childrens-prayers/seasonal-prayers/awaiting-baby-jesus/
Use these resources to get your house and family ready for the season through prayerful remembrance of its reason! https://www.holyspiritfresno.org/advent-wreath-manger--christmas-tree-blessings.html
PLAY!
https://goodgroundpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/AdventTraditionsgame2019.pdf
BE WELL!
Here are some ways to embrace silence during Advent:
1. Bring your family to church to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament
2. Turn down the lights in the house and sit only in the light of the Christmas tree and manger
3. Take a snowy evening walk
4. Place a sleeping bag in front of the tree for a nap time
5. Put out colored pencils and paper and doodle..no talking!
Word of the Week!
TEACHABLE MOMENT
WONDER WITH THE HOLY FAMILY
As the Year of St. Joseph and the Year of the Holy Family come to a close, think about how the Holy Family’s story started – traveling together to be counted in Cesar’s census. Joseph guiding a pregnant Mary, and then taking care of Mary and Jesus when she gave birth in the most unusual of settings. It’s a story we are familiar with, but which shows us just how amazing they are.
Parents – As the foster father of Jesus, St. Joseph shows us a lot about being a good parent. He taught and formed Jesus, but respected and loved him. How do you do the same?
Children – St. Joseph loved Mary and Jesus, and he showed it by providing for them and keeping them safe! Together they were a family we can all look up to. How do you show your family you love them?
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