Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Remembering All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day
All Souls Day on November 2 is a day we remember members of our faith who have died, especially those believed to be suffering in purgatory and not yet in heaven. Traditionally at Holy Family Parish, parishioners decorate the church in black, the color most often associated with death. Candles are commonly lit in memory of loved ones and the church is decorated with skulls, candles, and other items reminded of death. It is during this day that we think for our departed brothers and sisters, and pray that they will be with our Heavenly Father.
As you explain the important meaning of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day to your children, use the video as a resource.
Mass Readings for Sunday, November 1: Solemnity of All Saints
This weekend's Gospel, known as the Sermon on the Mount, proclaims some of the richest and most familiar teachings of Jesus: the Beatitudes. In the Beatitudes, Jesus shares for the first time the perspectives that often contradicted the thoughts of society in that time, and at times our own human instincts.
Personal pride can often lead us into making poor decisions; Jesus blesses poverty of spirit. Humans seek pleasure; Jesus blesses those who mourn. We see the prosperity of aggressive people; Jesus blesses the meek. We love good food and drink; Jesus blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Below are these Beatitudes:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
- Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
- Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In human nature, we often use the word “happy” more broadly—often in ways that contradict the Beatitudes—in ways that celebrate our power or the satisfaction of our desires. These Beatitudes remind us to keep in mind our love and consideration of others.
Activities for Family
Craft Activities to Learn about the Beatitudes!
ACTIVITY #1: A Beatitude Garden
- Paper or notecards, Scissors, Paper bags or baskets, Markers or decorating materials, Glue or tape, Popsicle sticks
Procedure:
- Cut the paper into geometric shapes or flower shapes.
- Decorate the paper with the words of the beatitudes, adding a picture for reminder reference. If space allows, write the starting line on one side of the paper, and the conclusion on the other side.
- Glue or tape the papers onto popsicle sticks.
- Decorate a basket, bucket, or bag to hold the beatitudes; or merely cut slits into a large sheet of construction paper.
- Place the “flowers” into the container. Use as a reminder of the words of Jesus!
ACTIVITY#2: Wheel of Beatitudes
- Paper or cardstock, Paper plates, Brad fasteners, Scissors, Popsicle sticks (optional), Decorative materials (markers, crayons, etc.)
Procedure:
- Cut the construction paper into a circle, slightly smaller than the paper plate.
- Divide the plate into sections, drawing lines like a “pie.”
- Write the beginning words of the beatitudes verses on the outside of the paper plate, giving one to each section (“meek,” “pure in heart,” etc.). Inside the wedge, write the promise attached to the verse (“they shall inherit the earth”; “they shall receive mercy”, etc.).
- Cut a triangular piece out of the circular paper so that one “slice” of the wheel is fully available at a time. On the paper, decorate and/or write “Blessed are the….”
- Line up the paper on top of the plate, and carefully poke the brad through both. This may require a pre-punched hole with scissors.
- Spin the “wheel” to learn the beatitudes! Attach the plate to a stick for ease of carrying, if desired.
ACTIVITY#3: Hands of Beatitudes
- Paper or cardstock, Paper plates, Scissors, Glue, Decorative materials (markers, crayons, etc.)
Procedure:
- Write the beginning words of the beatitudes verses on the middle of the paper plate.
- Trace your hand 8 times onto different colors of construction paper.
- On each colored hand, write the words of each of the Beatitudes. Decorate with a picture to help you better understand its meaning.
- Glue hand prints around the outside of plate.
ACTIVITY#1
ACTIVITY #2
ACTIVITY #3
Family Faith Registration 2021 is Open!
Registration includes 3 items:
STEP 1: Complete and submit this online registration form (see below).
STEP 2: Payment for family
$70 - 1 Child/1 Parent
OR
$100 - Family (if more than 1 Child is registered)
STEP 3: Copies of Baptism/Communion Certificates for each child.
- To register for Family Faith Formation, you must be a parishioner of Holy Family Parish. If you would like to register as a parishioner, please call the Parish Office (732) 545-1681 ext 101.
- Complete a separate registration form for each child. Once you submit a form, there will be an option to complete an additional form if you would like to register another child.
- Online registration will end on Monday, November 30.
- Once an online registration form is submitted for each child (STEP 1), please call the office and make an appointment to drop off payment and your child's certificates of sacraments (if applicable).
Uplift Video of the Week!
Just Take a Breath!
Just take a deep breath and it will all be ok!
This adorable two year-old toddler, Beau, calms his 6-month-old sister, Ainsley, in this sweet sibling TikTok video! It has racked up millions of views! It is just a reminder of how our family love, and little time to breathe, helps to calm us all down during these turbulent times.
Holy Family Parish
- Register online: holyfamilyparishnewbrunswicknj.flocknote.com
OR
- Text holyfamilyforall to 84576 (or 202-765-3441 in Spanish)
Email: catherinek@holyfamilyforall.org
Website: holyfamilyforall.org
Location: 56 Throop Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
Phone: (732) 545-1681
Facebook: facebook.com/holyfamilyparish
Twitter: @holyfamily4all