The Family Zone
Lectionary-Based Playlist /Issue 58/May 9, 2021
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry"
Happy Mother's Day to all special moms, grandmothers, godmothers and mother figures!
A note about our newsletter:
Journeying with St. Joseph
Just like Mary has her seven sorrows and seven joys, St. Joseph also has them that can be reflected upon. These can be powerful prayer experiences.
The Sorrows of St. Joseph
1. His doubts about Mary. (Matt. 1:19)
2. His pain at the lowly poverty of Jesus’ birthplace. (Luke 2:7)
3. Watching the circumcision, Jesus’ first blood spilt for us. (Luke 2:21)
4. Listening to the powerful prophetic message from Simeon. (Luke 2:34)
5. Having to take the Holy Family into exile. (Matt. 2:14)
6. The hard trip back from Egypt. (Matt. 2:22)
7. The loss of Jesus for three days. (Luke 2:45)
The Joys of St. Joseph
1. The angel’s message of joy. (Matt. 1:20)
2. The Savior’s birth. (Luke 2:10-11)
3. Having the honor of naming Jesus. (Matt. 1:25)
4. Knowing the effects of Jesus’ redemptive work. (Luke 2:38)
5. The idols of Egypt fell at Jesus’ feet. (Is. 19:1)
6. Holy life with Jesus and Mary. (Luke 2:39)
7. Finding Jesus after three days. (Luke 2:46)
You can find more here: https://yearofstjoseph.org/devotions/
READ!
SUNDAY READINGS:
Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at this coming Sunday's Mass. 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.
Family Stories:
Do you love to read to your kids? These stories will help you apply this week's theme to other areas of life and connect the lines between our beliefs and daily life!
- "The Story of Saint John Paul II: A Boy Who Became Pope" by Fabiola Garza
"Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World" by Pope Francis
"Karol: The Boy who Became Pope" By Jem Sullivan PHD
"Francis: The Pope For Kids" by John and Marietta Monette
Parent Articles on the topic:
How much do you know about Pope Francis? Here is his official Vatican biography:
Do you know what the role of our Bishop entails?For Teens to Grow on their Discipleship Journey:To help young people understand that we are all part of the church structure:
https://bustedhalo.com/features/how-do-i-serve-the-church-as-a-lay-person
Write!
Below you will find "at-home" assignments if your child learns best through writing and completing worksheets:
FOR SMALL CHILDREN:
Make a Paper Doll Priest http://justlikemary.blogspot.com/2011/06/paper-doll-priests.html
FOR ELEMENTARY AGES:
- Draw or create your Church from memory! Include the people you see at every Mass (Priest, Youth Minister, Deacons, etc.) When you go back to Church next weekend, how accurate was your memory? Add any other details after Mass!
- Try the Holy Orders word search below!
FOR ADOLESCENTS:
Can you fill in this crossword? Click on the Church Structure PDF below
LISTEN!
PRAY!
Priests are obligated to pray the Liturgy of the Hours every day.The Liturgy of the Hours is the daily prayer of the church. Many families pray all or part of the Liturgy of the Hours as well; it's not just for clergy! Here is a great overview for family life:
The Angelus is a noontime prayer /The Liturgy of the Hours:
Especially, as we focus on Mother Mary in a special way during this month of May, perhaps you can begin the practice of praying the Angelus at noon as a way to invite the practice of the Liturgy of the Hours into your prayer life:
The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary...
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you' (Lk 1: 28)
'Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb'
(Lk 1: 42).
WATCH!
Play!
Children learn through play; here are some ways for you to keep learning about the faith theme of the week in a "hands-on" way!
FOR SMALL CHILDREN:
Peter was called the ROCK of the Church; it was on Peter, that the structure of the church was built! Play some "rock" games with your young child:
- Play Dominoes with some hand painted rocks!
https://www.craftcreatecook.com/diy-rock-dominoes/ - https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/66265/22-games-activities-rocks/
FOR ELEMENTARY AGES:
- We are all called by Jesus; He chooses us! We might not feel God tapping us on the shoulder, but our baptism claimed us for Christ! Play a game of tag to help imagine being chosen by Jesus to live like He taught us!
FOR ADOLESCENTS:
- Play the cup stacking pyramid game..how is that like the hierarchy of our church? Who would be at each level?? https://www.verywellfamily.com/cup-stacking-and-more-plastic-cup-games-1256796
ALL AGES:
- The Church is rich in important traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Parents or Grandparents, teach your child(ren) a game that you used to play when you were younger. Kids, do you have any fun games to teach your parents?
Create!
Great projects for you to create something together for quality time! This weekend, let's be creative in celebrating our MOMS, GRANDMAS, GODMOTHERS and AUNTS
FOR SMALL CHILDREN:
- Paint a flower pot and plant the favorite flower of your mom, grandmother or other important woman in your life!
FOR ELEMENTARY AGES:
- Take a small mason jar. On the outside, write WHY I LOVE YOU. Fill the jar with colorful, rolled up pieces of paper that tell ALL the ways you love MOM, Grandma, or another special mother figure in your life!
FOR ADOLESCENTS:
- Make your mom's favorite meal or dessert!
ALL AGES:
- Create Mother's Day Coupons for your Mom! Some suggestions: Helping to clean around the house, doing other chores that you can help your parents with, maybe even an at home spa day! Your Mom can cash these coupons in throughout the year!
- Make a Mary Garden as a Mother's Day activity with your mom! https://www.catholicicing.com/how-to-start-a-mary-garden-at-home/
Wonder with St. Joseph
As a parent, I always hoped Jesus would find friends he could spend his life with – friends who would miss him when he wasn’t around. I never dreamed he would find friends who would not only miss him, but would continue his mission! My son formed a group of people who would go on to change the world! They are known as the Apostles. He did it by building them up and showing them what it really means to love as God loves. To say he exceeded my hopes is an understatement!
Parents – What are your hopes for your children? How do you help them choose good friends that will care about your children?
Young People – Having friends is important to everyone, no matter your age! But more important is having good friends who care about you, and who you care about. How do your friends show they care about you? How do you show your friends the same?
FAITH WORD OF THE WEEK!
ECUMENISM: The works of Catholics and other Christians aimed at restoring unity among all Christians!
Summer Editions begin June 2021
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