Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Week of May 31, 2020
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During the week of March 8, 2020, our world changed. Churches, schools and business that began the week open to the public, within days by the end of the week, were closed and dark. For Family Faith, our program also abruptly closed and we transitioned our in person gatherings to this weekly Family Faith Newsletter.
We hope these articles, links, and activities have supported your family in prayer during these weeks of quarantine. As we continue our Family Faith program using this format, we value your ideas and suggestions!
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Activities for Family
Mass Readings for Sunday, May 31: Feast of Pentecost
The Feast of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. Celebrated 50 days after Easter, this event represents the birth of Christianity.
According to the Bible’s New Testament, Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2, the apostles were inspired to talk in tongues when the Holy Spirit descended on them as they prayed together. This "mighty rushing wind" (a symbol for the Holy Spirit) and "tongues as of fire" appear. The gathered disciples were "filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The apostles delivered the first Christian sermons, focused upon baptism, communion and resurrection. This led to the conversion and baptism of 3,000 people. It is this sermon that we believe was the birth of the Christian church.
Pentecost is represented by the color red. During mass, priests wear red vestments and parishioners are encouraged to also wear red. This symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit, depicted as a dove or flames.
Together with your family, use the link below to read the Bible passage, Acts 2: 1-47 The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost. Also, watch this video to help children understand the meaning and significance of the Feast of Pentecost.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In the Old Testament's Book of Isaiah 11:2-3, Gifts of the Holy Spirit are described. In this passage, the gifts are considered ones that the Messiah would have possessed. Jesus was indeed was blessed with gifts by his Father. As believers, we know we are also blessed with these same seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Use the picture below to discuss these gifts with your family. Also, follow the link to different Pentecost activities you can share at home.
Uplift Video of the Week!
Somewhere over the rainbow
Rainbows appear as a symbol of hope and recovery, both following a storm and throughout this time of the pandemic. The beloved Hawaiian performer, Israel "Iz" Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'Ole, first performed his renowned medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in 1990. It represents the kind, gentle spirit of Iz and the Hawaiian culture.
In this video, Google and Bing recently gathered 64 photos of rainbows to help visualize Israel's soaring words and melodious spirit that still touches and inspires us during difficult time.
Holy Family Parish
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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