July 14 is the Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Saint Kateri, known as the Lily of the Mohawks, is the patron saint of ecology! She lived in upstate, central New York, in the 17th century. Your family can honor her memorial this month by taking care of the Earth. A conservation center in Saint Kateri's name encourages the creation of safe outdoor spaces for bees and butterflies as well as the planting of native species. To learn more about Ecology and its connection to our Catholic faith or to learn about creating a Saint Kateri habitat in your backyard, explore the website below! We are called to be stewards of the Earth!
LIVE THE EUCHARIST
Saint Kateri had a faithful devotion to the Eucharist and would spend hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament. She strived to connect with Jesus both in prayer and in nature. Because of her devotion, she made a vow of perpetual virginity despite her relatives' wishes for her to marry. She was strong and steadfast in her beliefs and did not let the opinion of others come between her and God's call for her. One way we can live the Eucharist is to spend time listening to God's voice in our lives, and honor the path God places before us, even if it isn't what society has planned! How do you invite God into your decision-making process?
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.
Family Stories: Some nature stories to explore the world like St. Kateri did!
- The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
- The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter by Shabazz Larkin
- The Hike by Alison Farrell
- St. Kateri Tekakwitha; Courageous Faith by Lillian Fisher
LEARN! Catholic Trivia you May Not Know!
Angels are a big part of our Christian faith. The standard classification of angels is owed to a sixth-century Syrian monk who grouped angels into three hierarchies. Thomas Aquinas, a famous theologian, also wrote about angels and used the same hierarchy. Three angels are named in scripture: Gabriel, Michael and Raphael. They are known as archangels who are sent on important missions by God. Angels also function as guardians and comforters. We have a prayer to our Guardian Angel that is a great one to teach children; especially when they are fearful. Here it is:
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.”
IMAGINE THE SCENE
Since we are thinking about angels, here is another Bible story that involves an angel. Read Daniel 6:1-29 as a family. It is the story of Daniel and the Lions' Den, a story most of us are somewhat familiar with. Who protects Daniel in his darkest hour? An ANGEL! Once you have read the story, draw it! Send your picture our way and we will post it in our summer gallery! oec@dor.org! Hope to see your masterpiece!
PRAY!
Are you traveling this summer? Here are a few prayers for travel.
Summer Travel Prayer
Loving and merciful God, you have commissioned your angels to guide and protect us. Command them to be with us from our leaving until our return; keep us safe from all injury, accident or malice and sin. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
- Author Unknown
Quiet Yourself!
Make a calming glitter jar (or use a less messy object like Legos!) Find the directions below. Encourage calming time where there is a space between chattiness and quiet to just watch the jar and its floating contents. This is a great help to quiet your kids before prayer at bedtime!
https://www.mindful.org/how-to-create-a-glitter-jar-for-kids/
WONDER!
This summer we are wondering about God's CREATION!!
- Would that glitter on the water change if a duck swam through it?
- Or if I skipped a stone toward it?
- Does God show us light on the water and in the clouds to remind us that God is always with us?
- Where else can I see the sun making its glitter?
- Does glitter happen when a raindrop is one a flower petal?
- Can I make water glitter by putting a flashlight on it, or is the sun only capable of making it?
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Debtor in Possession