Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Welcome Back-to-Learning!
But being home together, learning new concepts, balancing technology needs and other challenges, our patience can often be tested. In Matthew's Gospel this weekend, we are reminded to forgive and love in our personal relationships. This is a trying time for our children as learners, and us as parents as at home-teachers! During our most frustrating days, remember Jesus' teachings and pray for strength and support. Just as Jesus led Peter to walk on water through the storm when he believed, we know Jesus will lead us through these most difficult times.
Mass Readings for Sunday, September 13: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
During the time of Jesus, forgiveness was given for actions that disappointed others. For example, in this parable, the servant did not grant forgiveness to his fellow servant who could not repay his debt. At the time, rabbis and religious leaders said if forgiveness is granted, it was plenty to forgive someone three times. So, with that in mind, Peter's guess that forgiving someone seven times seems truly kind. However, Jesus has a different idea of what forgiveness looks like. Jesus explains that true forgiveness means seventy times seven, so 490 times!
In our everyday world, conflict and forgiveness occurs between spouses, siblings, friends, etc. As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we follow in Jesus' teachings and strive to forgive others and their debts against us.
Activities for Family
Forgiveness
Game: Ask the children how many times they can do various tasks:
- How many push ups can you do?
- How many times can you bounce a ping pong ball on a paddle?
- How many times can you jump on one leg without putting the other leg down?
- How many basketball free throws can you score in a row?
Gospel Message: As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we forgive others their debt against us since Jesus forgave our debt against him.
As a family, read and discuss this weekend's Mass Readings. In explaining the Gospel and the concept of deep, true forgiveness as explained by Jesus, use the video below to help children conceptualize this parable and its meaning. Then complete and submit the Family Form below by Friday, September 18. This form counts towards attendance and participation in our Family Faith Program.
Resource: https://ministry-to-children.com/story-time-with-jesus-lesson-five/
Caritas Corner
Supporting our Children Back-to-School
September Zoom Meetings: Week of September 20
Our Next Family Faith Zoom Meeting Begin Next Weekend
Parents, your participation with your children is greatly appreciated during these family activities to support their learning and engagement in the session. Following the activity, we understand it may be difficult to focus on the parent discussion since your children may not be engaged in this part of the zoom meeting, so Deacon Nelson will structure these discussions to be brief and targeted to our needs. We truly appreciate your support and participation during these difficult times!
Below are the zoom links for the week of September 20. Please join the zoom session for the class that you are registered for. These links will also be sent in an email reminder prior to the session:
Sunday, September 20 at 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
https://zoom.us/j/99378041553?pwd=cFcweHgyN1hCdTBVNVcrWXlucFBFUT09
Meeting ID: 993 7804 1553
Passcode: Le5M34
Sunday, September 20 at 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
https://zoom.us/j/98524427352?pwd=dDVrblV3S2NzZnZVNC95S0xEL0FUdz09
Meeting ID: 985 2442 7352
Passcode: pX060c
Wednesday, September 23 at 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
https://zoom.us/j/97592068253?pwd=QmpSTkozU0J2eWxyTDJMdXpVUllTdz09
Meeting ID: 975 9206 8253
Passcode: XN2XF9
Thursday, September 24 at 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
https://zoom.us/j/92632068801?pwd=ZXdUTmtvYVo0U014THlYSFFQWVM0QT09
Meeting ID: 926 3206 8801
Passcode: 8Vtk5p
Uplift Video of the Week!
Back-to-Learning Family Goals
As we begin a new school year with new goals (maybe different than in the past considering this different school year), we strive to keep our children happy and positive about learning.
In welcoming your children back-to-school, together watch this video. Discuss, plan, and set manageable goals in learning and procedures that promote independence, especially when learning at home.
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