Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Family Faith Updates - Things You Need to Know!
As described during these past 2 weeks in these monthly newsletters, our Family Faith program will continue virtually (no in-person sessions). This past week or in the next few days, you will receive a phone call from Holy Family Parish Office specifically explaining these program updates. Please share/update your email address with us. It is important that we have your updated email address since our weekly newsletters will only be emailed (it will not be posted on our parish website).
As a parish, we are accountable for maintaining communication and attendance of our families. As we have already taken attendance in January and February before the COVID shut down, we will continue to take attendance in September through December. Attendance will be based upon:
1. Attendance at monthly parent zoom sessions - These zoom sessions will begin the week of Sunday, August 16 during our regularly scheduled classes. Deacon Nelson will lead our sessions together. Especially during this first month of zoom meetings, please log onto the zoom meeting during your registered class time:
- If you are registered and attend our Sunday Morning session, please join our Zoom Meeting on Sunday, August 16 at 11:30AM-12:00PM using this link:
https://zoom.us/j/91844430737?pwd=WGpDcEhqR0FtZlF3NWVLWEkySkhBZz09
Meeting ID: 918 4443 0737
Passcode: 9gRwF0
- If you are registered and attend our Sunday Afternoon session, please join our Zoom Meeting on Sunday, August 16 at 4:00PM-4:30PM using this link:
https://zoom.us/j/97764949097?pwd=M0pFQzluT0ltTVhWZE1HQjcwdkVSUT09
Meeting ID: 977 6494 9097
Passcode: Ggi1hT
- If you are registered and attend our Wednesday Evening session, please join our Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, August 19 at 5:30PM-6:00PM using this link:
https://zoom.us/j/98411539521?pwd=QlpzamtrVURieHVsUTRSWk9PUHRnUT09
Meeting ID: 984 1153 9521
Passcode: 8C4SBF
- If you are registered and attend our Thursday Evening session, please join our Zoom Meeting on Thursday, August 20 at 5:30PM-6:00PM using this link:
https://zoom.us/j/92223173613?pwd=eHE2SS95clFmdnpqcWFtQjNpb015Zz09
Meeting ID: 922 2317 3613
Passcode: wgdXR1
If you have any questions or would like to share your updated email address with us, feel free to contact the parish office. Please check your email, Facebook, and Twitter for important updates!
Mass Readings for Sunday, August 9: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
One of the most famous bible stories is this Gospel reading of Jesus Walking on Water. It truly brings to light the power of our faith in God and Jesus, and how our strong faith will bring us through our challenges.
In this story, Peter is fearful when he walks on water toward Jesus. When he begins to question his faith in the Lord, Peter begins to sink among the wind and waves. However, Jesus gently rebukes Peter and saves him.
In the reading, Jesus does not tell Peter that he does not have faith. After all, he was the one apostle of the twelve to leave to boat to walk to Jesus! Instead, Jesus says, "how little faith you have! Why did you falter?" The phrase "little faith" means immature faith. For our faith to be mature, it develops with courage and fortitude. This courage comes from challenges, danger, and questions that we overcome through our faith.
Throughout this Gospel, the repeated phrase, "Do not be afraid!" reminds us that our emotions may take over. However, true faith matures through our conscious decision making, not allowing our fear to overcome us.
Activities for Family
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Game!
Materials: Bucket of water, items that float, items that sink, picture of Jesus, large spoon, plastic egg, tape
Discussion: Float vs Sink:
- Put the bucket of water on the table. Talk with your children about the items you have to put in the water. Have them vote, as each item is put into the bucket of water, if it will float or sink. Then have the children take turns putting the items into the water to see if they will float
- Ask them if we can float on the water (on our backs? What about walking on water? Can we do it? Why or why not?
- Talk with them about this weekend's Gospel Reading of Matthew 14: 22-33. Watch the video above to help children understand the story.
- Discuss with your children how Jesus walked on water. (He didn’t float on water.) Further share how our faith in Jesus and the Lord leads us through difficult challenges. Then play the game below.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Game:
- Tape the picture of Jesus on the wall (see picture below, or print similar picture)
- Put the bucket (with or without water) underneath the picture
- Have the children line up about 10-15 feet away from the bucket
- The first person in line holds the large spoon and puts the plastic egg in it. They have to walk the egg over to the bucket without dropping it
- The trick is – they have to keep their eyes on Jesus the entire time! (When children focus on the picture, it will help to keep the item balanced!) If they take their eyes off of Jesus, they have to start over.
- Once they drop the egg in the bucket, they get it and go back for the next person to do it
- Ask Children: What makes you doubt? What would make you sink?
MESSAGE TO CHILDREN: As Peter kept his eyes on Jesus and trusted in Him, he was able to do something no other man on earth did, walk on water. But, as soon as Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink.
Resource: https://ministry-to-children.com/lesson-jesus-walks-on-water/
Uplift Video of the Week!
Nike: You Can't Stop Us
The impacts of COVID around the world has caused gyms to close, stadiums to remain empty, and an abrupt end to broadcast professional sports. However, during this time of social unrest, there comes an apparent need for a shift to equal the "social playing field."
This week, Nike posted this video to celebrate sports as a source of inspiration. With 36 pairings of athletes from more than 4,000 pieces of footage, Nike created this montage to remind us of this important message: "You Can't Stop Us - A Better Future is Possible."
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