THE FAMILY ZONE

Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 107/3.5.23

How's Your Lenten Season Going?

How's Your Lenten Season Going?

Lent began on February 22, so this is our first check-in of the season! How is your Lent so far? Have you made any effort to focus on the Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving? If life's busyness has gotten in the way of that, it's never too late too begin! Here are some things you can do as a family to focus on this season of penance and preparation. We've simplified the format of The Family Zone, to make it more accessible to you during this season and beyond. As we walk through this desert season with one another, let's pay close attention to those places in our spiritual lives that feel barren or empty. Where can we make some more room for God in our lives. St. Augustine said, "our hearts our restless until they rest in you." Try using the Lenten season to rest in God and find that open space in your heart that is yearning to spend time with our Creator.
How's Your Lenten Season Going?
LIVE THE EUCHARIST

LIVE THE EUCHARIST

An often sung church hymn has the words: 'You satisfy the hungry heart, with gift of finest wheat." (Composed by Omer Westendorf) As you prepare for Mass this week, and in the weeks to come, spend some time thinking about the hungers you will bring to the Eucharistic table. God desires to hear from us. We become more engaged in the Liturgy when we bring our prayers to the altar and receive "COMMUNION" we are joining our intentions and prayers to the prayers of all those gathered and engaging in a deeper union with Jesus. On your way to Mass, ask your kids what prayers they want to bring to God's table. It will help them to begin to understand the real presence and that union with Jesus that we experience in the Holy Mass!
LIVE THE EUCHARIST
READ!

READ!

SUNDAY READINGS:

Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday 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 purple button below.


Sunday Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031223.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031923.cfm


Dinner conversation FROM THE SUNDAY SCRIPTURES: On March 12, the second reading from Ephesians says:

"Live as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness
and righteousness and truth"


What does it mean to live as children of light? As your kids how they have been light for others this week. What can you do as a family to produce the goodness that comes from being the light of Christ, out in the world?

READ!

WRITE!

Keep a family prayer list going of all the needs and intentions you have. Bring those needs and intentions to prayer at mealtime grace or bedtime. Keep the list on the fridge or family calendar space to keep prayer at the forefront of your daily lives!

WATCH!

The Gospel for March 12 The Samaritan Woman at the Well
Jesus and the Outcast Woman at the Well
The Gospel for March 19 The Man Born Blind
Life of Jesus (Gospel of John), (English), Blind Man Healed

CREATE and PLAY

How do you help your child to understand the concept of Jesus as LIVING WATER?

Try this science experiment with your kids! Before the water, the color is there but not beautiful. When the water is added, the coloring becomes beautiful and complete. With Jesus as the Living Water in our lives, we become all we are meant to be!

PRAY: THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The Vatican posts a downloadable way of the cross each year. You can find it at the link below:
The link below shares a wonderful article on how to share the Via Crucis, or way of the Cross with your children. Read more at Holy Blog

FAMILY TIME

In just a few days, we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy St. Patrick's Day at home with this huge list of ideas from INDY KIDS!
INSPIRED BY THE SAINTS: Sts. Perpetua and Felicity

INSPIRED BY THE SAINTS: Sts. Perpetua and Felicity

We hear their names in the Eucharistic Prayer I, but do we know who they are? Perpetua and Felicity, patron saints of mothers, were two young women who were martyred in the Third Century for following the Christian faith. Perpetua was a young, pregnant noblewoman, who gave birth while in prison and Felicity was her servant, who was also pregnant. St. Perpetua kept a diary while in prison and it was later published. It is one of the earliest writings by a Christian woman. Hover over the QR Code to see a prayer altar to these women found in the National Shrine, in Washington D.C.

INSPIRED BY THE SAINTS: Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
SHARE A STORY

SHARE A STORY

In every issue, we'll share children's stories that will allow you to have meaningful conversations that help your kids understand the world and make it a better place!


This week, we're sharing the book: "Saturday at the Food Pantry" by Diane O'Neill.


Molly's mom is looking for work and they need a little extra help keeping food on the table. Follow along with them as they visit the food pantry, see a friend, make someone's day and realize that everyone needs a little help sometimes.

This story, by author Diane O'Neill gives families a great tool to either discuss their own personal situation or to share why it is important to gather some extra food to contribute to the parish food collection or drop off at a local food cupboard. It's a great book to share, chat about and then engage in some meaningful family almsgiving...sharing the WHY of what we are called to do as Catholics. We hope you will look for this book at your local library!

SHARE A STORY
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Debtor in Possession
Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA oec@dor.org 585-328-3210 oec.dor.org

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