THE FAMILY ZONE
Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 126/11.26.23
Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe!
Mass Class
The lectionary we use for the readings at Mass is arranged into two cycles, one for the Sunday readings and one for the daily Mass readings. The Sunday cycle is on a three-year rotation known as years A, B, and C. We are closing out a Year A cycle today and will be entering into Year B. The readings in Year B will come from the Gospel of Mark as well as the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John. When you look at the readings for Mass, you will see that the first reading generally comes from the Old Testament and connects to the theme of the Gospel. The second reading usually is a letter written to one of the early church communities and helps us to understand discipleship. So, next week when we begin Advent, we will begin a new liturgical year and a new cycle of readings to unpack from scripture!
READ
SUNDAY READINGS:
THIS WEEKEND'S READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112623.cfm
Click on the links 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 the Mass!
Sunday Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120323.cfm
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121023.cfm
FAMILY FAITH CONVERSATION: On December 10, we will hear the familiar Advent phrase: "A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! from the prophet Isaiah. The Christmas season is busy and we get caught up in shopping, decorating, and wrapping. How is your house using this Advent season to prepare a space for Jesus? Talk about one thing you can do to prepare the way for him!
Connecting to Our Church Year
Next week, you can wish one another "Happy New Liturgical Year!" The beautiful season of Advent begins on December 3. As we await the celebration of the Birth of Christ, the dark nights of the approaching winter season give us pause to wait in quiet, patient, hope. Learn more about our Advent attitudes with the article below from Catechist's Journey. Click on the yellow button from Dyanamic Catholic, to prepare for some engaging ways to celebrate the Advent season with your family!
PRAY
Christ the King Sunday is day of the Global Celebration of Young People! Pray over your kids with this prayer from Pope Francis!
Celebrate the day by talking about your hopes and dreams for their lives!
SERVE
Do you have people in your life who just don't like to have a lot of "things" or who always tell you they don't need anything during the holidays? Why not give them a gift that gives back? Consider making a donation to a charity in their name.
Some families choose to find a family to sponsor through a local charity. Instead of buying items they really don't need for one another, they share their love for others by providing food and gifts for a family in need. It is an easier task when an extended family or even a group of friends work together to serve and share resources for those who could most use them and it is a great lesson for your children!
FAMILY MEAL
Milestone Moments and Family Traditions
Many Catholic families spend the Advent season encouraging their children to follow Jesus through acts of kindness and faith-filled habits such as bedtime prayer. Each time a parent witnesses this positive behavior, the child places a piece of straw in the still-empty manger. This can be an effective way of witnessing the momentum of the Advent season as we "prepare the way." With good deeds, the baby Jesus figurine will have a comfy spot to lay when Christmas arrives and your kids will enjoy the anticipation a little bit more!
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Debtor in PossessionEmail: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210