Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, February 27, 2022
The Season of Lent Begins!
This Wednesday, March 2, is called Ash Wednesday as it marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, we replicate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting (both from food and/or festivities), prayer, and giving. Through these sacrifices, we remember and prepare our hearts for the Lord.
Below is the video shared during last week's Family Faith Zoom session. For children, this explains the significance of Ash Wednesday and Lent. Our Lenten Prayer Chain is also a visual way for young learners to conceptualize prayer and giving to others. As we prepare for these 40 days, discuss with your family different ways to become closer to God and how these ways can be a part of your family daily routine.
Mass Readings for Sunday, February 27: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
God recognizes when we may put on a great show of actions or words, but our roots are still visible to God. Focusing on the faults of others, no matter how true, take the focus off our own. In this parable, Jesus uses visual objects, like a splinter, a wooden beam, good and rotten fruit, to demonstrate this message of personal responsibility and accountability. This message is consistent with the bible story of the adulterous woman (John 8:2-7) when Jesus tells the crowds, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
As we begin this week of Lent, these 40 days is a time of renewal and self-reflection. Luke's Gospel this weekend reminds us of ways in which we can become closer to God during our journey of Lent.
Activities for Family
Lenten Pray, Fast, & Give!
The season of Lent can be a difficult concept for young children to understand. However, by making ideas of Fasting, Praying and Giving appropriate for their age level helps to relate this journey of renewal and reflection in leading up to Easter. For kid-friendly ideas, click on the button below: Ideas to Pray, Fast, and Give...for Kids!!
This project provides ideas on ways children can Fast, Pray and Give during these 40 days.
Materials
- White or colored paper for the background, 3 pockets, and colored strips
- Markers and decorating supplies
- Scissors
- Stapler or glue
Procedure
- Using background paper, decorate the top half of the sheet with the words: LENT
- Using another sheet of paper, use scissors to create and cut 3 small square shape papers. On each square, write the words: PRAY, FAST, GIVE.
- Using a stapler or glue, attach these 3 sheets of paper to the bottom of the paper labeled, LENT. To attach these squares to create a pocket, staple/glue the left, right and bottom sides of the square to the sheet of background paper.
- Using the link below, you can print or have your child write out on strips of paper different actions of Praying, Fasting, and Giving. Place these strips in the each pocket.
Throughout the season of Lent, have your children pick a strip each day to show ways they are journeying through Lent.
Extend Your Lenten Prayer Chain! As an extension to this project, once your child completes the action, have them add this as a new strip to their Lenten Prayer Chain!
2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal
Celebrating 40 Years— Continuing to Fan the Flame of Faith into Service
By now you have received a letter from Bishop Checchio inviting your participation in the 2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The diocesan ministries supported by the Appeal directly impact many of the parishioners here in [insert name of parish]. Your gift provides formation opportunities for our catechists, youth and young adults. In the coming days, you will be receiving a letter from our pastor [insert pastor’s name] encouraging your participation. If you have yet to make your gift, please prayerfully consider doing so today by either returning your pledge card in the mail or going to the secure website: https://diometuchen.org/BAA.
Project IMT
"We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness."
-US Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York
Share Your Work!
Snap a Picture & Share Your Crafts With Us!
We welcome pictures of your children's projects and family engagement in Family Faith! Completion of the craft activities do count towards participation, so please feel free to email us a photo of the crafts that your children create! We will feature their work in our next Family Faith Newsletter!
- Send photos to catherinek@holyfamilyforall.org. Once I receive your email, I will always send a reply email confirming I received it.
- Include your child's first and last name (as you would want it to appear in the newsletter) and session your child is registered in Family Faith.
- If you prefer we DO NOT include the photo in the next Family Faith Newsletter, please note that in your email.
Joseph's Valentine Coupon Dessert Treat!
Steven's Fisher of Men Project
Kimberly's Lenten Prayer Chain
Christopher's Valentine Picture
Christopher's Prayer
Kyle's Lenten Prayer Chain
Ryan & Oscar's Lenten Prayer Chain
Asuzena's Lenten Prayer Chain
Asuzena's Lenten Prayer Chain
Joel's Lenten Prayer Chain
Brandon's Lenten Prayer Chain
Joel & Brandon's Lenten Prayer Chain
Angie's Drop Everything! Game
Angie's Fischer of Men Project
Allan's Lenten Prayer Chain
Allan Xelhua
Pamela's Lenten Prayer Chain
Pamela's Lenten Prayer Chain
Kevin's Fisher of Men Project
Marco's Lenten Prayer Chain
Marco's Lenten Prayer Chain
Uplift Video of the Week!
Saved By the Box!
Has being on your cell phone ever been a distraction? This person knows!!
This video, filmed in Turkey, shows this young man clearly distracted by his phone! As he was walking, he didn't notice the opening in the floor, then falling into a storage hole. But this man must be thankful for the pile of boxes that cushioned his fall!
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