The Family Zone
Lectionary-Based Playlist /Issue 36/December 6, 2020
A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."
READ!
SUNDAY READINGS: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120620.cfm
Family Stories:
- The Secret of St. Nicholas by Ellen Nibali
- Just Nicholas by Annie Kratzsch
- Juan Diego -Saints and Me! by Barbara Yoffie
- The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie DePaolo
Parent Article: Read about Celebrating Advent as a Family: https://www.foryourmarriage.org/celebrating-advent-as-a-family/
For Teens: Read the story "Donkey Bells" by Catherine Doherty. https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2013/12/09/a-beautiful-story-for-advent Are you excluding someone from your life or your heart right now? Just like on an Advent calendar, sometimes we find ourselves needing to open new doors to others. The full book this story is found in can be a great resource for your family during the season!
Write!
- John the Baptist was definitely a unique individual. He didn't act like others around him and he knew his purpose. Write about what makes you unique and special. Have you discovered your purpose yet? Maybe it involves using one of the things that makes you, uniquely YOU!
- Download this lesson from Sadlier to focus on respecting others when learning about the story of St. Juan Diego: https://www.sadlier.com/religion/blog/juan-diego-activity-and-our-lady-of-guadalupe-lesson
- Complete this BE PREPARED word search about Advent: https://sermons4kids.com/prepare_advent_A1_wordsearch.htm
- Have you ever heard the motto "Be Prepared?" It belongs to the Boy Scouts, but it is a good motto for all of us to follow. The Prophets wrote about preparing ourselves to meet God at the end of our life. Write about a time when you weren't prepared for something to happen. What does the motto "be prepared" mean to you now?
LISTEN!
PRAY!
Many Catholic families engage their children in the tradition of slowly moving Jesus and Mary toward the manger during the weeks of Advent. It can be a fun activity for the kids to seek out their progress and bring attention to this special scene again and again! Do you have a family nativity scene you love? We'd enjoy seeing it! Send it to oec@dor.org and it may make our Diocesan Instagram! Finally, as always, we invite you to pray this week's psalm!
- Blessing of the Manger: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/sacramentals-blessings/objects/blessing-of-a-christmas-manger-or-nativity-scene
- Prayer for setting up the creche: https://www.sadlier.com/religion/blog/prayer-for-setting-up-the-cr%C3%A8che
- We Greet Your Coming with Wonder: https://prayerandverse.com/2017/12/19/we-greet-your-coming-with-wonder/
WATCH!
Play!
- Even if you open this AFTER the day, this will still be a fun tradition for your kids to enjoy: Put your shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with oranges, nuts, candy or coins; this tradition is observed widely around the world! In the spirit of St. Nicholas' generosity, choose a day that your family will enjoy handing out random acts of kindness and surprising others. It is a beautifully joyful and playful experience!
- El Balero is a well-loved children's game in Mexico. Celebrate the Feast of St. Juan Diego by making and playing with this new toy! https://onelittleproject.com/cup-and-ball-game/
- Download this free matching game from Pontifical Mission Societies in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to learn more about Advent scriptures and enjoy some family fun! https://phillymissions.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Advent-Matching-Game-Grades-K-1.pdf
Create!
- You can create a fun family faith evening at home acting out this skit about John the Baptist and sharing a fun themed snack: https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/parish-ministry/intergenerational-catechesis/advent/john-the-baptist-activity-center/
- Make a set of Advent Saint ornaments: https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-saints-craft-printable-ornaments-for-catholic-kids/
- Make a Jesse Tree! It's not too late. Follow the link to learn about the symbols and have an evening of scripture together! https://cathfamily.org/making-your-own-jesse-tree/
- St. Ambrose, whose feast day is December 7, is the patron saint of beekeepers. Celebrate his feast day by making your favorite honey-laden recipe together, or try this one from Catholic Cuisine: https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2011/12/beehive-buns-for-st-ambrose.html
- Make a Mexican dinner to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe! You can join us, virtually, on December 9 to cook chile cheese enchiladas with our resident chef, Mark Capellazzi and hear more about the saints! Families are welcome to join this young adult gathering and cook along. The recipe and ingredient list will be sent to you! Click on the link below to register:
WONDER!
- John the Baptist is famous for "pointing toward Jesus " with everything he did. Do you do something in your life that helps others feel God's presence? What are some things you could do that "point toward Jesus?"
- St. Nicholas was very generous. How you can be generous to your friends and family this week? Does being generous always have to cost money? Can you be generous with your time? Or with a special talent or skill you have?
- St. Juan Diego was from Mexico. When he had his vision of the Virgin Mary, she spoke to him in his own language. What do you think it is like for people to be in a country where they don't know the language? How would you feel if you couldn't understand what was being said? How can you be welcoming to someone who speaks a different language?
WORD OF THE WEEK!
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