THE FAMILY ZONE
Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 130/1.21.24
This week we hear the very familiar Gospel of Jesus calling to the fishermen, Simon and Andrew, and inviting them to follow him and become fishers of men. Being a "fisher of men," means telling people about our faith, either through word or deed. The term we use for that is evangelization. In this edition of The Family Zone, we'll explore how we can share our faith in God with others through our actions. We, too, can be fishers of men, women, boys and girls!
Sunday of the Word of God
Pope Francis has dedicated the Third Sunday in Ordinary time, as Sunday of the Word of God in all Catholic parishes around the world. You can observe this important day in your own home by enthroning your family Bible. This means you place it in an important place and keep it a place of prayer! You can find a special "at home" prayer for enthroning your family Bible by clicking on the pdf links below. We have provided two options!
MASS CLASS
Using the Missal at church
Our Catholic Mass is something we actively participate in but it can be difficult to memorize all the responses or know when to say what. We can help our kids engage more actively in the Mass by teaching them how to use a Missal or Missalette. The Missal (or the abbreviated version known as the missalette) contains a collection of prayers and instructions for celebrating Mass. You can purchase your own missals through many online Catholic companies and children's missals are also available. There are several apps you can put on your phone, as well. IMissal, IPieta, and IBreviary are three options that are available where you get your apps. Want to know more about using a Missal? Check out the short video below! Are you bringing a friend or family member to church who has never been or hasn't been in awhile? Make sure you provide them with a missalette so that they can follow along and be involved in the Mass!
SHARE YOUR FAITH
You can access the daily readings and the Sunday readings for Mass at: https://bible.usccb.org/
FAMILY FAITH CONVERSATION: Are you an evangelist? Do people know God because of the way they are treated by you? We are all called to be Christ-Like. Name something you did this week that was Christ-like for another. How did the person respond because of your actions? Is their a time when you were not Christ-like this week? Did it do damage to you or another?
CONNECT TO OUR CHURCH YEAR
On the 31st of January we will observe the memorial of St. John Bosco. St. John Bosco was a priest who worked tirelessly to provide ministry to the youth of Turin, Italy in the 19th century. Many young men of that day were either orphaned or working long hours without sufficient food or clothing. Through his work, young people received education, an opportunity for recreation and an introduction to the faith. His school, the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales provided vocational education, faith development and a sense of purpose in the boys who went there. He believed that Jesus' love should be part of everything we do whether it be work, school or play! St. John Bosco is the patron saint of boys, youth and teachers!
St. John Bosco said "Do not lose any time. Do good, do all the good you can and you will never regret doing it." How can your family be like St. John Bosco this week?
Attributed to Carlo Felice Deasti, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Try the activity below to think about the gifts you have that can be used to share God's love with others!
PRAY
Prayer for Evangelization
Open our hearts.
Give us the courage to speak his Name to those who are close to us, and the generosity to share his love with those who are far away.
We pray that every person throughout the world be invited to know and love Jesus
May they come to know his boundless love and may that love transform every element of our society.
We make this prayer through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
SERVE OTHERS
Help Kids through Project Linus
Blanket Day is coming up in February. It is the annual day that Project Linus sets aside to bring awareness to their charity which provides blankets to children who are sick, in need, or in distress. To find out more about how you can be part of Make a Blanket Day, browse their website at the link below.
FAMILY MEAL
Familyfoodonthetable.com makes it easier for families to prioritize meal time by taking the guess work out of what to make for dinner. They provide a monthly calendar along with recipes!
BUILD TRADITIONS
Celebrate Candlemas on Feb. 2
Candlemas is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and is observed 40 days after Christmas. According to Mosaic Law, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple forty days after his birth for Mary's purification and to present a sacrifice of two turtle doves. At the Temple, the Holy Family encounters Anna and Simeon who recognize Jesus as their Messiah. Simeon prays: "Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nationsand the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2:29–32) " Our church blesses all of the candles to be used in the Church during the year, at the Candlemas Mass.
Candles are a reminder of this light. Share this yearly Catholic tradition with your family by making and lighting candles together. Talk about how you can be Jesus' light in the world for others!
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org
Debtor in PossessionEmail: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210