Adult Faith Formation and RCIA. September Theme: Faith and Identity Take Home Activities

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1 1.Baptize all peoples in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: In Baptism we celebrate the new life that is constantly happening within us through the work of the Holy Trinity. This month each family will take home a container with Holy Water and we ask them to bless themselves each day with the Sign of the Cross using the Holy Water. By the Sign of the Cross we are reminded of the work of the Trinity within us, of how much God loves us and how the Holy Trinity is always caring for us. In the symbol of water we are reminded of life of which water is essential and we are also reminded of our immersion in Christ by which we should go around dripping Jesus, sharing love, service, joy and peace in every place we go and with every person we encounter. 2. May our home be a church that builds all its members up as human beings for love and service: Throughout the month do not forget to look through the binder at the suggested family activities in the different take home activities for the different age groups. Faith is specially nourished by prayer, ritual and conversation at home. If you want some more resources check page 3 in our bulletin each Sunday, check our Facebook page and look for our weekly s in your inbox. 3.Faith is surrendering our whole being to God like Jesus and Mary. Spend some quiet individual time in prayer, to allow space for God to grow within you. Here is an exercise that might help: A moment of silence: 1. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with your loving Lord. 2. Assume a comfortable position (not so comfortable that you would fall asleep). 3. Become aware of the presence of the Lord with you and within you. 4. Prepare yourself for this encounter with a dear friend. 5. Read: The Father knocks at my door seeking a home for his son: Rent is cheap, I say. I don't want to rent. I want to buy, says God. I'm not sure I want to sell,

2 but you might come in and look around. I think I will, says God. I might let you have a room or two. I like it, says God. I'll take the two. You might decide to give me more some day. I can wait, says God. I'd like to give you more, but it s a bit difficult. I need some space for me. I know, says God, but I'll wait. I like what I see. Hm, maybe I can let you have another room. I really don't need that much. Thanks, says God. I'll take it. I like what I see. I'd like to give you the whole house but I'm not sure -- Think on it, says God. I wouldn't put you out. Your house would be mine and my son would live in it. You'd have more space than you 'd ever had before. I don't understand at all. I know, says God, but I can t tell you about that. You'll have to discover it for yourself. That can only happen if you let him have the whole house. A bit risky, I say. Yes, says God, but try me. I'm not sure I'll let you know.

3 I can wait, says God. I like what I see. (Margaret Halaska O.S.F.) 6. Reflect: a. Do you experience God looking for you, trying to be a part of your life? b. Are you willing to rent your house (surrender yourself) to Jesus Christ? How many rooms have you given up to Him? Concretely how? What rooms do you keep for yourself? 7. Conversation: Opening up your heart and knowing that God accepts and loves you without limitations, conditions or judgments have a friendly conversation with Jesus. Tell him whatever you want, tell him about your sorrows or your joys, ask him, listen to him, or just share a loving silence with Him. 8. Thank God for this time together, plan a new encounter, etc. 4.Sitting in the lap of God to hear the story of my life (God has been working his salvation in the story of our Marriage or in my personal story): This week as a couple or as an individual take time to go into your quiet spot with God, and let God tell you the story of your marriage or your life as an individual. Go slowly, year by year, experience by experience trying to discover God s presence in your marriage or in your life.

4 How has God been guiding you? How has he sustained you through the challenges? How has your relationship or life itself molded you more and more into a Christ-like human being? After your prayer, write down the most important instances of God s presence in your life that you discovered. 5.Discovering God s work in your day to collaborate To become aware of God s presence throughout your day try the Daily Examen of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This is a very simple prayer that will take 5 minutes at the end at your day. You can do it alone, as a couple or as a family. It has 5 simple steps. First Step. GIVE THANKS to God our Lord for the day, even if you do not feel like it. Second Step. ASK FOR GRACE. Ask grace to see your day with God s eyes and to know how God has revealed you his will through the events of the day, where He is moving you. Third Step. GO OVER YOUR DAY LIKE A MOVIE. Run your day in your head from the moment you woke up to this moment as if you were watching a movie. After, ask yourself: What does God want me to discover about myself, about God, about my relationships this day? When did I experience God s love? Where is God moving me today? What is God asking of me? Fourth Step. ASK FOR FORGIVENESS. Ask pardon of God our Lord for the moments in which you were not open to God s work. Fifth Step. PLAN FOR THE NEXT DAY. Now that you know how God has been guiding you and what God might be asking of you, how do you plan to act on it tomorrow?

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