March 2010 Miami, Florida. Dear Brothers and Sisters:

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1 March 2010 Miami, Florida Dear Brothers and Sisters: The season of Lent continues in March. Lent is a time to grow in the love for Jesus. This Fridays of Lent are special, they remind us, of Jesus death for us. For this reason we fast and do abstinence. Try to pray and explain the children two stations of the cross each week. At the end of Lent we will have finish all the Stations of the Cross. Enclosed you will find the some Feast and Saints of the month: March 03 Catherine Drexel March 17 Patrick March 19 Saint Joseph March 25 Annunciation of the Lord March 29 Leader workshop Enclosed materials: 1) Calendar of the month 2) Meditations on the Sunday Gospels 3) Flyer of the VI Congress Friend of Jesus and Mary. Activities 1) Our Church Celebrates Lent 2) The Lost Son s Return 3) Penance Keep Love Alive 4) Joseph s Life 5) Saint Josefina Bakhita 6) Cross of Love Videos suggested: (All available in the video club) 1) Easter Story 5) The Life of Christ II (father Peyton) 2) Saint Patrick 6) Resisting Temptation 3) Penance (SHC) 7) Ten Commandments 4) Merciful Love of Jesus We are planning the VI Congress of the Friends of Jesus and Mary for July 15, 16, 17, in Miami, Florida. We invite all to make plans to attend. It s important to share ideas and experiences. Enclose you will find the flyer and the inscription. It will be in Spanish with simultaneous translation to English May God Bless You Always, Committee of Friends of Jesus and Mary

2 Friends of Jesus and Mary Amigos de Jesús y María Florida Center for Peace 9779 S.W. 72nd Street Miami, Florida Tel : (305) Fax: (305) amigo_jym_miami@fcpeace.com Webpage: March 2010 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday St Casimir 4 First Friday 5 First Saturday 6 Daniel 9,4-10 Psalm 78,8-13 Luke 6,36-38 Isaiah 1, Psalm 49,8-9 Mateo 23,1-12 Jeremiah 18,18-20 Psalm 30 Matthew 20,17-28 Jeremiah 17,5-10 Psalm 30 Luke 16,19-31 Genesis 37, Psalm 104,16-21 Matthew 21, Micah7, Psalm 102, Luke 15, Sunday of Lent 7 St. John of God St. Gregory the Great Pope 13 Exodus 3,1-8a Psalm Cor 10, Luke 13,1-9 2 Kings 5,1-5 Psalm 41 Luke 4,24-30 Daniel 25,34-43 Psalm 24 Matthew 18,21-35 Deut. 4,1.5-9 Psalm 147 Matthew 5,17-19 Jeremiah 7,23-28 Psalm 94 Luke 11,14-23 Hosea 14,2-10 Psalm 80 Marcos 12,28-34 Hosea 6,1-6 Psalm 50 Luke 18, Sunday of Lent St Patrick St Joseph Joshua 5,9a Psalm 33 2 Cor 5,17-21 Luke 15, Isaiah 65,17-21 Psalm 29 John 4,43-54 Ezekiel 47, Psalm 45,2-9 John 5,1-3a,5-16 Isaiah 49,8-15 Psalm 144 John 5,17-30 Exodus 32,7-14 Psalm 105 John 5, Samuel 7,4-5a.12-14a.16 Psalm 88 Ro 4, Matthew 1, a Jeremiah 11,18-20 Psalm 7 John 7, Sunday of Lent Annunciation of the Lord Isaiah 43,16-21 Psalm 125 Phil 3,8-14 John 8,1-11 Daniel 13, Psalm 22,1-6 John 8,1-11 Numbers 21,4-9 Psalm 101 John 8,21-30 Daniel 3, Psalm : Dn 3,52-56 John 8,31-42 Isaiah 7,10-14 Psalm 39,7-11 Luke 1,26-38 Jeremiah 20,10-13 Psalm 17 John 10,31-42 Ezekiel 37,21-28 Jer 31,10-13 John 11,45-56 Palm Sunday Isaiah 50,4-7 Psalm 21 Phil 2,6-11 Luke 22,14-23,56 Isaiah 42,1-7 Psalm 26 John 12,1-11 Isaiah 19,1-6 Psalm 70 John 13, Isaiah 50,4-9a Psalm 68 Matthew 26,14-25

3 Friends of Jesus and Mary Third Sunday of Lent, March 7, 2010 Readings: Exodus 3, 1-8a.13-15; Psalm 102; 1Corinthians 10, ; Luke 13, 1-9 Turn from your Sins At that time some people were there who told Jesus about the Galileans whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices to God. Jesus answered them, Because those Galileans were killed in that way, do you think it proves that they were worse sinners that all other Galileans? No indeed! And I tell you that if you do not turn from your sins, you will all die as they did. What about those eighteen people in Siloam who were killed when the tower fell on them? Do you suppose this proves that they were worse than all the other people living in Jerusalem? No indeed! And I tell you that if you do not turn from your sins, you will all die as they did. Then Jesus told them this parable: There was once a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. He went looking for figs on it but found none. So he said to his gardener, Look, for three years I have been coming here looking for figs on this fig tree, and I haven t found any. Cut it down! Why should it go on using up the soil? But the gardener answered, Leave it alone, sir, just one more year; I will dig around it and put in some fertilizer. Then if the tree bears figs next year, so much the better; if not, then you can have it cut down. (Luke 13, 1-9) Reflection God gives us all kinds of opportunities to do good, but we cannot remain inactive for too long. We are called to produce good deeds of service for others. What do you think Jesus was trying to say by telling this story? What does the tree represents? Could it be you? What kinds of things do their parents constantly ask them to do? Why do they have to repeat these request? When their parents or teachers are about to punish them for something, do they ask for another chance? Do they usually get it? Are they patient with your younger brothers or sisters? Are you willing to give someone who has upset or hurt you a second chance? Share Activity Prepare a construction paper tree. The tree should have leaves but no fruit. Ask them to draw and cut out fruit. On the fruit they would write what they will do. ( helping mother well done homework, listening better, listening better, visit someone that is lonely) As they place their fruits on the tree they express their commitment for the week. And at the same time the rest respond: Thank you Jesus,for being patient with me. Prayer Lord, you are endlessly patient with us. Help us to produce good fruits. Teach us to be understanding and patient with one another. Amen

4 Our Church Celebrates Lent You and your family can work together to get ready for the glorious feast of Easter. During Lent you can help one another, forgive one another, and find ways to make each family member s life more pleasant. Use this Lenten Activity Box to help you do this. Directions for Making a Lent Activity Box. L- Cut out the coupons below. Note that some coupons are blank. With your family, fill in the blank coupons by writing loving actions that family members can do. 2- Find a shoe box in which to put the coupons. Use these pictures to decorate the box. You may want to add other decorations. 3- Put the coupons in the box. Visit a sick relative or neighbor Empty the trash Do the dishes Clean your room Take food shelther Write a letter to someone Clear the table How to Use the Lenten Activity Box l- Invite each family member to open the box each day or one day each week of Lent and take out a coupon. 2-After drawing a coupon form the box, put the coupon back. 3-You may want to add other coupons during the Lenten season. Parent Note: With your entire family, help your child make and use this Lenten Activity Box

5 Friends of Jesus and Mary Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 14, 2010 Readings: Joshua 5, 9a ; Psalm 33; 2Corinthians 5, 17-21; Luke 15, The Parable the Lost Son One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law started grumbling, This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them! So Jesus told them this parable: Jesus went on to say, There was once a man who had two songs. The younger one said to him, Father, give me my share of the property now. So the man divided his property between his two sons. After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. He spent everything he had. Then a severe famine spread over that country, and he was left without a thing. So he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him out to his farm to take care of the pigs. He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything to eat. At last he came to his senses and said, All my father s hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am about to starve! I will get up and go to my father and say, Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers, So he got up and started back to his father. He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. Father, the son said, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son. But the father called to his servants. Hurry! He said. Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found. And so the feasting began. In the meantime the older son was out in the field. On his way back, when he came close to the house, he heard the music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him, what s going on? Your brother has come back home, the servant answered, and your father has killed the prize calf, because he got him back safe and sound. The older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in. But he spoke back to his father, look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends! But this son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes, and when he comes back home, you kill the prize calf for him! My son, the father answered, you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found. (Luke 15, ) Reflection The gospel of this week speak us of merciful kindness of God, who knows our weakness and is always willing to forgive us. If you were the younger son, how would you feel when you got home? If you were the father, what would you say to your son? If you were the older brother, what would you say to your younger brother? Think of something bad and thought you wouldn t be forgiven. Did you ask for forgiveness? How did you feel when you were forgiven? Share Activity Read and act out the story of the Prodigal son. On the next page you also will find an activity. Prayer Jesus give us a humble heart to recognize when we are wrong. Help us to return to God. Give us a generous heart to celebrate the return of our brothers and sisters. Give us a compassionate and loving heart to welcome those who have returned to us. Amen

6 The Lost Son s Return HOLD THIS BACK AND TAPE DOWN Jesus told the story of the Forgiving Father (Luke 15:11-32) to show us how good and loving our heavenly Father is. You could tell the story of the son s return to others by playing the part of the son and the Forgiving Father. Directions: Cut out the scenery, fold back the bottom section on the straight line and tape it to the edge of a box or a desk or table. This will serve as a front piece for your stage. Cut our the figures of the son and the father and firmly glue or tape a popsicle stick to the back of each, high enough to give you a firm grip. Remember what the boy was saying to himself, approaching his father s house and what they said to each other when they met. Move your figures behind the scenery and play the part of the boy s return. All rights reserved Copyright 1987 by Society to the Sacret Heart.

7 Penance Find the Secret of Your! Friendship with Jesus! Color by this code: l=yellow 2=Red 3=Blue

8 Keep Love Alive Here are 3 challenges for 3 different occasions: When you remember to listen to the other person during an argument, white in the handshake what happened. Then color the hands When you say Sorry after a fight, write in the handshake what happened. Then Color the hands. All rights reserved Copyright 1994 by Society to the Sacret When you accept an apology, write in the handshake what happened. Then Color the hands.

9 Events in the Life of St. Joseph St Joseph was a righteous man a good Jew who kept the law and was generous to his neighbors. Although he was descended from Israel s great king David, Joseph was not a ruler, nor was he rich. As a carpenter; he worked hard to provide for Jesus and Mary. How much do you know about the life of St. Joseph? Put the events below in the correct time order by numbering them. The first one has been done for you. Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the Temple, talking with the teachers.(luke 3-46) Joseph has a dream telling him to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt.( Matthew 2-13) Shepherds come to worship Jesus.(Luc'3s 2: 15-16) _1_ Mary, Joseph, and Jesus return from Egypt to Nazareth. (Matthew 2:19-21) Joseph and Mary travel 85 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census.(lucas2:4) Herod has all the little boys killed. (Matthew 2: 16) Jesus is born. (Luke 2:6) Our Catholic Tradition: St. Joseph Table On his feast day, Italians honor St. Joseph by setting up a display of food specially breads and cakes and sharing what they have with all who come to their door. Can you write two ways your family shares with others? Hi-Time Pflaum, Dayton, OH 45449( ). Permission is granted by the publisher to reproduce this page for classroom use only

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11 Friends of Jesus and Mary Fifth Sunday of Lent March 21, 2010 Readings: Isaiah 43, 16-21; Psalm 125; Philippians 3, 8-14; John 8, 1-11 The Woman Caught in Adultery Then everyone went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early the next morning he went back to the temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and began to teach them. The teachers of the lawn and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery, and they made her stand before them all. Teacher, they said to Jesus, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. In our law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you said? They said this to trap Jesus, so that they could accuse him. But he bent over and wrote on the ground with his finger. As they stood there asking him questions, he straightened up and said to them, whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her. Then he bent over again and wrote on the ground. When they heard this, they all left, one by one, the older ones first. Jesus was left alone, with the woman still standing there. He straightened up and said to her, Where are they? Is there no one left to condemn you? No one, sir, she answered. Well, then, Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go, but do not sin again (John 8, 1-11) Reflection It is easy to criticize and condemn others but When we see our own sinfulness, we must take shelter in the mercy of God. All the things of the world are nothing in comparison with the great riches of being with Jesus Christ. What do you think Jesus was writing in the dirt? What would you have done if you had a stone? Do you think the woman deserved to be punished? How do you think she felt when she left? Do you think she sinned again? Jesus forgives and invites us to stop doing wrong and bad things. Do you need forgiveness for something now? Are you willing not to sin again? Share. Activity Prepare a box with a sign that read New Beginning Write on it this phrase of the Our Father Forgive our trespasses as we forgive hose who trespass again us. Cut an incision on the top Ask them to write the name of a person they need to forgive and place it on the box. When everyone has place the paper on the box the Our Father is prayed for the persons whose names are in the box and for each one of them. Prayer Lord, sometimes we judge the people around us harshly and are not able to acknowledge our own sinfulness. But You forgive us, regardless of what we have done. Give us understanding. Give us the strength to start on a new path with you. Amen

12 Jesus died on a cross. Then he rose to new life. Someday, we will rise to new life, too. Have you noticed the cross in your church? The cross in an important symbol of our faith. It reminds us that it s nor always easy to love as Jesus did. Crosses also remind us that Jesus always loves us. He teaches us, he heals us, and he helps us to love. On the cross, write words or draw pictures that show the ways that Jesus loves you. L A E O V N E N V O O E A T E H V Y H D I E O O S R START HERE L S U Write down the letter that the arrow points to. Moving clockwise, skip a letter and write down the next. Continue until your reveal a special message from Jesus to you! LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I LOVED YOU 2008 and 2001 Pflaum Publising Group, Dayton ( ) Permission is granted by the publisher to reproduce this page for non commercial use only

13 Friends of Jesus and Mary Palm Sunday March 28, 2010 Readings: Luke 19, ;Isaiah 50, 4-7; Psalm 21; Philippians 2, 6-11; Luke 22, 14-23, 56 The Triumphant Approach to Jerusalem (Luke 19, 28-40) After Jesus said this, he went on in front of them toward Jerusalem. As he came near Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead with these instructions: Go to the village there ahead of you; as you go in, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If someone asks you why you are untying it, tell him that the Master needs it. They went on their way and found everything just as Jesus had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, Why are you untying it? The Master needs it, they answered, and they took the colt to Jesus. Then they threw their cloaks over the animal and helped Jesus get on. As he rode on, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near Jerusalem, at the place where the road went down the Mount of Olives, the large crowd of his disciples began to thank God and praise him in loud voices for all the great things that they had seen: God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God! then some of the Pharisees in the crowd spoke to Jesus. Teacher, they said, command your disciples to be quiet! Jesus answered; I tell you that if they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting. (Luke 19, 28-40) Reflection Today we read the Passion of Jesus, which is a summary of our faith. With which character do we identify? Jesus did not seek death, but neither did he yield in his mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God: a Kingdom of love, justice and forgiveness. His life was all about loving, no matter the cost. The same people who acclaimed Jesus on Sunday wanted to kill him by Friday. Whose opinions make you lose your convictions? Jesus knew that, if he went to Jerusalem, the leaders would try to kill him. But He was determined to fulfill his mission. Jesus knew that the Father was always with him. When you are determined to do something good, how do you face difficulties? Do you give up easily? Share Activity Act out the scene of the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. Dress up one of the children as Jesus. Bring palms to the group and make a procession and ask them to wave the palms and shout: Bless be the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Every one then writes on a piece of paper how they wish to accompany Jesus in Holy Week and place it in the altar. Prayer Lord you know our good desires. Give us strength to continue walking in spite of the difficulties, persecutions and fears. Thank you for helping us to carry our cross. Give us strength to be faithful to you. Amen

14 Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem Palm Sunday (Mark 11:1-10) In the Bible story above, the people great Jesus as he enters the city of Jerusalem. They spread palm branches before him and shout, Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! We can greet Jesus every day as he enters our hearts and our lives. Make a palm=branch fan to remind yourself of how Jesus enters your own world every day. Trace the palm branch below. Make several copies. On each copy, write something you will do to honor Jesus. You can use your own ideas or borrow some from our list. Poke out the hole in each palm leaf, stack your leaves, and then insert a pronged fastener through the hole. Spread your leaves to make your fan. Ways I can Honor Jesus Obey my parents Visit the sick Say a Pray Help a neighbor Be Cheerful Share my toys Enjoy Nature Thanks God for good things Go to Church Make a card for someone 2001 Hi-Time Pflaum, Dayton, OH 45449( ). Permission is granted by the publisher to reproduce this page for classroom use only

15 Observe, each one of these stations of the VIA CRUSIS you can cut them out and stick them where ever you want. THE VIA

16 WALK WITH JESUS ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS THE WAY OF THE CROSS IS JESUS' WALK AS CARRIED THE CROSS TO THE HILL WHERE HE WAS CRUCIFIED. Jesus is condemned to death Children: Dear Jesus, you were condemned to death due to false witnesses. Help us to be always truthful and never lie. Jesus carries His Cross Children: Dear Jesus, because of your great love for us you carried the cross. We want to be like you. Help us to accept our difficulties and to help one another with you. Jesus fall the first time Children: Dear Jesus, help us to be always good and if we fail, forgive us and help us to try again. Jesus meets His Mother Children: Dear Jesus, we want to always console you. Help us to console and pray for those who suffer. Simon help Jesus carry the Cross Children: Dear Jesus, we promise to help everyone, as Simon did, specially Mom and Dad. Give us the grace to always help the one who needs it. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus Children: Dear Jesus, help us to have the courage to show kindness and compassion to others. Jesus fall a second time Children: Dear Jesus, our sins hurt you. Help us to be sorry every time that we misbehave. Jesus meets the woman crying for Him Children: Dear Jesus, sometimes we cry when things don't turn the way we want, and we make others feel bad. Help us not to hurt our parents again with our foolishness. Jesus fall a third time Children: Dear Jesus, you are teaching us that even if we fail many times, we can always star again with the help of your grace. Jesus is stripped of His garments Children: Dear Jesus, clothe us with your grace to protect our innocence. Jesus is nailed to the Cross Jesus dies on the Cross Jesus is placed in His Mother's arms Jesus is placed in the Tomb The Resurrection of Jesus Children: Dear Jesus, when you were nailed to the cross, you forgave all our sins. Help us to be obedient and good, and ready to forgive all those who offend us. Children: Dear Jesus, thank you for your great love, for giving your life for us. We want to love you more every day and make our lives a source of joy for you. Children: Dear Mother, you cleaned your son's wounds with such love! Help us to love everyone who wounds us. Children: Dear Jesus, prepare our hearts for you, make us your home and help us love you more. Children: Dear Father, we thank you for having given us your Son Jesus. Fill our hearts with your love, so that we may imitate Jesus ans follow the way that brings us to you Kingdom. Amen. ALL: DEAR JESUS, I HAVE SINNED. FOR YOUR SUFFERING AND YOUR DEATH ON THE CROSS, HAVE MERCY ON ME AND ALL SINNERS. TEACH ME TO LOVE JESUS. MOTHER MARY,

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18 FORMULARIO DE INSCRIPCIONES - PARA EXTERNOS VI Congreso Internacional de Líderes de Grupos Amigos de Jesús y María Julio 15 18, 2010 REGISTRATION FORM FOR EXTERNS VI International Congress for Prayer Nest Leaders Friends of Jesus and Mary July 15 18, 2010 Nombre/Name Dirección/Address Ciudad/City País/Country Zona Postal/Zip Code Tel: Fax: Traducción simultanea al ingles sin costo extra- Simultaneous translation to English at no extra cost For reservation kindly send your payment of $ Days Para hacer su reservación, favor enviar el deposito de $ Días This price does not include food/este precio no incluye las comidas Food / Comidas Breakfast / Desayuno $ 5.00 Lunch / Almuerzo $ 8.00 Dinner / Cena $ 9.00 Thursday / Jueves 15 NO NO Friday / Viernes 16 Saturday / Sabado 17 Sunday / Domingo 18 Food/Pago Comida Paid Congress /Pago Congreso Total Paid/Total Pagos Cash/Efectivo Type/Tipo Check/Cheque Credit Card/Tarjeta de Crédito# Expiration date/fecha de expiración

19 COMPLETE EL FORMULARIO Y ENVIELO A/ FILL THIS FORM AND MAIL IT TO FLORIDA CENTER FOR PEACE 9779 SW 72 ST MIAMI, FL FORMULARIO DE INSCRIPCIONES - PARA INTERNOS VI Congreso Internacional de Líderes de Grupos Amigos de Jesús y María Julio 15 18, 2010 REGISTRATION FORM FOR INTERNS VI International Congress for Prayer Nest Leaders Friends of Jesus and Mary July 15 18, 2010 Nombre/Name Dirección/Address Ciudad/City País/Country Zona Postal/Zip Code Tel: Fax: Costo/ Cost: $ Incluye hospedaje, comidas y transporte. (Aeropuerto casa de retiro - aeropuerto) Includes accommodations, meals for three days & transportation. (Airport retreat house - airport) Noche adicional / Additional night - $40.00 US. Traducción simultanea al ingles sin costo extra- Simultaneous translation to English at no extra cost Pagado/Paid: Efectivo/Cash Cheque/Check Tarjeta de crédito/credit card # Tipo/Type Fecha de expiración/expiration date Fecha de su suscripción/subscripción date Deseo compartir la habitación con / I will like to share my room with Día de llegada/arrival date Hora/Hour Aerolínea/Airline Vuelo # / flight # Día de salida/departure date Hora/Hour Aerolínea/Airline Vuelo # / flight #