The Transfiguration of the Lord

Transcription

1 The Transfiguration of the Lord August 6, 2017 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Daniel 7:9 10, Psalm 97:1 2, 5 6, 9 (1a, 9a) 2 Peter 1:16 19 Matthew 17:1 9 iiwhat is the most powerful experience of God you have shared as a family? What emotions do you remember feeling: fear? excitement? awe? iiclimbing up the mountain with Jesus symbolizes the amount of effort needed to be a Christian disciple. Reflecting upon your family s efforts in discipleship, what areas need some work? What areas are working well right now? iithe voice of God the Father instructed the Apostles to listen to Jesus, his Son. How well do we listen to Jesus? Set up a small prayer table or area in your home. Add a cross or crucifix, Bible, and candle. Let your family know that you will all formally gather together for prayer for about fifteen minutes daily this week. This time will be used to pray together or read from Scripture. Use the prayer on this page or another most familiar to your family. This week, lead the prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to open your hearts and minds to the Word of God. Then, have one member of the family prayerfully read the Gospel passage one evening. After a moment of silence, invite family members to share their reflections aloud. End with a closing prayer. Peter s offer to build three shelters for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus may be a reference to the Jewish Feast of Booths, or Sukkot. During this autumnal holy day, Jews built open-air structures and spent a few nights in them to remind them of the forty years their ancestors spent in the desert. The tabernacles or booths built during Sukkot and those Peter wishes to build should remind us of God s promise to dwell with his people, primarily fulfilled in Jesus, God made flesh. As a family, do some research on this festival and, if the weather allows, hold an overnight campout in the backyard.

2 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 13, 2017 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. St. Peter is the main character in a number of Gospel accounts. Keep a list of the stories where he is featured. (You might have a Bible handy!) Each night this week, read one from your list. Together, discuss Peter s actions and motivations. Do you agree or disagree with his choices? Why or why not? 1 Kings 19:9a, 11 13a Psalm 85:9, 10, 11 12, (8) Romans 9:1 5 Matthew 14:22 33 iiask each family member to name his or her greatest fear. How can other family members provide comfort and support? How might you keep your focus on God? iiin times of distress or need, what sources of comfort do you turn to? Where do you find God in moments like those? If possible, take your family on a boat ride. Plan the trip as part of an outing for the day, perhaps including a picnic. Offer a prayer of thanks to God for the gifts of the natural beauty of God s creation and for each other s company. At the end of the week, decide together on your family s favorite Peter story and why.

3 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary August 15, 2017 Revelation 11:19a; 12:1 6a, 10ab Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16 (10bc) 1 Corinthians 15:20 27 Luke 1:39 56 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Place a small statue of Mary on your prayer table today. Today, gather as a family to pray the Rosary, or recite a Hail Mary. iiwhat blessings are we thankful for? iiwhat good news have we shared with one another lately? with someone who is far from you? The Solemnity of the Assumption focuses our attention on Mary s heavenly glory. Together as a family, read one of the books in C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia. (If you are unfamiliar with the series, you can begin with The Magician s Nephew.) Discuss the ways Narnia is reminiscent of the Kingdom of God.

4 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 20, 2017 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. The act of anointing is an integral part of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which is one of the Catholic sacraments of healing. Incorporate a symbolic act of anointing into your family prayers this week. Using olive oil, anoint each other s foreheads with the Sign of the Cross. Pray to the Holy Spirit to bring peace to each member of your family. iiwho or what groups of people do you find it hardest to accept? Why? iiwhere is there the greatest need for peace and healing? Pray for the people of that area of the world. As a family, pray for those in your neighborhood or at school or at work that individuals in your family have had a hard time getting along with. (Try and picture this person or people in your mind as you pray.) As a family, ask God to help you set an example of love and forgiveness for others. Consider ministering to people you do not normally associate with. Volunteer as a family in a soup kitchen that serves the homeless or hungry. Participate in an interfaith prayer service hosted by a local church or synagogue. Or, your family might volunteer to serve as greeters or ushers for a month of Sunday masses. Isaiah 56:1, 6 7 Psalm 67:2 3, 5, 6, 8 (4) Romans 11:13 15, Matthew 15:21 28

5 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time August 27, 2017 Isaiah 22:19 23 Psalm 138:1 2, 2 3, 6, 8 (8bc) Romans 11:33 36 Matthew 16:13 20 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. During family prayers this week, offer prayers for the pope and his special intentions. You might also pray for the leaders of your parish and diocese. iiwhat are the most important qualities a leader must possess? iithe pope is Christ s representative on earth. How does the pope demonstrate this? Use Jesus question in this Sunday s Gospel, Who do you say that I am? in a game with your family. On slips of paper, have each family member list some positive or humorous characteristics, or give some little-known fact about himself of herself. Place all the slips into a basket, and draw out one slip at a time to read aloud. Guess who the person is based on the description on the slip. As an alternative to the game, each family member could offer up three statements about themselves, two that are true and one that is false. Let the others guess which are true and which is false.

6 Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time September 3, 2017 Jeremiah 20:7 9 Psalm 63:2, 3 4, 5 6, 8 9 (2b) Romans 12:1 2 Matthew 16:21 27 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Place a cross in the center of the dining room table. For the whole week, when you say grace, have each person in the family touch the cross. Conclude with a prayer to Jesus for the strength to take up the challenge of being good disciples and for the grace to support one another to love as Jesus loves. During family prayers, add an intercession for all those who are trying to do the right thing and finding the task difficult. Ask God to give them the courage to follow Jesus. iiwe all have responsibilities at home, such as doing chores and taking care of each other even when we might be tired or overwhelmed or busy with work or school. We might not always be in the best mood to do these things but we do them because we show our love and care for one another. How are the costs to discipleship similar to the cost of being a part of a family? iiin what way have you been thinking not as God does but as human beings do? The Holy Family is a wonderful model of discipleship for your own family to emulate. Use a Bible to look up the following passages and identify the qualities that make Jesus, Mary, and Joseph models for discipleship. Then, talk about how your family may adopt the same attitudes of trust in God, of service, and of a willingness to take up a cross even when it is a challenge to do so. Mary Luke 1:46 55 (Magnificat); Luke 1:26 38 (visitation of the angel Gabriel) Joseph Matthew 1:18 23; Matthew 2:19 23 Jesus John 13:12 15 (washing of the feet); Luke 22:41 42 (agony in the garden); Luke 2:41 49 (Jesus as a boy in the temple); Matthew 4:1 11 (temptation in the desert)

7 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time September 10, 2017 Ezekiel 33:7 9 Psalm 95:1 2, 6 7, 8 9 (8) Romans 13:8 10 Matthew 18:15 20 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. iiwhat is the most meaningful experience of community that you have ever had? iihow do we handle conflict? Are our strategies for resolving conflicts effective? If not, how could we improve them? Do some research on an organization dedicated to seeking peaceful solutions to conflict, such as Pax Christi ( Talk about what you can do together to support the work of this group. During family prayer this week, call upon the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Remind your family that he is always with us, even when we feel alone, afraid, rejected, or forgotten. Conclude your prayer by exchanging the sign of peace. (Explain to your child that this sign links us to the wider community of faith at Mass and reminds us of Jesus message of peace.)

8 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 17, 2017 Sirach 27:30 28:7 Psalm 103:1 2, 3 4, 9 10, (8) Romans 14:7 9 Matthew 18:21 35 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. As a family, participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. (Check your parish bulletin or call the rectory to find out Reconciliation times or if there is a community penance service being offered.) When you return home, talk about the experience. iiwhy is it so hard to forgive sometimes? iiare there any grudges between members of our family? What must we do to let go of them? Help your child with an examination of conscience. Are there people he or she has not truly forgiven, or people toward whom he or she still bears a grudge or feels resentful or angry? Make this week a time to forgive again by planning an activity to show the other person of your efforts to forgive. Can you try calling them on the phone? writing an or letter? Put your attempts in God s hands and ask him to help you let go of negative feelings.

9 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 24, 2017 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. Remind your family that God s ways are not like ours. God s love is generous beyond human understanding, and that we have a ways to go towards treating each other the same way as God treats us. This week, pray for the day laborers of the world and for those who are forced to work in unsafe or unfair working conditions. Pray for the adoption of fair trade practices throughout the world. iihow can we change our purchasing decisions to better support businesses that care for their workers? iiwhat are some small steps we can take to practice being as fair as God is? This week, as you shop for the family s household needs, look for product brands that carry Fair Trade labels or produce from companies that practice sustainable agriculture. Buy eggs and meat from growers and farmers who treat their animals humanely. You might incorporate what you learn and research about these companies into your conversation at the dinner table. Talk about how your support is an example of living the Gospel message. Isaiah 55:6 9 Psalm 145:2 3, 8 9, (18a) Philippians 1:20c 24, 27a Matthew 20:1 16a

10 Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 1, 2017 Ezekiel 18:25 28 Psalm 25:4 5, 6 7, 8 9 (6a) Philippians 2:1 11 or 2:1 5 Matthew 21:28 32 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. iias a family, what have we agreed to do and simply been putting off or procrastinating on? iiwhat is your most powerful experience of repentence? iihow would you define the virtue of obedience? This prayer to the Holy Spirit by Cardinal Mercier is an example of a prayer to be obedient. Pray it this week during family prayers. O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me your orders. The virtues of humility, patience, and obedience can be challenge in daily life. Talk with your child about what these virtues mean and give relatable examples. For example, you show humility when you don t take all the credit for a group project and acknowledge everyone s help and support to complete it. You show patience when you re tired but still care for and provide for your family at home. Challenge your family to put one of these virtues into practice this week.

11 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time October 8, 2017 Isaiah 5:1 7 Psalm 80:9, 12, 13 14, 15 16, (Isaiah 5:7a) Philippians 4:6 9 Matthew 21:33 43 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. Wine has been an important part of Christian and Jewish ritual for about three thousand years. Include some wine (or sparkling grape juice) as a part of a meal this week. Raise your cups (use wine glasses if practical) at the beginning of the meal. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all God s blessings. iihow do we, as a family, bear good fruit? iiwhy do some people lose touch with the presence of God in their lives? iiwhat is one sign of God s presence in our family life? Jesus reminds us in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard that we are called to work, to tend the vineyard of the Lord. Discuss the role each member in the family has at home, in school or at work, in society, in the community, in the Church. Explain what a vocation is that we are called to the vocations of the single life, married life, or to the priesthood or consecrated life. What interests does your child have? Do they align with their baptismal call to serve?

12 Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 15, 2017 Isaiah 25:6 10a Psalm 23:1 3a, 3b 4, 5, 6 (6cd) Philippians 4:12 14, Matthew 22:1 14 or 22:1 10 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. The sacraments of initiation are the three rites that introduce a person into the Christian Church: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This week, help your child remember his or her first invitation to God s banquet by sharing stories about his or her Baptism. If possible, show your child his or her baptismal certificate, candle, and gown, and talk about the promises you and the godparents made to bring him or her up in the faith. Look at photos. Ask your child what he or she remembers about the First Eucharist. Explain that we accept God s invitation to the banquet when we go to Mass and receive the Eucharist. iiwhat does the Kingdom of God look like to you? iiwhy did so many people in the parable not accept the king s invitation? In the United States, thousands of children suffer from food insecurity ; they do not know whether or not they will have enough to eat each day. Every community has organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry. As a family, find information about one of these organizations near you and volunteer to help by serving or distributing food, making a donation, or helping to package food.

13 Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 22, 2017 Isaiah 45:1, 4 6 Psalm 96:1, 3, 4 5, 7 8, 9 10 (7b) 1 Thessalonians 1:1 5b Matthew 22:15 21 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. October is the month of the Rosary. If your family hasn t been doing so already this month, pray the Rosary daily. This week, pray especially for those elected to government office, that God may work through them as they make decisions that have an impact to the citizens they represent. iihow do we live out a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our responsibilities to our faith? Is there room for improvement? iiis it possible to be a good citizen and a good Catholic? Look at different kinds of US coins with your child. Point out who is represented on the coin, as well as other symbols. Discuss their purpose and meaning of those portraits and symbols. Does what they represent about our nation and government also represent Christian values of faith, hope, and charity?

14 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 29, 2017 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. This week, refer to the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1 17) and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3 12). At dinnertime each night this week, ask family members to give examples of adherence to one of the Commandments or Beatitudes. Talk about challenges of following it and how you could help and support each other when you feel tested. iiwho or what in our lives serves as our moral compass? How does it point us toward God? iihow do Jesus commands to love God and neighbor connect with each other? iihow do the commandments Jesus gives us help us stay on our path to God? Together, make a list of five family rules. However, don t just think of simply the dos and don ts of the household; ensure the rules follow Jesus command to love God and love one another. You might consider rules such as As a family, we will pray together every day, or Every month, we will serve in our parish or community. Once you have all agreed to the list of rules, post them in a prominent place. Help each other to comply with the rules. Exodus 22:20 26 Psalm 18:2 3, 3 4, 47, 51 (2) 1 Thessalonians 1:5c 10 Matthew 22:34 40

15 Solemnity of All Saints November 1, 2017 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. Today is a Holyday of Obligation. We celebrate those who have gone before us in faith, whether those canonized as saints by the Church or our own deceased relatives and friends. This week, obtain a copy of the Litany of Saints. A litany consists of the name of the saint followed by the phrase, pray for us. Often the list begins or ends with a reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus. (Ask your pastor or director of faith formation for help or go to Pray the litany together during family prayers. Personalize the litany with favorite family saints. Revelation 7:2 4, 9 14 Psalm 24:1 2, 3 4, John 3:1 3 Matthew 5:1 12a iiwhich of the Beatitudes have we incorporated well into our family life? iiwhich of the Beatitudes have we failed to practice as a family? What can we do to improve? The Beatitudes give a very challenging framework of parenting, but they also promise great blessings and rewards. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, reflect on Blessed are the poor in spirit. While you might feel weak, inadequate, or overscheduled, remember what a blessing your child and your family are. Your role and what you do for your family qualifies you for a place in the Kingdom of heaven. Also reflect on Blessed are the peacemakers. Peace at home begins in the relationship between husband and wife. Children will emulate peaceful relationships with siblings and peers when they see their parents example.

16 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time November 5, 2017 Malachi 1:14b 2:2b, 8 10 Psalm 131:1, 2, 3 1 Thessalonians 2:7b 9, 13 Matthew 23:1 12 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. At dinner each night this week, have each family member serve another. Do this in silence to have each person focus on the action of putting food on a plate, pouring a drink in the glass, etc. iiwhat are some ways that we encourage one another to act with integrity in this family? iiwhat is one way we are living out our commitment to discipleship? iiwhat is one way we can improve our commitment? If there is a synagogue in your area, inquire about prayer services offered to the larger community. Consider attending one with your child or with your whole family to learn more about the faith tradition that gave birth to Christianity. If this is not possible, devote an hour one night this week to learning about the Jewish faith.

17 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time November 12, 2017 Wisdom 6:12 16 Psalm 63:2, 3 4, 5 6, 7 8 (2b) 1 Thessalonians 4:13 18 or 4:13 14 Matthew 25:1 13 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. Today s readings remind us that we need to live good lives now in order to be prepared for a time when we will go on to new life with God. During family prayers this week, reflect on some of the symbols of faith that we, as Christians, encounter in the course of our day. How many crucifixes are in your home, and where are they located? Where have you seen crucifixes outside your home? Do you have holy water at home? Where in the church or chapel can you find holy water? Do you light votive candles during prayer? Where might you also find candles in the church? iiwhen have we been prepared, and that preparation really made a difference in our family s experience? iido we sometimes fall into the trap of finding solace and happiness in material things? How can we rely more on God instead of these things? Help your child prepare a Readiness Kit, which includes all the tools your child will need to be on the alert for the presence of God, like the ten prepared virgins had been. Those young women in the Gospel parable watched for the arrival of the bridegroom and ensured that they had enough oil for their lamps. This kit will include items such as a small Bible, rosary, or prayer cards and booklets. They may also keep their reflection journal or booklet in the box, completed worksheets from class, or service certificates. Encourage your child to personalize and decorate the kit.

18 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 19, 2017 Proverbs 31:10 13, 19 20, Psalm 128:1 2, 3, 4 5 (see 1a) 1 Thessalonians 5:1 6 Matthew 25:14 30 or 25:14 15, Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. When your family gathers for daily prayer, have each call to mind one gift received from God. Pray: Loving God, help us to use our gifts and talents to continue the mission of your Son. Amen. iihow is God calling us as a family to share our gifts and talents with others in our community? iiwhat is one particular way we can become more involved as a family in the parish? iihave we thanked God lately for the gifts and talents we are blessed with? Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 23. Attend Mass together or spend some quiet time in front of the tabernacle. Explain to your child that it is a special place where the Eucharist is reserved for later use, like its distribution to the sick or homebound, or for the adoration of the faithful. Give thanks to God for all of the blessings your family has received in the past year. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for one another as well. Thanksgiving also offers a good opportunity to help out in a soup kitchen, food pantry, or thrift shop in your area that helps those in need. Inquire how you and your family (including your child) can help. Many organizations welcome the gift of time.

19 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 26, 2017 Ezekiel 34:11 12, Psalm 23:1 2, 2 3, 5 6 (1) 1 Corinthians 15:20 26, 28 Matthew 25:31 46 Prayer during Fall God of life and love, you are the source of all that we have and all that we are. Thank you for all you have created and for your abundant blessings. Make us good stewards of your gifts. May we broaden our minds by being open to new discoveries. May we strengthen our bodies by staying active and healthy. May we deepen our hearts through our prayer to you and through the love we show to others. iiwhat can we do as a family to meet the needs of the poor in our community? iiif today was Judgement Day, would you be ready? Why or why not? Prepare for Advent by deciding on a good place to set up your Advent wreath. Are there candles that need refreshing? Also, what appropriate religious or sacred family items, such as a Bible, may be placed near the wreath? In the Gospel today, Jesus is telling us that we must reach out to those in need. This is the mission of Jesus Christ and the mission of our Church. One way we can do this is by prayer. Together, write a prayer about the hungry being fed, the poor being clothed, the immigrant being welcomed, the sick being healed, and those in prison being supported. Pray this every night this week during family prayers.

20 First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 Prayer around the Advent Wreath Lord Jesus Christ, we await your Second Coming as we prepare for your First Coming at Christmas. Be near us now as we light the first candle of our Advent wreath. As this light grows brighter, we are reminded that you are already here, in your Word, in your Church, in the faces of those in need, and our love for each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Set up your Advent wreath on your prayer table or area. (If applicable, incorporate the wreath your child made in class this week.) After lighting the first candle, pray the Advent prayer together. iiwe are called to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. We are all called to holiness and to be active disciples of Jesus in the world because we have a crucial role as priest, prophet, and king. Specifically, how might we, as a family, prepare our hearts and lives during this Advent season? iihow can we each be better about turning ourselves more to God in moments when we are falling asleep on the watch? As we await the coming of Christ Jesus, have your family adopt another family in need. Inquire at your parish office or at Catholic Charities how your family may provide gift of warm winter clothing, toiletries, food, or toys and books for children. Include your child in selecting gifts. Isaiah 63:16b 17, 19b; 64:2 7 Psalm 80:2 3, 15 16, (4) 1 Corinthians 1:3 9 Mark 13:33 37

21 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 8, 2017 Genesis 3:9 15, 20 Psalm 98:1, 2 3ab, 3cd 4 Ephesians 1:3 6, Luke 1:26 38 Prayer around the Advent Wreath Lord Jesus Christ, we await your Second Coming as we prepare for your First Coming at Christmas. Be near us now as we light the first candle of our Advent wreath. As this light grows brighter, we are reminded that you are already here, in your Word, in your Church, in the faces of those in need, and our love for each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. iiwhat has been our most powerful experience of God? iiwhat kind of a response have we each made to the moments in our lives when God is calling to us? Do we have a sense of his divine plan for each of us? There have been a number of wonderful depictions of the Annunciation story and other events in the lives of Jesus and Mary painted by great artists throughout the centuries. Fra Angelico, a medieval monk, created a particularly beautiful one. Visit an art museum or look online to view. Say the Rosary together as a family. You may find instructions on how to pray the Rosary online. Rosaries may also be purchased inexpensively either online or from a local store that sells religious goods. The Joyful Mysteries feature the story of today s Gospel, the Annunciation.

22 Second Sunday of Advent December 10, 2017 Prayer around the Advent Wreath Lord Jesus Christ, we await your Second Coming as we prepare for your First Coming at Christmas. Be near us now as we light the first candle of our Advent wreath. As this light grows brighter, we are reminded that you are already here, in your Word, in your Church, in the faces of those in need, and our love for each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Isaiah 40:1 5, 9 11 Psalm 85:9 10, 11 12, (8) 2 Peter 3:8 14 Mark 1:1 8 iihow do we nurture a spirit of respect for differences in our family? in our workplaces or at school? in our parish community? iiwhat are we doing, individually and as a family, to prepare for the coming of Jesus? This week, reflect upon your child s Baptism. If possible, show your child the white candle that was given to you at your child s Baptism. Talk about the promises that were made at that celebration and explain to your child what it means to be part of the Body of Christ. During family prayers this week, light the first and second violet candles on the Advent wreath and say the Advent prayer above. Include a recitation of this ancient Christian prayer together several times: Ma-ra-na-tha ( Come, Lord Jesus ).

23 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017 Prayer around the Advent Wreath Lord Jesus Christ, we await your Second Coming as we prepare for your First Coming at Christmas. Be near us now as we light the first candle of our Advent wreath. As this light grows brighter, we are reminded that you are already here, in your Word, in your Church, in the faces of those in need, and our love for each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. During family prayers this week, light the first and second violet candles and the rose colored candle on the Advent wreath and say the Advent prayer above. The rosecolored candle signifies that we have reached a turning point in this season of Advent and focus on the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ. Add a few small votive candles to your prayer table to symbolize the Light of Christ. iibesides John the Baptist, who have been effective witnesses to the presence of Christ? Consider the examples of the saints or of people you know. How can we elevate ourselves to follow their example? iihow might we remember to keep the anticipatory spirit of Advent in our hearts amidst a busy time of shopping and secular festivities? Luminaria refers to the Mexican custom of lighting a path to your home to prepare the way for the Christ child. The paper lanterns are simple to make. Pour sand into a brown or white lunch-size paper bag, enough to create a secure foundation for a lit votive candle and to weight the bag. On Christmas Eve, line your front walk with the bags, and light the candles! Isaiah 61:1 2a, Luke 1:46 48, 49 50, (Isaiah 61:10b) 1 Thessalonians 5:16 24 John 1:6 8, 19 28

24 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, Samuel 7:1 5, 8b 12, 14a, 16 Psalm 89:2 3, 4 5, 27, 29 Romans 16:25 27 Luke 1:26 38 Prayer around the Advent Wreath Lord Jesus Christ, we await your Second Coming as we prepare for your First Coming at Christmas. Be near us now as we light the first candle of our Advent wreath. As this light grows brighter, we are reminded that you are already here, in your Word, in your Church, in the faces of those in need, and our love for each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. iihow do you perceive God s visit in your life? Have you been visited already? Have you been a visit from God in the life of others, especially for those in need? iiwhat is the most exciting and joyful news that you have shared with someone? If you have never gone to Midnight Mass as a family, do so this year. Spend a few moments when you return before going to bed (or opening presents!) sharing with one another why each member of the family is a gift to the others. Light all four candles of the Advent wreath as you recite the Advent prayer together. Before the excitement and celebration of Christmas, make sure to allow a few minutes of peace and quiet tonight. Playing a Christmas hymn in the background such as Silent Night may help create this brief oasis of peace.

25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord December 25, 2017 Isaiah 62:11 12 Psalm 97:1, 6, Titus 3:4 7 Luke 2:15 20 Prayer before the Nativity Scene Lord our God, here in a humble stable we see Joseph and Mary keeping watch over their newborn son. We see poor shepherds and animals whose manger serves as a bed for this baby, the Christ child: Mary s son and God s Son, helpless infant and mighty God. We are reminded of the happy truth of Christmas: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). Today, and throughout Christmas Time, consider how your family might fill your home with more light. Decorate your prayer table or Nativity scene with white Christmas lights or candles. Explain to your child that we are all called to be the light of the world by living as Christ Jesus taught us. iiwhat is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you when you did not expect it? iiwhy did the angels announce the Good News of Jesus birth to shepherds and not to someone else, like royalty or high-ranking important people? The Nativity Story is a 2006 film about the birth of Jesus Christ. Watch this movie with your child, and pay special attention to the relationship between Joseph and Mary in the film. After viewing, talk about your favorite scenes, or address any questions your child might have. Follow up by reading the Infancy narratives in the Gospels according to Matthew (1:18 2:12) or Luke (2:1 20). Compare these accounts to the visual portrayal in the film.

26 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph December 31, 2017 Genesis 15:1 6; 21:1 3 or Sirach 3:2 6, Psalm 105:1 2, 3 4, 5 6, 8 9 (7a, 8a) or Psalm 128:1 2, 3, 4 5 (see 1) Hebrews 11:8, 11 12, or Colossians 3:12 21 or 3:12 17 Luke 2:22 40 or 2:22, Prayer before the Nativity Scene Lord our God, here in a humble stable we see Joseph and Mary keeping watch over their newborn son. We see poor shepherds and animals whose manger serves as a bed for this baby, the Christ child: Mary s son and God s Son, helpless infant and mighty God. We are reminded of the happy truth of Christmas: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). If possible, add the figures of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to your prayer table. Incorporate the Rosary in your family prayers this week. You might also opt for an extended grace before one meal daily in which each person gives specific thanks for another member of the family. iiwhat are the essential qualities of a holy family? How has our family helped each other to become more Christ-like? iiwhat blessings within our family are you most grateful for? iifocus on the figure of the baby Jesus in the Nativity scene. What does this child s arrival mean for our salvation and redemption from sin and death? Though we are one Church, our experiences of worship can differ. Get copies of or go online for different bulletins from friends or family members who are members of different parishes. Compare the bulletins for similarities and differences. Attend Mass at another parish and afterward discuss how the liturgy was the same or different. Are there events or projects in the other parishes that you might like to suggest including at your parish?

27 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord January 7, 2018 Isaiah 60:1 6 Psalm 72:1 2, 7 8, 10 11, (see 11) Ephesians 3:2 3a, 5 6 Matthew 2:1 12 Prayer before the Nativity Scene Lord our God, here in a humble stable we see Joseph and Mary keeping watch over their newborn son. We see poor shepherds and animals whose manger serves as a bed for this baby, the Christ child: Mary s son and God s Son, helpless infant and mighty God. We are reminded of the happy truth of Christmas: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). Today we bless the doorways to our homes so we can welcome travelers and all who pass through them. With a piece of chalk write the following: 20 + C + M + B The 20 and 18 on either end represent the year that has begun. The four crosses remind us of the four seasons and the letters are the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Let it remind you to be welcoming all year long. iiduring this Christmas season, how have you been led closer to Jesus? iithe Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus. If you were to join them, what gifts would you bring to Jesus? The Wise Men traveled far to see the baby Jesus. Invite your family to travel to a different parish for Mass. Choose a parish and do a little research on it before attending Mass. Afterward, ask your family to share similarities and differences between your parish and this one.

28 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayer before the Bible Living God, your holy words, spoken long ago to people far away, January 14, 2018 are spoken to us, here and now. As we listen, fill our hearts with reverence and our minds with curiosity. Bring us back to your Word day after day, in times of joy and sorrow, in light and darkness, for your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). This week, recite the Prayer before the Bible and spend time reading portions of Psalm 119 (a prayer to God, the Lawgiver) aloud from the Bible. Allow a few moments of silence and then invite each family member to describe what word or words in the psalm stood out for him/her. (This psalm is very long. It gives praise to God for his laws and instructions. It is also read at Sunday Mass on the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time.) iihow does your private prayer and your participation in the worshiping community bring you closer to Jesus? iiwhat does Jesus want you to come and see? about yourself? about others? about the Church? iihow has your participation in the life of your parish helped you to come to know Jesus Christ? Do you take the time in your family to talk about God s call or vocations? Explain that each of us discerns a way to live our Baptismal call: for example, through single or married life, priesthood or consecrated life. Go to usccb.org to find out more about vocations and to download a prayer to know one s vocation. 1 Samuel 3:3b 10, 19 Psalm 40:2, 4, 7 8, 8 9, 10 (8a and 9a) 1 Corinthians 6:13c 15a, John 1:35 42 Recall that we bless ourselves with holy water upon entering or leaving the church, which reminds us of our Baptismal commitment and our continuing journey as Christ s disciples.

29 Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayer before the Bible Living God, your holy words, spoken long ago to people far away, January 21, 2018 are spoken to us, here and now. As we listen, fill our hearts with reverence and our minds with curiosity. Bring us back to your Word day after day, in times of joy and sorrow, in light and darkness, for your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). Each day this week, after family prayers, have a different family member talk about how Jesus Christ is calling him or her to be a good disciple. iihow do you experience the presence of Christ in your life? How will you turn around to be a better disciple of Christ? iiwhat is your greatest dream or hope concerning how you can make the world a better place? What is one step that you can take right now towards that goal? As a family, plan a night of outreach. You might invite others over for an evening activity at home. Do you know anyone who might be in need of companionship, or is new to the area, or facing some personal challenges? Offering a night of hospitality is a way for your family to learn compassion and giving, as well as giving consolation and comfort to another who needs it. Consider other ways you might practice outreach and how often. Jonah 3:1 5, 10 Psalm 25:4 5, 6 7, 8 9 (4a) 1 Corinthians 7:29 31 Mark 1:14 20

30 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 28, 2018 Deuteronomy 18:15 20 Psalm 95:1 2, 6 7, 7 9 (8) 1 Corinthians 7:32 35 Mark 1:21 28 Prayer before the Bible Living God, your holy words, spoken long ago to people far away, are spoken to us, here and now. As we listen, fill our hearts with reverence and our minds with curiosity. Bring us back to your Word day after day, in times of joy and sorrow, in light and darkness, for your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, there are two forms of exorcism, one of which is the minor form. Minor exorcisms are prayers used to break the influence of evil and sin in a person s life, whether as a catechumen preparing for Baptism or as one of the baptized faithful striving to overcome the influence of evil and sin in his or her life. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the Rite of Baptism for Children both call for minor exorcisms. iiwhat is one way we can help bring peace to our family and/or community? iiwhat evil spirit negative thought, anxiety, or sin do I need Jesus to cast out? Instead of time outs, try prayer outs whenever your child is feeling sad, angry, anxious, or frustrated. Pray with your child if he or she is having trouble calming down. Call upon Jesus Christ to expel the bad feelings and bring about a sense of peace.

31 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayer before the Bible Living God, your holy words, spoken long ago to people far away, February 4, 2018 are spoken to us, here and now. As we listen, fill our hearts with reverence and our minds with curiosity. Bring us back to your Word day after day, in times of joy and sorrow, in light and darkness, for your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). One of the Seven Sacraments of the Church is the Anointing of the Sick. It is a sacrament that only the ordained may carry out. A person who is ill does not need to wait until imminent death to receive an anointing, he or she may receive one before surgery or before the condition becomes serious. iihow well do I balance time for God, family, friends, and myself? iihow has each of us preached the Good News? What acts of healing and teaching have we done for others? This week, make a list of the ways each of you preaches how much God loves us not by words, but by actions and attitudes. Post your list on the fridge or in another prominent place and encourage each other to continue to preach the Good News by the ways you live. Job 7:1 4, 6 7 Psalm 147:1 2, 3 4, 5 6 (see 3a) 1 Corinthians 9:16 19, Mark 1:29 39

32 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayer before the Bible Living God, your holy words, spoken long ago to people far away, February 11, 2018 are spoken to us, here and now. As we listen, fill our hearts with reverence and our minds with curiosity. Bring us back to your Word day after day, in times of joy and sorrow, in light and darkness, for your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path (Psalm 119:105). This week, at family prayers, begin with a moment of silence to allow everyone to settle quietly. Then, offer prayers for family and friends who are ill. If possible, call out each person by name. Conclude with a prayer such as the Our Father. Leviticus 13:1 2, Psalm 32:1 2, 5, 11 1 Corinthians 10:31 11:1 Mark 1:40 45 iiwhat prayer of yours was answered in a way you did not expect? What did you discover about faith and about how God answered your request? iiwho are the people in your life who seem to be, like the leper in today s Gospel, on the outside looking in? How can you help them? Learn more about St. Damien of Molokai, who cared for those who had leprosy. Read more about him on a website on the saints or find a video about his life. Talk with your child about how St. Damien s actions, inspired by Christ, gave relief to people who were suffering.

33 First Sunday of Lent February 18, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Lent is a good time to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Together each night, examine the course of your day silently. Use the Ten Commandments as a basis and reflect on your thoughts, what you said, and what you did that either honored them or broke them. For those in your family who are able to participate in the sacrament, make time to do so every week if possible. Lectionary Readings Genesis 9:8 15 Psalm 25:4 5, 6 7, 8 9 (see 10) 1 Peter 3:18 22 Mark 1:12 15 iiwhat is the greatest temptation I have ever faced? How did God help me overcome it? iiwhat are some ways this Lenten season that you can spiritually go into the desert with Jesus? Enrich your Lenten Scripture experience by viewing artwork on the Sunday Gospel and reflecting on the commentary. This week, view a video on Christ s temptation in the desert which uses the Temptation of Christ, a twelfth century mosaic from the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice, Italy ( 1-of-lent-cycle-b.htm). Talk about how temptation is a part of life, just as it was for Jesus when he was on earth. In what ways can we walk (and stay on) the path of the Lord this Lent?

34 Second Sunday of Lent February 25, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Penitential Rite is said at the beginning of Mass. We recall our tendency to commit sin and acknowledge to ourselves and the community that we are asking for forgiveness. Try incorporating the words of the assembly during family prayers this week: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord, our God. Genesis 22:1 2, 9a, 10 13, Psalm 116:10, 15, 16 17, (116:9) Romans 8:31b 34 Mark 9:2 10 iihow can we transfigure, today, our personal and family life and the life of the community? iihow are our Lenten resolutions progressing? Plan to pray the Stations of the Cross at least one time this Lent. Check your parish bulletin for times. (If your parish youth group will be performing the Living Stations, attend with your child.)

35 Third Sunday of Lent March 4, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. During the season of Lent, we reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus. Introduce or review how to pray the Rosary to your family. The Sorrowful Mysteries help us to reflect on the Passion of Christ. (For guidance on how to pray the Rosary, ask your parish priest or go online to find directions.) The Sorrowful Mysteries are the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion. This week, pray the Rosary and reflect on these mysteries. How do they enrich your Lenten prayer experience? iiare we passionate about anything in our lives today? iiare we filled with a deep and burning love for the things of God and for his Son, Jesus? Exodus 20:1 17 or 20:1 3, 7 8, Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 (John 6:68c) 1 Corinthians 1:22 25 John 2:13 25 iias our Lenten journey continues, check in with one another on your Lenten promises. How can you support one another as we approach the halfway point?

36 Third Sunday of Lent, Year A March 4, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Water plays an important role in many rituals within the Church. One night this week, perform a simple blessing with holy water. At family prayers this week, let each family member dip his/her fingers in the water and make the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of another. (Ask at your parish office where you may obtain some. Remember that holy water must never be disposed of in a sink. Allow the water to evaporate or dispose of it directly into the earth.) The woman told everyone she knew about Jesus. iiwho told you about Jesus? iiwho can you tell? What will you say? The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent are devoted to the Scrutinies for the people who are about to be baptized. This is a good time to look at our own lives to see in what ways we are most like Jesus and what aspects of our lives that we need to change. Take some time to talk about these together as a family. Then, invite everyone who is able to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Exodus 17:3 7 Psalm 95:1 2, 6 7, 8 9 Romans 5:1 2, 5 8 John 4:5 42 or 4:5 15, 19b 26, 39a, 40 42

37 Fourth Sunday of Lent March 11, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. To remind yourselves of the presence of Christ s light in your life, add a lit candle to your prayer table. Ask Christ to guide your family more clearly into his light during this Lent. iireflect on God s faithfulness to you. How has his faithfulness opened your eyes? How will it guide you this week? iihow does faith in Christ make life a little clearer? How has God guided you through dark times? Practice a corporal work of mercy by organizing a spring cleaning weekend at home. Ask each family member to find three to five high-quality, still-useful items that would be appreciated by those in need and donate them to your favorite charity. Pray together for those who will receive them. 2 Chronicles 36:14 16, Psalm 137:1 2, 3, 4 5, 6 (6ab) Ephesians 2:4 10 John 3:14 21

38 Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year A March 11, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Focus your family prayer this week on the sense of touch, which is an important element in Catholic rituals. At Mass we make the Sign of the Cross and sign ourselves before we listen to the Gospel. When we exchange the Sign of Peace we shake each other s hands. In the Sunday Gospel, Jesus touched the blind man eyes and healed him. Join hands and pray to be transformed and opened to the Light of Christ. 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6 7, 10 13a Psalm 23:1 3a, 3b 4, 5, 6 Ephesians 5:8 14 John 9:1 41 or 9:1, 6 9, 13 17, iithe blind man did not ask for help, unlike many of the others whom Jesus healed. Why do you think Jesus healed him? iihow are you able to feel or see the presence of God? Teach your child how to look for these signs in the world. Research what resources are available for members of the community who are blind, such as the Xavier Society ( org), and how sighted members of the community can offer forms of assistance, such as recording books to make them more accessible. Consider offering your family s service.

39 Fifth Sunday of Lent March 18, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Jeremiah 31:31 34 Psalm 51:3 4, 12 13, (12a) Hebrews 5:7 9 John 12:20 33 iithink about a time when you didn t see past a certain challenge or a difficulty. Reflecting on it now, could you see that something new or positive emerged from it? Share your thoughts. iiwho are the people in your lives who bring you hope and life? How do they do this? Has your family thought about the gift of life in organ donation? Learn more and prayerfully consider how your family members can make provisions to donate organs after they die. This week, at family prayers, invite each member of the family to share any stories or prayers that express the difference Jesus makes in his or her life. How does Christ s sacrifice make an impact to your family s life?

40 Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year A March 18, 2018 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. This week, pray for the dead all those whom you know and those who have no one to pray for them. Recite the prayer: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Close your family prayer by continuing to pray for strength. iijesus cried at the tomb of Lazarus. What does this tell us about how much he loved his friend? iihow is Jesus a model for us when we are sad or when we lose someone we love? iibefore Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb he prayed first to his Father. Do you take time to pray, to ask God s help and thank God when you do some important work? You might take your child or the entire family to visit the grave of a family member or close friend this week. Or you light a candle at church in their memory. Whether you are at the cemetery or in church, remember to say a prayer for your departed loved one. Ezekiel 37:12 14 Psalm 130:1 2, 3 4, 5 6, 7 8 Romans 8:8 11 John 11:1 45 or 11:3 7, 17, 20 27, 33b 45

41 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord March 25, 2018 Isaiah 50:4 7 Psalm 22:8 9, 17 18, 19 20, (2a) Philippians 2:6 11 Mark 14:1 15:47 or 15:1 39 Prayer before the Crucifix Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the crucifix, we remember your suffering, we ponder your sacrifice, we see your love. May this image of your suffering make us patient with our own burdens. May this reminder of your sacrifice help us to give ourselves for others. May this image of your love make us more loving people. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. After you receive blessed palms at Mass, place them on your family s prayer table at home. Let them remind you of how great God s love is for all of us. This week, pray the Prayer before the Crucifix or pray the Rosary and reflect on the Sorrowful Mysteries. iiwhen have we, like Simon, helped someone carry a heavy burden? iiwhen is it difficult to admit that we are followers of Jesus? Have we thought about how this is a denial of him? iithis week, how will we show that we honor Jesus as the Christ and Son of God? The liturgies of the Triduum (the three days ) are the highest holy days of the Church. Plan to attend at least one, if not all, of these liturgies as a family. Check your parish bulletin or website for Mass times for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, when adults in RCIA come into full communion with the Church, and Easter Sunday.

42 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord April 1, 2018 Acts 10:34a, Psalm 118:1 2, 16 17, (24) Colossians 3:1 4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b 8 Sequence: Victimae paschali laudes John 20:1 9 or Mark 16:1 7 or Luke 24:13 35 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Create (or refresh) a prayer table in your home for this Easter season, using white and gold for decoration. Inquire how to get a bottle of holy water from your parish to add to the prayer table. Since holy water is blessed, it cannot be poured down a drain. If needed, take it outside and pour it straight into the earth. Should some spill, allow it to evaporate. Add a white pillar candle and have your child light it at prayer time, saying, Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. iihow does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead change the meaning of your life? iiimagine you are at the empty tomb with Mary Magdalene. How would you have felt? What would you have said to Mary? Before or after Mass, allow your child to observe the markings on the Paschal candle. Explain that each one has a meaning. The numbers indicate the calendar year. The cross reminds us of the Passion and Death of Christ. The alpha and omega remind us that Christ is the beginning and end of all things. The five pieces of incense inserted into the cross represent the five wounds of Jesus.

43 Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday April 8, 2018 Acts 4:32 35 Psalm 118:2 4, 13 15, (1) 1 John 5:1 6 John 20:19 31 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Continue to light the candle on your prayer table during family prayers this Easter season. Before prayers, have your family members bless themselves with holy water. Remind them that the water recalls our Baptisms. iihow have you experienced the mercy of God recently? iiwho are you being called to forgive at this time in your life? In this Sunday s Gospel, we hear about doubting Thomas. Do you know someone who has stopped going to church or who has started to question his or her beliefs? Make an effort today to reach out to this person, just as the Apostles did when they kept Thomas with them in the upper room. This week is an opportune time to draw doubting Thomases back to God. Invite that person to Mass with you and your family, expressing your desire to have his or her presence in the community again.

44 Third Sunday of Easter April 15, 2018 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Continue to light the candle on your prayer table during family prayers this Easter season. This week, extend a sign of peace to one another. You might also include the words, The peace of Christ be with you. iihow do you imagine eternal life? Does it reassure you that the resurrection involves eternal life of body and soul? iihow might each of you become peace builders in the ways you speak or act towards one other at home? at school? in the workplace? Reflect upon the Sign of Peace that we share with others at Mass. Christ s peace is shared among the assembly. Talk about how we also know Christ s peace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Set aside time this week for your family members who are able to receive this special grace, God s forgiveness and gift of peace. Acts 3:13 15, Psalm 4:2, 4, 7 8, 9 (7a) 1 John 2:1 5a Luke 24:35 48

45 Fourth Sunday of Easter April 22, 2018 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! This week, pray Psalm 23 during family prayers. Light the candle. Ask your child to read the psalm slowly and prayerfully (or have everyone read a verse). This psalm evokes the image of the Good Shepherd Jesus uses to describe himself in the Sunday Gospel. iijesus uses the image of shepherd and sheep to tell us how much God loves and cares for us. How may we become faithful followers of the Good Shepherd? iisheep rely on their shepherd for everything they need. Do you put your trust in Jesus and depend on him to give you what you need? The image of sheep reminds us that lambs wool is often used to make warm clothing. One of the corporal works of mercy is to clothe the naked. Although the weather in North America grows warmer, the need for clothing especially warm ones is a year-round need. What donations can your family make to your local shelter? Each morning this week, as you dress for work or school, pray for those who are in need of good clothing. Acts 4:8 12 Psalm 118:1, 8 9, 21 23, 26, 28, 29 (22) 1 John 3:1 2 John 10:11 18

46 Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Continue to light the candle on your prayer table during family prayers this Easter season. This week, pray especially for individuals you know who are going through a hard time. Remember them in your prayer, reminding yourselves that you are all part of the same vine and are called to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ. iiin what ways does Jesus grace flow through us individually or personally? iiwhat are some ways the love and grace of Jesus flows through our family? In addition to praying for your friends and acquaintances who are having a hard time, perform an act of service in your community. You might consider making these friends dinner, offering to help with a household chore, or assisting at your local food pantry. If possible, include your whole family or your child in this chosen act of service. Remind your child how you are connected to those in need, and how serving them helps you, too, because we are all a part of the same body of Christ. Acts 9:26 31 Psalm 22:26 27, 28, 30, (26a) 1 John 3:18 24 John 15:1 8

47 Sixth Sunday of Easter May 6, 2018 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Continue to light the candle on your prayer table during family prayers this Easter season. At the conclusion of prayers this week, have each family member say one loving thing for another family member or for the whole family. iihow do you define love? iiwhat might your last spoken words be to those you love? Check your parish bulletin for an outreach activity or community project that you can participate in as a family. (For example: volunteering to serve in the parish food pantry; working in the thrift shop; participating in a fundraiser to help a group in need.) Reflect upon the experience afterward; ask your child for his or her thoughts on how the project demonstrated how we love one another as Christ asks. Acts 10:25 26, 34 35, Psalm 98:1, 2 3, 3 4 (see 2b) 1 John 4:7 10 John 15:9 17

48 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord May 10/13, 2018 Acts 1:1 11 Psalm 47:2 3, 6 7, 8 9 (6) Ephesians 1:17 23 or Ephesians 4:1 13 or 4:1 7, Mark 16:15 20 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Invite your child to use his or her religious imagination to think about what heaven is like. Research an image to place on your prayer table this week. Ask your child about what he or she has heard at Mass. What is said about heaven at Mass? What is prayed at Mass that tells us that Jesus is always with us forever? iihow can we continue the mission of Jesus? iihow is our family spreading the Gospel message? Whether it is celebrated on Thursday or on the following Sunday, plan to attend Mass together to celebrate this joyful feast. After Mass, spend some time as a family in front of the Tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament (the consecrated hosts). Remind your child that the Risen Christ who ascended into heaven is fully present here.

49 Seventh Sunday of Easter May 13, 2018 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! Despite what Jesus teaches, we often underestimate the power of prayer. This week, pray for particular intentions that each family member has. Be sure to include intentions for the wider community. Pray in a spirit of trust that God is listening and will respond. iisaints and martyrs have suffered for the faith. Who has been a particular role model for you or your family? iihow are you being called to witness to God s love in your family and your community at this time? In this Sunday s Gospel, we are reminded that we are not of the world, just as Jesus is not of the world. This week, practice living out of the world. Turn off phones, computers, and the TV. Avoid the shopping centers and busy public places. Instead, take time to pray in solitude, or to read Scripture. Just as Jesus went off by himself to pray sometimes, we need to be alone with God, too. Later, gather with the family to talk about your individual experiences. Acts 1:15 17, 20a, 20c 26 Psalm 103:1 2, 11 12, (19a) 1 John 4:11 16 John 17:11b 19

50 Pentecost Sunday May 20, 2018 Easter Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, when your disciples laid you in the tomb it seemed like the end of all their hopes, but you rose from death to everlasting life. May your Resurrection change our lives. May your victory give us courage and strength. May your love make us more loving to each other. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia! During family prayers this week, pray especially to the Holy Spirit. Ask of the Spirit to continue to guide, transform, and inspire each of you to follow the example of Jesus. iiwhat evidence do you see in your life that reminds you that God is present? iihow has the Holy Spirit inspired you or given you courage? iiwhat truth are you seeking from God the Father at this time? The Spirit is described in many different ways in the Bible. Gather as a family and read the following passages in the Old Testament aloud: Isaiah 42:1 3, Isaiah 61:1 3, and Joel 3:1 3. Discuss which one best describes the Spirit and why. What qualities of the Spirit resonated in each of the passages? Acts 2:1 11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29 30, 31, 34 (see 30) 1 Corinthians 12:3b 7, or Galatians 5:16 25 Sequence: Veni, Sancte Spiritus John 15:26 27; 16:12 15

51 Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity May 27, 2018 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. The Sign of the Cross is a ritual blessing for us Catholics. This week, say this prayer slowly and intentionally. Talk about what the words In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit mean when associated with the gestures of touching the forehead, the heart, and the shoulders in the form of a cross. iitoday we reflect on how God invites us into a relationship with him Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How can your actions this week reflect the action of God in the world? iihave you thought about the meaning of the Sign of the Cross whenever you bless yourself? While the Holy Trinity is a mystery that can never be understood, many artists througout the ages have offered their own personal images of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As a family, plan a tour of a local art museum in order to view some of this devotional art by master artists. (Alternatively, plan a virtual visit by going online.) Deuteronomy 4:32 34, Psalm 33:4 5, 6, 9, 18 19, 20, 22 (12b) Romans 8:14 17 Matthew 28:16 20

52 Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ June 3, 2018 Exodus 24:3 8 Psalm 116:12 13, 15 16, (13) Hebrews 9:11 15 Sequence: Lauda Sion Mark 14:12 16, Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. In today s Gospel, Jesus gave his disciples very specific and deliberate instructions to prepare for their Passover meal, conveying that this gathering was very important and required careful planning. Pray together that God will help your family make your celebration of the Eucharist the highlight of your week. Pray especially for those who do not have enough to eat or who hunger spiritually. Before meals, thank God for the food and the family and friends who share it with you. iiall meals require some kind of planning and preparation just as our Sunday liturgy also requires planning and preparation. What might we do as a family to prepare ourselves better for the celebration of the Eucharist? iihow does it make you feel to know that each week at Mass you are receiving the Real Presence of Christ when you receive the host and drink from the chalice at Holy Communion? iihow else have you experienced the presence of Christ in your prayer life, your family life, and in your service to the community? Be specific. In the beginning of today s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples to make preparations for the Passover meal. Like most meals, the Passover meal required planning and preparation. As you gather as a family, discuss what is required to prepare for your family meals. Plan a special Sunday meal together by choosing the menu, preparing the shopping list, and assigning duties for cooking, setting the table, preparing decorations, leading the prayers, and cleaning.

53 Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time June 10, 2018 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Add photos of your family and beloved friends to your prayer table to remind you to pray for them and their intentions this week. To remind yourselves that the family of God is much bigger than our immediate circle of loved ones, write the names of people or groups who need prayers on a sheet of paper. Invite your family to add the names of work colleagues, classmates, teachers, neighbors, or even groups of people (such as refugees in places of conflict) they do not know to the list. Pray for all the people who are listed. iihow do you define family? Genesis 3:9 15 iiis family a help or a hindrance in being a part of the Christian community? Provide your child with a photograph that includes all the members of your immediate family. Paste the photo in the center of a large sheet of drawing paper. Have your child draw additional family members around the photo. This larger family of God could include classmates, neighbors, and church friends such as your pastor or religious education teacher. Encourage your child to be creative as he or she adds as many people as possible to the family drawing. Don t forget to add Jesus! Psalm 130:1 2, 3 4, 5 6, 7 8 (7bc) 2 Corinthians 4:13 5:1 Mark 3:20 35

54 Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time June 17, 2018 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Every time we pray the Our Father, we say, thy kingdom come. Include this prayer in your family prayers this week. Ezekiel 17:22 24 Psalm 92:2 3, 13 14, (see 2a) 2 Corinthians 5:6 10 Mark 4:26 34 iiwhat does thy kingdom come mean? Why do we pray for God s Kingdom to come iiwhat are we called to do to build God s Kingdom on earth? Reinforce the theme of growth from today s Gospel by doing an art project together with your child. Using construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers, have your child draw an outline of a tree with branches. Write the title at the top of the sheet: How My Faith Grows. Cut leaf shapes large enough for your child to write a phrase. On each leaf, write down one way your family may grow as Christians (examples might be: going to Mass, praying, reading the Bible, helping a friend in need). Glue these leaves to the tree and display the artwork during Ordinary Time as a reminder for your family to continue growing in faith.

55 The Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 24, 2018 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Pray the Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1:68 79) during family prayers this week. These are the words that Zechariah spoke after he regained his faith in God and realized that God had a special plan for his son John. iihow does Zechariah s prayer express praise to God for all of his blessings? iiin what way are you being called to prepare the way of the Lord as John the Baptist was? Today s readings tell us that God knows each of us even while we are still in the womb. He calls us by name, and has a plan and mission for each of us. This week, tell your child about his or her birth. How did you feel when you found out about him or her? What time was your child born, and where? How did family and friends react when they first met your child as a baby? It is also a good time to share photos or mementos of your child s birth and early years. Isaiah 49:1 6 Psalm 139:1 3, 13 14, (14a) Acts 13:22 26 Luke 1:57 66, 80

56 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 1, 2018 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Recite the prayer on this page together as a family. This week, pray particularly for people you know who are in need of healing, companionship, food, shelter. iia little girl was raised back to life in today s Gospel account. What does this action of Jesus teach us for our family and for our community? iiwhat kind of healing do you and your family need from the Risen Christ right now? The movie Lorenzo s Oil is about a family that struggles to obtain a medicine that will help heal their child, who has a rare medical condition. Watch the film together as a family. Afterward, invite your family members to talk about scenes in the movie that touched them or disturbed them. Reflect on the following: How does the film demonstrate the power of love to help us through and to transform difficult situations? How does the medical profession continue the healing ministry of Jesus? Wisdom 1:13 15; 2:23 24 Psalm 30:2, 4, 5 6, 11, 12, 13 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, Mark 5:21 43 or 5:21 24, 35b 43

57 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 8, 2018 Ezekiel 2:2 5 Psalm 123:1 2, 2, Corinthians 12:7 10 Mark 6:1 6a Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. This week, set aside one hour for family prayer together every evening. Ask each member of your family to begin by giving thanks to God for his presence at work, at school, in nature, or in the face of a friend or stranger and then to tell how they recognized God during that day. iihave there been times in our lives, individually or as a family, when it was hard to have faith? How were these challenges overcome? iido you think God has faith in us? How? Talk to your child this week about your family s journey in faith. If you come from a long line of Catholics, show your children photos of their grandparents and great-grandparents and talk about the example in faith that these people set for you growing up. If your family is new to the Catholic faith, talk about what made you or your family decide to become Catholics and about the experience of conversion and Baptism. If you and your partner do not share a religious denomination and have decided to raise your children Catholic or with both faiths, talk about how you arrived at that decision and why it was important to you that your child learn about the Catholic faith.

58 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 15, 2018 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Amos 7:12 15 Psalm 85:9 10, 11 12, Ephesians 1:3 14 or 1:3 10 Mark 6:7 13 iiwhy do you think Jesus sent the disciples two by two instead of sending them alone? iido you think that Jesus sends us two by two, as well? Who are some of the good partners Jesus has given you in your lives? Remember missionaries abroad and in the United States in your prayers this week. If you know anyone who is serving as a missionary, pray for that person. Pray for all those who travel to distant places in order to help those in need. This week, discuss as a family the ritual gestures we perform during the liturgy, such as standing to hear the Gospel, kneeling/genuflecting, bowing, or making the Sign of the Cross. Put yourselves in the mindset of a missionary, who is tasked with introducing people to Jesus and teaching them about God. How would you increase people s understanding of our faith? How would you communicate the meaning of those gestures? Continue the conversation throughout the week.

59 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 22, 2018 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. This week, whenever you feel too tired to do something you know you ought to do, pray: Jesus, give me the strength to do what I need to do. Teach your family members to do the same. Perhaps this could be a prayer to start the day before everyone leaves home for the day. Jeremiah 23:1 6 Psalm 23:1 3, 3 4, 5, 6 Ephesians 2:13 18 Mark 6:30 34 iihow does it make you feel to know that Jesus heart is moved with pity for us, and that he will always help us when we need him? iiwhat do you think the Gospel means when it says that the people were like sheep without a shepherd? What would happen to sheep that had no shepherd? The disciples in this week s Gospel probably thought that they had done some really good work and deserved a break. They may have felt surprised that Jesus started to help the crowds of people, even though he just invited the disciples to rest. Obviously, Jesus wanted to set the example that taking care of the needs of others comes first. This week, take whatever good you already do for others and bring it to a new level. As a family, think of ways all of you could go that extra mile for someone else.

60 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 29, Kings 4:42 44 Psalm 145:10 11, 15 16, Ephesians 4:1 6 John 6:1 15 Prayer during Summer Lord, God of all creation, we give praise and thanks to you for the summertime, a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to learn and a time to pray. May we use our time well, for it is your gift to us. Open our eyes to your presence in the beauty all around us. May we be good friends to others. Keep us safe in all that we do. Jesus disciples didn t believe that the loaves and fish were enough to feed the crowd, but with a simple prayer and deep faith Jesus demonstrates that anything is possible with God. This week, focus your family prayer on some of the major events in the world, such as wars or natural disasters, that can seem impossible for any one person to address. Trust that God hears your prayers and can do anything. iijesus calls us to have faith. Sometimes it s hard, though, especially when we re going through hard times or faced with painful challenges. How can we stay strong in our faith? iihave we remembered to give thanks to God for all his blessings, mindful that God will always provide for our needs? The experience of hunger can be physical or spiritual or emotional. What can you do this week to feed those who are hungry? Perhaps your family will pool your resources to buy nonperishable food or volunteer at a local food pantry. Or, you might give the gift of your presence and companionship to someone who is lonely or sad or feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.