Draft Family Program Materials

1. Watch this video and discuss what Lent will look like in your home and with your family this year.  What will you do in the areas of praying, fasting, and almsgiving?   
2. Watch this music video by Jeremy Camp.  Also, share your thoughts on these two quotations from St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Faith in action is love, and love in action is service”; “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” What speaks to you, in the video or in these quotations?
3. Watch this music video by Zach Williams and share your thoughts. What stands out to you? In what ways can you be more like Jesus?
4. In the month of February we celebrate Valentine’s Day.  The exchange of valentines, chocolates and flowers are just some of the ways we show our friendship or love for others. But what is love? And how can we best show it as Catholics?  Watch the following: video 1 and video 2. Discuss as a family the ways you can love and how it could strengthen your relationship with God. Consider continuing this wonderful activity throughout the Lenten season. 
5. Caring for God’s creation and being good stewards of our natural environment has been a foremost concern for Catholics in recent years, be it through reflections on scripture or through our Pope’s many teachings on this theme. Together, read the following selection from Pope Francis’s encyclical letter Laudato Si’, then watch this video. As a family, pray this prayer and discuss ways you can make a difference, beginning in your home and local community. Make a list of these ideas and submit it.
6. Watch this video and listen to Fr. Mark’s recent homily.  Take time to reflect and consider what God’s dream might be for each of you and who inspires you most? Then, as a family, discuss the ways you can continue to keep faith a meaningful part of your life, because holiness is in fact what makes possible our true happiness. Share your thoughts and submit them.

1. Read “The Judgment of the Nations” (Matthew 25: 31-46) and watch this video.  Take some time to reflect on both.  How can you live out this calling in your life? Write down some ideas and upload a picture. (Grades 5-8)
2. Complete this worksheet on the Corporal Works of Mercy.  Upload a picture. (Grades 1-4)
3. Watch this video on the Corporal Works of Mercy.  Think of some ways you can put these into action in your own life.  Write down your thoughts and upload a picture. (Grades 5-8)
4. Complete this worksheet on the Spiritual Works of Mercy.  Upload a picture. (Grades 1-4)
5. Watch this video on the Spiritual Works of Mercy.  Think of some ways you can put mercy into action in your own life.  Write your thoughts down and upload a picture. (Grades 5-8)
6. Make a collage or poster illustrating both the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.  Upload a picture. (Grades 1-8)

Step One

Attend a large-group Zoom session at one of the following times.

The links and passwords for all three sessions have been emailed to you.

• Tue., 12/1, 5-6pm
• Thu., 12/3, 5-6pm
• Thu., 12/3, 7-8pm

Step Two

Complete the Family Activity

Click here to submit the Family Activity Reflection by Fri. 12/11

Choose an activity from the list:

1. Together as a family, watch this music video and discuss your thoughts. How do you see the Word of God guiding your life? What stood out to you? Click here to watch the video by MercyMe.
2. As we approach the season of Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical Calendar in the Catholic Church and a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, have a look at this video and also this worksheet. Share your thoughts. What did you learn from this video?
3. This video walks you through a Catholic Church. Are you able to recognize these icons, statues, pictures, etc. from our own parish? Did you learn anything new from this video?
4. The Mass is a celebration. We are called together as the Body of Christ to hear the Word of God and receive the Holy Eucharist. Together as a family, complete the worksheet and share your thoughts.
5. Dynamic Catholic offers a series called The Best Advent Ever. Click here to register and receive a short daily devotional video for Advent. The videos are about 3-5 minutes in length and are a wonderful way to help center us spiritually during this season of anticipation. Take some time as a family and together watch these videos. Share your thoughts.

Step Three

Have your child or children complete their individual projects

Click here to upload the project by Fri. 12/18

Choose at least one project from the list:

1. Watch this video and also this video on Advent. Then use this worksheet as a guide to make your own Advent Wreath and learn about its significance. This worksheet includes a prayer you can pray each week as you light the candles. Upload a picture of your wreath. (Grades 1-8)
2. Complete four of the daily activities in the Advent calendar and upload a picture showing what you have done. (Grades 1-8)
3. As a community, we begin our celebration of Mass with the Sign of the Cross. We do the same before any prayer. As Catholics, this is an important act of faith. It reaffirms our belief in God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Sign of the Cross reminds us of all that Jesus has done for us out of love. It is a renewal of our commitment to live as followers of Jesus Christ in all that we do. Make a collage or a colorful mosaic cross to remind us to live as followers of Jesus Christ. Be creative! Upload a picture of your cross. (Grades 1-8)
4. Complete the attached worksheet on the parts of the Mass. Take a picture and upload it when you are finished. (Grades 1-4)
5. Together as one community of faith, we profess our beliefs by praying the Creed at Sunday Mass. Complete this worksheet and share your reflections. Upload a picture of the worksheet. (Grades 1-8)
6. Color this fun craft and fold it like a fan when complete. Look at it from the left, then from the right: what do you see? This simple fan can serve as a great reminder for Catholics as we experience the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Files are attached to serve as a reference to help you with this project. Upload a picture when you are finished. (Grades 1-8)

Above and Beyond

Take a look at these special resources we’ve assembled just for you.

In times of uncertainty, we can all use a reminder that our loving and compassionate God is by our side, carrying us through the storm. Watch this video of Just Be Held by Casting Crowns, and together let us pray that we all find peace in this Advent season.

Family resources

• Here is a link to sign up for a 3-minute daily prayer retreat
• Here is an article from the USCCB on Liturgy and Life
• Here is an article from the USCCB on The Parts of the Mass
• Here is an article on A Walk through the Mass
• Here is an article on Engaging Children in the Mass

Additional articles

• Read about How to make Mass more meaningful for your kids
• Read about How the pandemic made me appreciate the gift of Mass
• Read about 6 Ways to Encounter Jesus in Mass

Step One

Attend a large-group Zoom session at one of the following times.

The links and passwords for all four sessions have been emailed to you.

• Mon., 11/2, 5-6pm
• Mon., 11/2, 7-8pm
• Thu., 11/6, 5-6pm
• Thu., 11/6, 7-8pm

Step Two

Complete the Family Activity

Click here to submit the Family Activity Reflection by Fri. 11/13

Choose an activity from the list:

1. Together as a family, watch this music video and discuss your thoughts. How do you see Jesus as a friend and teacher in your own lives? What stands out to you from the video? Click here to watch the video by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton.
2. Jesus taught us to pray the Our Father, which is also called the Lord’s Prayer. According to the Catechism, this is “the most perfect of prayers…. In it we ask, not only for all the things we can rightly desire, but also in the sequence that they should be desired. This prayer not only teaches us to ask for things, but also in what order we should desire them” (CCC, 2763). Together as a family, read this brief article about the Lord’s Prayer, then watch this video by Hillary Scott. What spoke to you in the article and the video? How are you living your life according to God’s will?
3. Jesus teaches us to trust in His word. Together as a family, complete this activity based on Jesus’ words in Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 6:25-34), where he teaches us how to replace worry with prayer. Close this activity by reflecting on this prayer together. What spoke to you during this activity? Were you able to shift your concerns after time spent in prayer?
4. As Thanksgiving nears, it is a time of reflection and of gratitude for our many blessings. Together as a family, watch this music video which honors God’s greatest gift to all of us, Jesus Christ, then complete this Thankfulness Picture Scavenger Hunt. You may also consider planning a family activity of your choice, such as baking, crafting or listening to music — eliminating all distractions. Talk as a family about what it means to be thankful and how to express gratitude. Discuss St. Paul’s words: “in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (Thessalonians 5:18). Also discuss these words from Thomas Merton: “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything he has given us, and he has given us everything.”
5. November 1st is All Saints’ Day, a Holy Day of Obligation. Discuss these words from Pope Francis: “to be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone. Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way — that is, with love, joy, and faith.” Take some time as a family to watch this video and also have a look at this summary article by Pope Francis. Please also click here to learn about Blessed Carol Acutis. You may choose to light a candle honoring those who have passed or take a moment to remember them in silent reflection. Discuss what it means to live a life of holiness. Close by offering this prayer together.
6. Together as a family read this article on building a relationship with Jesus, and then watch this video by Hillsong Kids. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, so think about your everyday life and routines. Where does your family connect best with Jesus? Could it be out in nature, with your pets, in your family celebrations, at Mass, or during times of joy or sadness? What steps can you take as a family to strengthen this relationship? Some suggestions for your children: they could try having bedtime conversations with God to share their thanks or worries, practice their prayers daily, try journaling, or perform some acts of kindness and service.

Step Three

Have your child complete their individual projects.

Click here to upload the project by Fri. 11/20

Choose a project from the list:

1. Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
   • Click here to read the parable, then complete this worksheet. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 1-4)
   • Click here to read the parable. Choose four of the discussion questions on the attached sheet and answer them in the space provided at the bottom of the page. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 5-8)
2. The New Commandment (John 13:34)
   Start by watching this video. Jesus taught his disciples to love one another, as he loved them. Did you notice that he washed their feet before sharing his new commandment? Jesus knew it was this that would set them apart, both as believers and as his followers. This is still true of us today. We should always do our best to show our love for one another through patience and kindness, remembering that while forgiveness can be hard, apologizing or accepting an apology is what Jesus calls us to do. Putting someone else’s needs ahead of our own is another great way to show our love of others. As you think about this scripture and the video, what are some ways in which you show your love for others? Make a collage displaying these or make a list of experiences and include a few sentences about each. Upload a picture of your completed work. (Grades 1-8)
3. Jesus gave us the Beatitudes in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-10). If we live according to the Beatitudes, he teaches, we will live a happy Christian life and spread the gospel to others. Click here to read about the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew. You can also reference this worksheet or have a look at this activity to help you understand them. Make a project in a format of your choice (poster, collage, etc.) displaying the Beatitudes. Be creative! Upload a picture of your completed project. (Grades 1-8)
4. Jesus performed many miracles, one of which was the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Click here to read the account of that miracle in Matthew’s gospel. You can also watch this video. A children’s summary of the miracle can be found here for your reference. Choose four of the discussion questions on this sheet and answer them in the space provided at the bottom of the page. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 1-8)
5. We all have friends, and many of us would say we have best friends too. In fact, we often use the term “BFF” meaning that a person is our “best friend forever.” In order for our friendships to grow, it’s important to spend time together and always to be faithful to each other. We can honor our friendships by remembering to share, being a good listener, and being kind and caring. Watch this video. Did you know that Jesus is our friend too, just as we was a friend to his disciples? Jesus is our #1 BFF! This worksheet is a fun way you can be a follower of your friend Jesus, just like the disciples. Complete the worksheet, then upload a picture of it. (Grades 1-4)
6. Although the Church officially recognizes certain people as saints, through a process we call canonization, all Christians are called to be saints and to be a part of the Communion of Saints. Watch this video and then complete this worksheet. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 5-8)

Above and Beyond

Take a look at these special resources we’ve assembled just for you.

Family Resources

• Here is an online calendar of Saints’ Feast Days: Saints Stories for all ages
• A Thanksgiving Day Prayer for your family
• Here is a page summarizing Catholic Prayer and Devotions
• Here is an article from the USCCB on the Beliefs and Teachings of the Catholic Church

Additional Articles

• Read about Ways to trust God’s plan for your life
• Read about Ways to say Thank you to God
• Read about Family Thanksgiving Day Rituals
• Read about Why Catholicism is good for your health
• Read about Jesus: Lord, God and Friend
• Have a listen to the Abiding Together Podcast

Step One

Attend a large-group Zoom session at one of the following times.

The links and passwords for all four sessions have been emailed to you.

• Tue., 10/13, 5-6pm
• Tue., 10/13, 7-8pm
• Thu., 10/15, 5-6pm
• Thu., 10/15, 7-8pm

Step Two

Complete the family activity

Click here to submit the Family Activity Reflection by Fri. 10/23.

Choose an activity from the list:

1. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6-7). Together as a family, watch this music video based on the Gospel verse and discuss your thoughts. How might this play out in your own lives? How do you see Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life? What stood out to you? Click here for the music video by Pat Barrett
2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls prayer “a reciprocal call between God and the human family” (2591). It points to the psalms as prayers that vividly illustrate how God calls each person to a mysterious encounter with Him. Click here for a family-friendly guide to the psalms. Also, the entire Book of Psalms can be found here. Some of the most popular psalms are 1, 23, 51, 119, and 139. As a family, choose one psalm and discuss what it means to you.
3. A parable is a short story based on familiar life experiences, used to teach a spiritual lesson. Jesus tells many parables in the Gospels. As a family, click here and read two of these parable: “The Greatest Commandment” and “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37). Discuss what it means to show love for someone. (You can use this file as a handy reference)
4. Click here for a short video on the church. What does church mean to your family? What are some ways your family can be active in our parish, which is our local church community? How do you share the Good News with others? Also, did you know that our pastor, Father Mark, records two weekly messages: one for the entire parish community (here) and one specifically for the children (here)? Take some time as a family and have a listen!
5. “To go to Mass together will be the light of Sunday for a family” Pope Benedict XVI, St. Peter’s Square, October 2005. Click here for a guide to the Liturgy of the Word, which provides some questions to help you hear and understand the Word of God. Also, here are past recorded homilies from our pastor, Father Mark. How did this activity bring your family closer to God? What spoke to you from any of the readings?
6. “In prayer, more is accomplished by listening than by talking”, says St. Francis de Sales. Lectio Divina is a beautiful practice of prayer and a way to introduce your children to scripture, while learning to listen to God through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Click here to watch a video about Lectio Divina. As with any prayer, begin with the Sign of the Cross followed by a short period of silence. Read the following scripture passage (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) and reference this sheet about Lectio Divina while praying. Did this form of prayer bring you closer to God? What spoke to you from the reading?

Step Three

Have your child or children complete their individual projects.

Click here to upload the project by Fri. 10/30.

1. Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
   • Click here to read the parable, then complete this worksheet. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 1-4)
   • Click here to read the parable. Choose four of the discussion questions on the attached sheet and answer them in the space provided at the bottom of the page. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 5-8)
2. Parable of the Lost/Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
   • Click here for a worksheet with the parable and some discussion questions. Complete the worksheet and upload a picture of it. (Grades 1-4)
   • Click here to read the parable. Choose four of the discussion questions on the attached sheet and answer them in the space provided at the bottom of the page. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 5-8)
3. The Ten Commandments are God’s instructions for how to live in relation to God and other people. Click here to read the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) and have a look at this sheet. Also take a few minutes to watch this video. Make a project (poster, collage, etc) of your choosing displaying the Ten Commandments. Be creative! Upload a picture of your completed project. (Grades 1-8)
4. The Word of God comes to Catholics through both Sacred Scripture (written word) and Tradition (teaching of the Church). Watch this brief video. One way to worship and live out Sacred Scripture and Tradition is by praying the Stations of the Cross. Take a listen here as our pastor, Father Mark, shared his own personal reflection this past Lenten season. With the uncertainty of COVID, may this reflection bring you peace and comfort. How did this podcast speak to you? On this worksheet, provide your own thoughts and describe what insights you gained into the Stations. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) (Grades 5-8)
5. “The Bible App for Kids” is a free app where Bible stories are read aloud as children journey through the Bible in an interactive approach. Download the app on the device of your choice (for example on Google Play or the Apple App Store). Share some insights you learned on this worksheet. Upload a picture of your completed worksheet. (Grades 1-4)
6. Through Bible Journaling, you can spend a little time each day opening up your heart and mind to the word of God and his love for you. Grab a notebook, journal, or some extra paper along with your favorite pens, pencils, and art supplies. Click here to read the daily scripture readings. As you read and reflect, write down your favorite verses or some thoughts that come to mind. This is an opportunity for you to be creative, so add color and draw to make it your own. Do this for at least three days, then share your thoughts on how this made you feel. Did you find that journaling daily brought you closer to God? Upload a picture of your journal and provide feedback. (Grades 5-8)
7. Kindness box. Reading isn’t enough! If scripture remains just words on a page, our work is not done. We need to meditate on the message and put it into action in our lives. Only then can the words be “living and effective” (Hebrews 4:12). Watch this video on the impact of small acts of kindness. Let the Holy Spirit guide you by using your gifts and talents, and create a list of ways you can help others. Then, create and decorate a kindness box or jar. Every time you help someone, put a small token in your special jar or box (for example, coins in a jar, popsicle sticks in a box, etc.) As it begins to fill, you will find this is a beautiful way to show your gratitude for God’s endless love. Upload a picture of your kindness box or jar and provide feedback. (Grades 1-8)

Above and Beyond

Take a look at these special resources we’ve assembled just for you.

Family Resources

• Here is an online Bible from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) online bible.
• Learn how to find a Bible verse
• See this article describing five basic Bible facts
• Here is an article from the USCCB on Understanding the Bible
• And here is a list of all the parables told by Jesus

Additional Articles

• Read about God’s never-ending love and presence in our lives
• Read about embracing change through trust in God
• Learn how to practice catechesis (religious education) as a family
• And learn about sharing the Word of God at home