What is the Liturgical Year?

  • The Liturgical Year in the Catholic Church begins with Advent, a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.  Use this document as a guide to help you better understand the liturgical year.

Advent

  • Watch the two videos below on Advent and use this document as a guide for instructions on how to make your own Advent Wreath and its significance. 
  • Also, reference this document for a prayer each week as you light the candles.

The Advent Calendar

  • Use this Advent Calendar as a guide for some daily at-home activities to do as a family during the season of preparation.  
  • Dynamic Catholic offers a series – The Best Advent Ever.  Click here to register and receive a short daily Advent Devotional Video.  The videos are about 3-5 minutes in length and are a wonderful guide to help center us spiritually during the season of Advent.  Take some time as a family and together watch these videos.  Share your thoughts.  

The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

  • The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God is celebrated on January 1.  Together read this article on the story of Mary.  Share your thoughts.

Reflection

  • Take some time as a family and reflect on this past year. Although we were faced with many challenges, there is still so much to be grateful for. Use this document to help guide your discussions.     

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

  • The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord celebrates the visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus.  Together watch the video below and read this article which gives some suggestions for how to celebrate as a family. Also here is an activity and a prayer for your reference.     

The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord

  • The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord is celebrated on January 9, 2022. It brings an end to the season of Christmas. Together read this article. Here is a guide and an article to help you prepare a family prayer service celebrating Baptismal Anniversaries. Share some memories with your child/ren from their Baptism. Maybe pull out a photo album, their Baptismal candle or gown they wore.  Who was the celebrant?  Who are their Godparents and what other family friends were in attendance? 

Lenten Family Calendar

  • The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is March 2, 2022. Here is a Lenten Family Calendar that you can work on together as a family.

What is Lent?

  • Lent is a special season in the church and it’s not too soon to begin preparing.  Think of this as an opportunity to open your heart and receive God’s grace.  Watch the videos below, then take time for personal reflection.  What’s one thing you plan to do in the area of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to bring you closer to God? 

Praying, Fasting and Almsgiving

  • Together watch the video below and discuss what Lent will look like in your home/with your family this year?  What will you do in the areas of praying, fasting, and almsgiving?   

Holy Week

  • Together as a family, watch the videos below  video#1 and video#2 on Holy Week.  Share your thoughts.  Discuss ways in which you might bring the hope and joy of the risen Jesus to everyone you encounter.

Good Friday

Sacred Tradition

  • The Word of God comes to Catholics through both Sacred Scripture (written word) and Tradition (teaching of the Church). Watch the brief video below. One way to worship and live out Sacred Scripture and Tradition is by praying at the Stations of the Cross.  

  • Our pastor, Father Mark Suslenko, shares his personal reflection leading us through the Stations of the Cross (podcast below) How did this podcast speak to you? Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) (grades 5-8)