![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/golf.268fab2c.jpg)
THE FAMILY ZONE
Equipping the Domestic Church/ISSUE 118/8.6.23
THE FAMILY ZONE Summer Editions....faith, family and fun!
We are here to support your domestic church; the home! This issue of The Family Zone focuses on celebrating young people, as the Pope has just gathered with youth in Portugal to celebrate International World Youth Day!
MAKING THE MOST OF MASS
Becoming an altar server is a fantastic way for young people to get involved in the Mass. Through their participation alongside the Priest, in the Liturgy, they learn more about the what and whys behind our celebration of the Mass! Your parish will provide training and will welcome the enthusiasm of your child to be part of the liturgical ministries at Mass. Here are the guidelines for altar serving as outlined by the United States Bishops.
JOIN THE REVIVAL!
READ!
SUNDAY READINGS:
Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday Mass for the coming two weeks. This will give you a chance to prepare your heart and mind for full and active participation in Mass this weekend!
Sunday Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081323.cfm
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082023.cfm
Family Dinner Conversation about the Sunday Scriptures
In the first reading from KINGS on August 13, you hear about God speaking to Elijah in the tiniest whisper...not the crushing wind or the earthquake, but in near stillness. That reading should cause us to pause and wonder if we are creating enough quiet spaces in our lives for God to whisper to us. Enjoy a conversation about intuition, gut feelings and God. When have you experienced the feeling that God was sending you a message? Has your world gotten too noisy and busy? How can your family make more time for quiet time in your lives?
WONDER AND AWE
CREATE!
PLAY!
Pass the Beach Ball
On a beach ball or playground ball (which can usually be found at a dollar store), use a sharpie to write questions in different spots, such as:
- What is your favorite sport?
- Where is your favorite place to go?
- Who was your favorite teacher?
- What is your favorite and least favorite food?
- What book do you like the best?
- What is your favorite color?
- What is your favorite holiday?
- Where do you like to pray?
Kids and parents toss the ball around the group. The person catching the ball answers the closest question to their right or left thumb (whichever thumb gets decided on). Even young children who cannot yet read proficiently can get help from adults in the group and answer the general questions. It's fun to find out things about one another. Write any questions you would like to know about your kids! See how their answers change from game to game!
FAMILY TIME!
If you have a big family, or a small family, you might find that one person usually dominates the decision making about family time. A special practice some families incorporate into their family time is to let each individual member plan a once a month Family Fest. This night, though not really a festival, is a celebration of your love for one another. On a rotating basis, both parents and children take a turn planning the food and fun for that special Friday. The planner leads grace! Will one child always choose Monopoly and another child ALWAYS chose nachos? Maybe! The activities and food are typically varied, and always happen AT HOME! No place to have to go, just lots of time with one another. It might become your favorite day of the month and a great way to let each family member have a voice in family decision-making!
INSPIRED BY THE SAINTS!
St. Aloysius Gonzaga was born into a wealthy family in Italy in the 16th century. By 9, he had decided he wanted to devote himself to the religious life and he taught catechism to the poor during his youth. He became a Jesuit at age 18. Though he died at a young age after suffering from the Plague, we can be inspired by his commitment to the faith and service to others in his youth! There are many opportunities for young people to share their gifts in service at the parish and in charitable ministries. Take the lead of this patron saint of youth and find ways for your kids to volunteer. It is an excellent way to learn life skills, learn how to interact in positive ways with others, and grow in faith! St. Aloysius, pray for us!
SHARE A STORY!
WONDER!
How BIG is God's love?
- How big do you think the biggest dinosaur was? (an Argentinosaurus was 130 feet)
- How long do you think it is from earth to the moon? (238,855 miles)
- Is God's love bigger than that? (YES! God's love is so big it can't even be measured!)
- Do you know that God loves you just because you are YOU?
Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Debtor in PossessionEmail: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210