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 God's creativity AND ours!

Though Catholic Mass will look and sound much the same wherever you go, because of the necessary rubrics we must follow, one part of the Mass that might sound different is what is heard during the Prayers of the Faithful, following the Creed. The Prayers of the Faithful may be composed entirely by each individual parish and often you will hear special prayers that speak to the season, a world event, a particular celebration or parish need. The Prayers of the Faithful are a style of prayer known as Intercessory Prayer which is the act of praying on behalf of others. This style of prayer is found in both the Old and New Testaments. During the Prayers of the Faithful, we pray for: the needs of the Church, public authorities and the salvation of the World, those burdened by any kind of difficulty, and the local community. Often, we are asked to pray our own intentions in the silence of our heart. This is a beautiful time in the Mass for each of us to engage in worship and lift up the personal needs of our family, friends and concerns in prayer.

A big part of the Eucharistic Revival effort is creating more time for Jesus in our lives. How do we help our kids to know God? We do this, first and foremost, by showing them we know God. If our kids see us prioritizing our faith life, they will be more likely to do the same! You can show this priority by going to weekly Mass. You can also show it by making an effort to pray as a family before meals and bed, or as a welcome to the day! Spend some time thinking about HOW having a relationship with God makes a difference in your life. Help your youngest children get to know Jesus by having a good Children's Bible complete with pictures for sharing the stories of our faith and spending time in wonder and conversation. For those older kids, spend quality time in silence; talk about making space for God and letting God speak to them in that silence. Sharing the gift of faith with our children is a precious gift that will last a lifetime!

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/073023.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080623.cfm

Family Dinner Discussions from the Sunday Scriptures: Sunday, August 6, is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The Gospel reading that Sunday tells about Jesus' time with Peter, James and John up on the holy mountain and has the familiar words: "Lord, it is good that we are here." Where is your favorite place to be? In what setting or gathering would you say to God: Lord, it is good that we are here? When do you feel happiest about being together with your family? When do you feel like you are present with God in a special place?

Click on the pictures to hear some sounds God created! Then, click the video to take a virtual hike through the Amazon Jungle and hear the many sounds present. Can you identify any the sounds you hear?

Part of the beauty of God's creation is all the many colors we see in the natural world. Try making some art with natural pigments using the guide below!

Gather a paper bag and 6-10 random items from around the house. Encourage your child to open the bag and create a game using the bagged items. Consider giving a bag to each child and spend the afternoon playing the new games; you may find a favorite you will play again and again!

Write a family prayer! Use the FIVE FINGER PRAYER method shared by Pope Francis to write your own family prayers! Follow the outline provided below; this is a great way to get children comfortable with spontaneous prayer:

Cooking with kids is a great way to spend creative family time! It's also a great way to teach new skills, help kids learn kitchen safety, engage math in the real world, and discover the world through recipes from around the globe. Plan a special day where your kids will choose recipes and take the meal from start to finish! Cooking together is also a great way to stress nutrition and proper care of the body God gave us! Here are some websites to get you started with cooking as quality family time!

St. Catherine of Bologna, Patron Saint of Artists

St. Catherine was an aristocrat born in Bologna, Italy in the 15th century. As the daughter of a diplomat to the Marquis, Catherine was well educated. She decided to leave her life of privilege and helped to found a monastery of the Poor Clares. St. Catherine of Bologna loved to be creative! She baked, danced, played the viola, painted, and wrote poetry and spiritual guides. She also had many mystical visions of both Jesus Christ and Satan. Below is a famous painting by Saint Catherine. We can be inspired by Catherine's creative spirit as well as her willingness to work for the Kingdom of God despite the opportunities that her family's position in the world afforded her. Try exploring new creative outlets this summer; you may find a new talent you never knew you had!

Saint Usula and her Maidens by Santa Catarina Vigri

Help your child to understand that he or she is made in the image and likeness of God by sharing this sweet and simple tale: The Inventions of God and Eva by Dave Connis. This story, for little ones, helps them to understand that God created and loves us all and has a beautiful message about God's attention to each of us. Enjoy talking about the things your family likes to create and pray in gratitude for the creative spirit God has blessed each family member with...it's fun to discover the special gifts God has given each of us!

• What is your favorite thing to create? Do you like to build things, or make pictures, or bake with your grandma?
• What do you think God loved creating most? Do you think God has a favorite?
• What is the most spectacular thing you think God ever created?

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Debtor in Possession

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!