Welcome to the summer editions of The Family Zone...a bit of faith, a bit of fun, a whole lot of FAMILY!!

Saint Kateri, known as the Lily of the Mohawks, is the patron saint of ecology! She lived in upstate, central New York, in the 17th century. Your family can honor her memorial this month by taking care of the Earth. A conservation center in Saint Kateri's name encourages the creation of safe outdoor spaces for bees and butterflies as well as the planting of native species. To learn more about Ecology and its connection to our Catholic faith or to learn about creating a Saint Kateri habitat in your backyard, explore the website below! We are called to be stewards of the Earth!

Saint Kateri had a faithful devotion to the Eucharist and would spend hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament. She strived to connect with Jesus both in prayer and in nature. Because of her devotion, she made a vow of perpetual virginity despite her relatives' wishes for her to marry. She was strong and steadfast in her beliefs and did not let the opinion of others come between her and God's call for her. One way we can live the Eucharist is to spend time listening to God's voice in our lives, and honor the path God places before us, even if it isn't what society has planned! How do you invite God into your decision-making process?

SUNDAY READINGS:

Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday's 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! For a Mass schedule in our diocese click on the grey button below.

• https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071722.cfm
  
• https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072422.cfm

Family Stories: Some nature stories to explore the world like St. Kateri did!

• The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
• The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter by Shabazz Larkin
• The Hike by Alison Farrell
• St. Kateri Tekakwitha; Courageous Faith by Lillian Fisher

Check out this beautiful piece of Sacred Art! What do you see in the picture? What do you like best? Who is in it?

Abraham Serving the Three Angels
Rembrandt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In Genesis 18:1-15, Abraham and his wife Sarah receive mysterious visitors who, we later learn, are God and two angels. The visitors bring Sarah and Abraham news that though they are old, their prayers to bear a child will finally be answered!

• What do you see in this famous painting by Rembrandt, one of the world's most famous artists?
• Where is Sarah? Why do you think she is there? What is Abraham doing? Can you think of another Bible story where feet are being washed? Do you think there is a connection? What do you like about the painting? Is there anything you dislike about the painting? How would you draw it??

Angels are a big part of our Christian faith. The standard classification of angels is owed to a sixth-century Syrian monk who grouped angels into three hierarchies. Thomas Aquinas, a famous theologian, also wrote about angels and used the same hierarchy. Three angels are named in scripture: Gabriel, Michael and Raphael. They are known as archangels who are sent on important missions by God. Angels also function as guardians and comforters. We have a prayer to our Guardian Angel that is a great one to teach children; especially when they are fearful. Here it is:

“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.”

Since we are thinking about angels, here is another Bible story that involves an angel. Read Daniel 6:1-29 as a family. It is the story of Daniel and the Lions' Den, a story most of us are somewhat familiar with. Who protects Daniel in his darkest hour? An ANGEL! Once you have read the story, draw it! Send your picture our way and we will post it in our summer gallery! oec@dor.org! Hope to see your masterpiece!

We've all heard of macaroni necklaces and maybe even cereal necklaces...but have you ever made an edible fruit necklace??? Try it on a sticky summer day!

Are you traveling this summer? Here are a few prayers for travel.

Summer Travel Prayer

Loving and merciful God, you have commissioned your angels to guide and protect us. Command them to be with us from our leaving until our return; keep us safe from all injury, accident or malice and sin. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

- Author Unknown

Enjoy fun, family time together!

Focusing on Saint Kateri and being good stewards of the Earth? Take an "unnatural" trail walk, but be sure to gather everything you set up for this seek and find experience and while you are there, pick up anything else "unnatural" to the woods and dispose of it properly!

Want to build something fun as a family? Home Depot provides plans for these fun backyard projects!

Seeking a bigger and more faith-based project? Check out the link below to see how one family built their own Mary Grotto!

Make a calming glitter jar (or use a less messy object like Legos!) Find the directions below. Encourage calming time where there is a space between chattiness and quiet to just watch the jar and its floating contents. This is a great help to quiet your kids before prayer at bedtime!

https://www.mindful.org/how-to-create-a-glitter-jar-for-kids/

This summer we are wondering about God's CREATION!!

Let's think about other things that sparkle, besides glitter (and stars, as we have already wondered about those this summer!) Have you ever noticed the sun sparkling on water? Those are called GLINTS or glitter.

• Would that glitter on the water change if a duck swam through it?
• Or if I skipped a stone toward it?
• Does God show us light on the water and in the clouds to remind us that God is always with us?
• Where else can I see the sun making its glitter?
• Does glitter happen when a raindrop is one a flower petal?
• Can I make water glitter by putting a flashlight on it, or is the sun only capable of making it?

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!