In the readings in these weeks ahead, you will hear the phrase above; so the question stands, how do you keep to God's word? There are many ways the practices of our faith focus on God's word, but the most obvious one is study of the Bible. The Liturgy of the Word in the Mass helps us to both learn about and apply God's word to our lives. You may find that you hear a reading once and connect to one message and then, at another point in your life, hear something completely different in God's word. That is why we are encouraged to keep listening, keep learning and keep searching for the answers God places before us; faith formation is a lifelong experience of growing closer to God!

This edition of The Family Zone will focus on two important Catholic observances in the month of May. As we head toward the end of the Easter season, we observe the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. We also count the month of May as a special time for us to focus on Mary. We hope you will learn more about both this week!

Join us as we prepare for the Eucharistic Revival in the United States!

Live the Eucharist this month by applying God's word at Mass to your life. Each week, listen for the "kernel of wisdom" that stands out to you in the first and second readings or the Gospel. How can that message be applied to your life in the week ahead? Being sent forth at the end of Mass calls us to keep living as disciples out in the world. How can you make God's word a living presence in your life this week?

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/052222.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052922.cfm

Family Stories: Story Time with a Positive Message about our Mother, Mary, who the month of May is devoted to!

Take it to the Queen by Josephine Nobisso

The Virgin Mary Around The World! A Pilgrimage of Faith Book by Chantal Baros

Lucia and the Immaculate Heart by Angela Andrejczuk

Articles for Parents: How does Mary help us as our Spiritual Mother? https://blessedcatholicmom.com/mary-our-mother/

Try these worksheets to help you learn more about The Ascension of the Lord which we observe on May 26!

Want to understand the Ascension a little bit better? Listen to this Podcast from GODSPLAINING, focused on The Solemnity of The Ascension of the Lord.

Make an "Ascension of the Lord" Ice Cream Float for dessert on May 26!

You will need:

Blue colored soda (there are a few varieties) or 7 UP with a few drops of blue food coloring

Vanilla ice cream

The blue soda represents the sky and the floating ice cream is a cloud since Jesus was said to have ascended to the clouds! Enjoy :)!

Enjoy your Ascension float with one of these beautiful sandwiches created for OUR LADY in the month of May:

Here is a simple prayer to teach children. We have a rich assortment of prayers invoking the intercession of Mary in our faith! Find more at: https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/marian.htm

Holy Mary, mother fair,
Filled with love for God,
Pray for us in all our needs.
Pray for us today.

Here's a fun game to try that will stick with the theme of floating in air!

Birds are often associated with the Feast of the Ascension, as they have the ability to fly up to the heavens! This week, get out on a birding adventure as a family! Birdwatching can be a great hobby to get kids out in the fresh air and allow them to destress and nurture their curiosity! The birds are enjoying spring and many have new babies! How many can you spot? Use this bingo board to guide your family adventure!

THEOTOKOS: A Greek word meaning "Mother of God" that is a title given to Mary.

Why is the Virgin Mary always wearing blue? You may have wondered that before! Biblically, blue is named as the color of the people of Israel in the book of Numbers. This violet blue color was to be worn as a sign of obedience to God, and Mary surely demonstrated obedience to God at the Annunciation. Blue is also the color of the sky, so it is seen as a heavenly color!

• What would it have felt like to be one of the disciples when Jesus ascended into heaven?
• Would you have been scared? Would you have believed your eyes?
• The story says that two men in white were present. Who were they?

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!