We begin and end each Mass by invoking the names of the Father, Son, and the Holy Sprit; the three persons of the Trinity. During the Mass, we are praying to God, through Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit. One of the places (though this is not the only place) you will clearly hear a prayer to the Holy Trinity is in the DOXOLOGY which comes at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer. In the doxology, we are clearly praying to all three persons of the Trinity. The priest holds up the Body and Blood of Christ and says: "Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever, and ever," to which we affirm, "Amen." Click on the Blog below to find more information about the Doxology.

Have a family faith conversation

The Holy Trinity is the central mystery of our faith. It is a mystery because we can never fully comprehend it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says "The Trinity is a mystery of faith in the strict sense, one of the mysteries that are hidden in God, which can never be known unless they are revealed by God." (CCC 237) God is three persons in one God. What other things can you think of that come in groups of three? Can you name any other words that begin with "TRI" like Trinity? When you think of God what do you imagine? The Trinity shows us how to live in communion and show perfect love to one another. How do you like to show your love for family and friends the way the Holy Trinity shows love to us?

Because the Holy Trinity is a mystery that we can never fully explain, it is a good idea to not try to over explain with younger children, but to engage your child in some critical thinking and imagining about the Trinity! There are also some great books you can engage in your Trinity conversation including"

A Picture of God: 3-in-1 by Joanne Marxhausen

The Trinity: Little Seminary's Guide to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by Ryan McKenzie

The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity also called Trinity Sunday is celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost and celebrates the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. It is not only a Catholic celebration, but is also observed on the same day by Western Christian churches including: Latin Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and the United Church of Christ.

Here is El Greco's painting of The Trinity. Can you identify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in it? How would you paint the Trinity? Your family can observe the day by painting your own images of the Trinity!

La Trinidad by El Greco Public Domain United States

In this article by Stephen Beale on catholicexchange.com, we learn about 21 Things We Do When We Make the Sign of the Cross

With Memorial Day approaching, it is an ideal time to support veterans. Here are some ways your family can remember those who have served, this Memorial Day and other times of the year:

1. Give to an area VFW or other organization that serves soldiers and their families.

2. Assist with your community's Memorial Day observance.

3. Participate in the national moment of remembrance by praying for fallen soldiers at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day or play taps if you are musically inclined: https://www.tapsacrossamerica.org/.

4. Buy and wear a poppy sold by Vets.

5. Write a letter to a soldier through https://amillionthanks.org/letter/.

PLUS a fun layered "Trinity" treat!

Memorial Day is an ideal time to remember one corporal work of mercy you may not often focus on. The act of "burying the dead," encompasses more than strictly attending one's funeral and burial. It also means that we pray for the dead and visit their graves. Some families take the time on Memorial Day to remember lost loved ones as well as honoring fallen soldiers. It can be an important time to head to the cemetery to clean up around the gravesite of a loved one or leave a plant. In the Jewish faith, family members light a special candles on certain days (called a Yahrzeit candle) to pray for lost loved ones. You can incorporate a similar tradition using one of the prayers of our Catholic faith: " Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. " It is a nice tradition that helps your child place greater value on human dignity while building a stronger connection to family and hopefully helping them to be less fearful of death.

Photo from Sharefaith, Oregon

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

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!