This week, we observe the Holy Day of the Immaculate Conception. On most years, the Solemnity is observed on December 8, however this year, the holy day will fall on December 9. Why, you ask? This year, December 8 falls on the Second Sunday of Advent, so that takes liturgical preference over the Solemnity. Because it is a significant Marian feast, the observance is moved to Monday and it remains a holy day of obligation.

Keeping Jesus at the center of the Advent and Christmas season is one of the most important ways you can share your faith with your child this month. Keep a nativity displayed in a prominent place and engage your child in learning more about it by letting him or her touch and look closely at all the figurines. Do you have an expensive set you don't want to get broken? Invest in a child friendly nativity or make your own together. There are many options online. As you look at the nativity together and share the story of Christmas, be sure to tell your child that Christmas has the word CHRIST right in it! Make a point of celebrating Jesus' birthday and share books, songs and activities that focus on the birth of Jesus, not just Santa and his reindeer!

Laura Bassi lived in the 18th century in Bologna, Italy. At just 21 years of age, she earned her doctorate in Physics. Her parents encouraged her education at an early age and exposed her to many opportunities other females of her day did not have. She studied the work of Sir Isaac Newton on optics and light, and defended a thesis on the properties of water. Laura was given access to libraries at the Vatican, was the only woman to be invited to join a special group of scientists gathered by Pope Benedict XIV, and taught at a seminary. She and her husband, Giovanni Veratti, who was also a scientist, made discoveries together in electricity, magnetism and physics. They were devoted Catholics who also spent time caring for the poor.

Try some water experiments with your kids in the spirit of Laura Bassi!

December can be a tough month for so many. Do you have someone in your life who has experienced some type of loss this year or finds the holidays particularly difficult? It's a perfect time of year to teach your child the Spiritual work of comforting the sorrowful. Make an effort to reach out by planning to FaceTime, visiting with a meal or special treat, or invite them to participate in tree decorating, a meal, or another seasonal activity at your home. This is also a great time to invite them to attend Mass with you. Some parishes even provide a special prayer evening of healing for those who are experiencing sadness and mourning; consider attending that with your friend or loved one who is in need of support.

St. Lucy was a Christian martyr who lived in the end of the third/beginning of the fourth century. Her feast day, on December 13, is celebrated widely in Scandinavian countries. Observe the day with your family by making these traditional ginger cookies enjoyed on St. Lucia Day in Sweden.

One of the best gifts we can give our children is teaching them to be comfortable with silence. It is in those quiet moments that we can most often connect with God. Create a new tradition of turning the lights off and sitting with your family quietly by the Christmas tree or nativity set with no screens or other distractions, or take a moonlit walk to look at Christmas lights or the stars, but avoid unnecessary conversation. It can be a wonderful reset in an overstimulating season and a great way to prepare their hearts for prayer. If you have a busy child who may need a little something to do, try creating the craft below before enjoying your silent time! It's a great way to remind the family the Advent season is about Christ's light shining in the darkness!

This idea came from brightlittlebrainsblog.com.

You will need a toilet paper tube, permanent markers, a flashlight, and some packing tape. Draw a Christmas picture on the tape with markers (it is helpful to do this while still on the roll. ) Consider drawing a manger with Baby Jesus, or the star that guided the Wise Men. Take the tape off the role and attach it to the end of the paper tube. Shine the light into the tube to project the picture onto the wall!

St. Rita in Webster is offering monthly sensory-friendly Masses for families who might prefer or require that opportunity. Please click on the PDF to see their schedule below.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

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!