Most of the Psalms we sing at Mass were written by King David. On Sundays, or on Solemnities, the Psalm should be sung, but you may hear it spoken if you attend daily Mass. The book of Psalms is found in the Old Testament and we hear a Psalm at each Mass, between the first and second reading. Because the Psalm is taken from the Old Testament, it is likely that Jesus himself prayed these words during his time on earth. The Responsorial Psalm provides us with our turn to respond to the Word of God, so it is an important time for you, as the Body of Christ in the pews, to engage in the singing of the response. Through the Responsorial Psalm we meditate and worship together in praise of God's word!

This week and next, our Psalm responses will be: "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption," and "Lord, it is good to give thanks to you." What do those responses mean to you? How do they apply to your life right now? Spend some time meditating on those phrases prior to Mass. Does your response feel different during the Psalm when you take the time to meditate on God's word and its meaning in your life?

God has promised to be with us and guide us, and sometimes we have to just trust and give things over to God. Have a family conversation about putting difficult things into God's hands. Ask your children if there is anything weighing on their mind that they would like to bring to prayer and ask God's guidance for. A regular practice of praying through decision-making and difficult times can be an amazing gift to give your child who will face ups and downs throughout his or her life.

We have just observed the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and this month is dedicated to it. This is month where we recognize God's love through the Eucharist. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a devotion that began in the 12th century. When Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary he is said to have said to her: "My divine Heart is so passionately fond of the human race, and of you in particular that it cannot keep back the pent-up flames of its burning charity any longer. They must burst out through you." This is the reason for the image of Jesus with flames bursting out of his heart. Our church celebrates the Sacred Heart of Jesus by attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on each first Friday of the month for nine consecutive months.

St. Teresa of Avila is a role model for us in trusting God. Here are two prayers you can use when you are feeling the need to place the worries and concerns of your life into God's hands.

Let nothing disturb you,

Let nothing frighten you,

All things are passing away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things

Whoever has God lacks nothing;

God alone suffices.

Amen.

Be part of Lemonade Days throughout the month of June!

Celebrate Dads next weekend with these Father's Day recipes the kids can help make!

In Medieval Times, fathers were celebrated on the Feast of St. Joseph which is March 19. Many European countries still celebrate that date as Father's Day. St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers. This Father's Day, consider creating a new tradition between for the fathers in your life, that connect them to St. Joseph as well!

1. Include intercessions for all dads at your Father's Day family meal. You can pray for the dads you know and love as well as those you have never met. Invite your participants to offer prayers for dads in many different situations around the world and in your community. End with: "St. Joseph, pray for us!"

2. St. Joseph was a kind and caring man. Honor him on Father's Day by engaging in a family work of mercy!

3. St. Joseph was a carpenter. Build something together to celebrate the day!

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!