As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost next weekend, and our focus turns to the Holy Spirit, you may want to encourage your children to listen extra closely to what the priest says during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. When the gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar, we begin a long prayer known as the Eucharistic Prayer. During that prayer, the priest asks God to send the Holy Spirit to change the gifts of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of our Savior. This part of the prayer is known as the EPICLESIS. In your church, you might hear bells, as the priest extends his hands over the the bread and wine. Using the words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper, the Eucharist is changed from bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Christ. We call this transubstantiation. This powerful moment of the Mass is known as the CONSECRATION. When we receive the Eucharist, we are called to go out and be Christ to the world!

Have a family faith conversation

Do you have a devotion of Mary? May is the month of Mary and a wonderful time to have a family faith conversation about Mary, mother of God. What do you think it felt like for Mary to discover she would give birth to the savior of the world? Do you think it was hard or easy to be Mary? What do you know about Mary's life? Why do you think Catholics have so many prayers for Mary? Do you know any?

Learn more about Mary, to help you with your conversation, in our "Connect to our Church Year" column below!

Mary was a young girl in the town of Nazareth when she was visited by the angel Gabriel, who told her she would be the mother of Jesus. Mary was human, not God. She was born to Anne and Joachim and lived a simple childhood. Mary never sinned; she was full of virtue and she is the best model of faith for us because of her YES to God. She was Jesus' mother, but we also call her our mother and ask for her guidance.

Watch the video below to learn more about how we can honor Mary in the coming month! We have also included a video you can share with your kids to help them understand her better!

Here are prayers to the Virgin Mary for children who are struggling.

Walking with Moms in Need is a parish ministry program you can bring to your community! Here are resources to start it near you!

In our diocese, you can support agencies in your community using the PDF list below to guide you as to what might be near you! You can also donate diapers to organizations such as the Junior League or Roc City Bottoms diaper bank!

Try these recipes to coincide with May Crowning Day at your parish, or another special celebration of Mary!

A yearly task of planting the family garden or even putting together a pretty pot for a balcony is a fun way to engage children in understanding the way things grow, being in awe of God's creation and learning important skills! Try connecting this family bonding experience to faith by creating a Catholic Marian garden; a tradition in many households! Here are some gardening ideas and advice from Catholic Mom!

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!