At Mass, in the Easter season, you may have noticed that the First Reading shifts from the Old Testament to the Acts of the Apostles, in the New Testament. These readings help us to focus on the work of the early Church after Jesus' Resurrection. Here is an article from the Catholic blog Busted Halo to help you learn more about the Easter season shift

Have a family faith conversation

Next Sunday, we will hear the Gospel of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The beauty of this Gospel is that it reminds us of how treasured and loved we are in God's eyes. As a family, we are the face of God to one another. Have a family conversation about what makes each of you feel most loved. What can you do to show one another how deeply you care? Can you name a time that you have felt loved by God? Ask your children what they love most about your family and share some treasured memories and thoughts about your love and life with one another!

We all share a common call to holiness. Some are called to the vocation of marriage, while others are called to the priesthood, to consecrated life in a religious community or even to committed single life. Through all of these vocations we are called to serve God in special ways. Below are some resources to better help you understand vocation and how you might encourage a response to God's call in your children, as they grow. Pray with us, as we observe the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

Observe the day by getting out to admire God's creation and to clean up the environment. Bring gloves and a trash bag and clean up any garbage you see. While you are enjoying your time outside, share this beautiful Earth Day prayer with one another from the Sisters of Mercy!

Perhaps you know of a neighbor, family member, or friend who could use some help with spring clean-up inside or out! This is a great way for your family to serve together and learn valuable life skills in the process! You might even check with a local charitable organization such as a hospice, food cupboard or your own parish; these places generally have buildings and property to maintain and could use the extra hands! Share the joy of the Easter season!

Switching to plant-based meals, at least a few times a week, can have an impact on the environment! It's a way we can all be better stewards of the Earth! Here are some family-friendly recipes!

When the disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus, they did not recognize God in their midst. How about you? Do you see God at work? Do you help your kids recognize Jesus, risen, and working through your lives? Do you acknowledge Holy Spirit moments? Build a new tradition, during the Easter season, of ending your day by sharing where you saw God at work. As this process catches on, you might find it is some of the most meaningful prayer and conversation time you can have with your children as you discover together all the many ways God reaches out a hand to each of us and longs for us to be in communion with Him!

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!