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Encouraged Activities
STAR IN THE WINDOW:
Starting Sunday, November 27, all parishioners are invited to hang a star in your window or on your door to recognize finding Jesus in your home this Christmas. At a distance, we can see and celebrate Jesus in the homes of our friends and neighbors.
DAILY BLESSING OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS:
- After you have put your child(ren) to bed and before leaving them for the night, trace the sign of the cross on their brow as a reminder of when Jesus became human like us.
- When you spouses are in your bed and before you turn the lights off, trace the sign of the cross on the brow of your spouse.
- Single parents you can either trace the sign of the cross on your brow or ask your child(ren) to trace the sign of the cross on your brow.
DAILY GIFT OF GRATEFULNESS
Here a simple idea for families to use during Advent. In addition to focusing on the true meaning of the season this exercise has the advantage of improving communication and intimacy within the family. It may also become a family tradition.
At mealtime, each family member, regardless of age, shares what he/she is grateful for on that day and writes it on a small slip of paper. It could be a different color paper for each family member. Each slip is placed in a basket (decorated for Christmas). The basket is placed by the manger and offered to the Christ Child with a joyful rendition of “Happy Birthday” on Christmas morning.
This simple exercise has the advantage of focusing on the meaning of Christmas - away from Santa Claus - to its true reason being Jesus’ birth. It shows our appreciation and gratefulness.
DIGITAL ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CALENDAR
https://mcgrath.nd.edu/events/creche-exhibit/
https://www.ltp.org/products/details/ADCAS/advent-calendar-activity-sheet
DAILY REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
https://litpress.org/Category/AC/Advent-and-Christmas
https://littlebooks.org/seasonal-books/advent-christmas-season
https://resources.osv.com/catalog/PDFs/P426.pdf
ADVENT WREATH
Blessing of the Advent Wreath – Loyola Press: www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/about-advent/advent-links-to-explore-and-share/blessing-an-advent-wreath/
Weekly Lighting of the Wreath
First Sunday – Advent I: Light the first purple candle and pray- Loving God, thank you for the light. Help us help the light grow. Amen
- Reflections on the Sunday's Readings
- Blow it out!
Second Sunday – Advent II: Light the first and second purple candles and pray- Faithful God, thank you for faith. Help us make our faith grow. Amen
- Reflections on the Sunday's Readings
- Blow them out!
Third Sunday – Advent III: Light the first and second purple candles and the pink candle, and pray- Joyful God, thank you for joy. Help us make joy grow. Amen
- Reflections on the Sunday's Readings
- Blow them out!
Fourth Sunday – Advent IV: Light all purple and pink candles, and pray- Peaceful God, thank you for peace. Help us help peace grow. Amen
- Reflections on the Sunday's Readings
- Blow them out!
Dec 24th Christmas Eve: Light all purple and pink candles and the white Christ candle, and pray- Living God, thank you for coming to us as a baby. Help us to live with light, faith, joy, and peace. Amen
- Reflections on the Sunday's Readings
- Blow them out and shout MERRY CHRISTMAS!
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES & REFLECTIONS ON SUNDAY'S READINGS
https://thekidsbulletin.com
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY
To be prayed especially on the Feast of the Holy Family, December 26/27
Loving God, we celebrate Your presence in our family.
Your love makes our lives sacred and holy and sustains us in good times and hard times.
Bless our family. Help us grow closer to you and to each other
By praying together
By acting justly
By forgiving and reconciling
By celebrating ordinary and special event
By showing respect
By communicating honestly
By serving each other and our community.
Bless our home. Make it a place of peace and compassion so all who pass through its doors will share Your presence in the world.
Thank you for this day. Amen
Many thanks to all who contributed to the above: Marriage and Family Life, Worship, Faith Formation, and Young Families committees.