Veni, Sancte Spiritus...Come Holy Spirit!

At Mass this weekend, you may have noticed something different between the Second Reading and the Gospel. At the Mass on Pentecost, we include the Golden Sequence, a sacred Latin hymn and beautiful prayer of praise to the Holy Spirit. Learn more about the Holy Spirit in this week's issue of The Family Zone!

Thank you for sharing faith with your family and building your domestic church.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Stay with us through the summer months as we shift to Summer with the Saints, fun family challenges, at home VBS ideas and more!! The Family Zone Summer Edition begins June 14!

Peace be with you!

This Sunday's gospel can be found at: http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/053120-day.cfm

Discuss the following with your family:

1. The readings this weekend talk about people being able to speak in many languages but also understanding one another. How does this reading help us to think about the many differences in humanity and the beauty of what we share in common as well as what is different about each one of us? How can we learn to understand one another better?

2. If you could speak any language what would it be? Maybe you would like to learn a little of a foreign language you've never tried this summer; there are free apps to help your process!

3. There are seven gifts connected to the Holy Spirit. What are your gifts?

4. In today's Gospel Jesus says "Peace be with you!" How can you be more peaceful and peace-filled with your family, friends and neighbors?

There are few prayers directed toward the Holy Spirit in our traditional prayer. This one, is connected to the Pentecost Mass. It can be a beautiful way to invite the Holy Spirit into your life. Follow the link to learn the prayer and read more about the Holy Spirit:

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/prayer/traditional-catholic-prayers/prayers-every-catholic-should-know/prayer-to-the-holy-spirit/

Confirmation is the completion of our initiation into the Church. Initiation began at Baptism, but it is sealed and finalized with Confirmation. Through laying on of hands and anointing with the Sacred Chrism, a bishop is able to seal a person’s baptism in the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit that came upon the Apostles at Pentecost. To read more about the Sacrament of Confirmation, click on the pdf below!

The early church needed a guide. Jesus had promised a new advocate - the Holy Spirit. We are told in the Acts of the Apostles that the disciples are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Church formed officially when the Holy Spirit inspired them to preach to anyone who would listen and grew the Church by thousands.

READ MORE ABOUT PENTECOST IN THIS WEEK'S CATECHESIS CONNECTION PDF

Do you need help, assisting your child in processing his or her feelings over the pandemic?

Please watch the video as introduction to the PDF document that will help you to have those difficult conversations with your child, whatever their age. The first speaker, Roy Petitfils, is our guest presenter for the upcoming webinar advertised below! The second speaker, Mary Beth Eberhard, brings into the conversaiton a wonderful idea: Who are the people that you think might be feeling the most lost right now? Hear about her family's approach to facing their own sadness by acts of love for their loneliest classmates and neighbors.

WHO WANTS ICE CREAM? This warmer weather has us thinking summer treats! Why not make some to celebrate the birthday of the church? You could even create a "make your own sundae bar" complete with some cinnamon candies to include a little Pentecost spice!

• Make your own ice cream https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/homemade-ice-cream-recipe/ (requires ice cream maker)
• EDIBLE SCIENCE: Ice cream maker-free ice cream in a bag!! https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/simple-homemade-ice-cream-in-a-bag-edible-science/
• Sick of banana bread? Make dairy-free banana ice cream!https://youtu.be/DVj8qIiYayI
• Make popsicles from your favorite juice
• Make ice cream sandwiches
• Make a yogurt parfait with your favorite toppings

Around this time each year, some schools have field days! This week, create your own field day at home! Challenge some neighbors or some friends or family from a far! Here are some ideas for competition:

• Water balloon toss
• Balancing act (lay down and have a family member put a half-full cup of water on your forehead. Try to sit up without spilling or using your hands!)
• Hula Hoop Marathon (who can last the longest?!)
• Freeze Dance competition (when the music stops, FREEZE! The first person to move is out!)

On a nice day this week, get outside to do a craft! See some fun suggestions below!:

• Pour Painted Pots https://www.happinessishomemade.net/pour-painted-pots/
• Rainbow Snake bubbles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pan0q-cIdac
• Make your own Sundial https://www.raisingarizonakids.com/2015/06/how-to-make-sundial-clock/
• Make your own sidewalk chalk paint https://www.argofoodservice.com/recipe/DIY-Homemade-Sidewalk-Chalk-Paint

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

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!