The Family Zone

Are you running out of things to keep the kids occupied in these last few weeks of summer? This week's Summer Journey of Faith is full of family-friendly activities that you may not have already enjoyed this summer!! Download the PDF below for an overview of the Trip Week 9. Next week is our last week, so get on board now and take a few day trips! It's not too late to go into the archives and complete a line on the bingo board of activities. Just click on the button above to take you to our page and access the August itinerary!

Kindness

St. Monica’s selfless devotion to and prayers for her son’s conversion is an act of extreme kindness. She never expected her son to do anything in return.

What Is It?

Kindness is a pleasant disposition and a concern and consideration for others.

It is often expressed by doing something for someone else without expecting repayment.

It combats the sin of Envy.

Live It Out!

When you wake up this week, consider what kind act you can do for someone in your family. Remember there is no reward sought in kindness.

At the end of the day this week, pray in thanksgiving for any kind acts you experienced.

“The Lord be with you”

At five different points in the Mass, the priest says “The Lord be with you” (or some variation of that). We respond with “And with your spirit.” We do this at the very beginning of Mass, before the Gospel, at the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer, before the sign of peace, and at the end of Mass. When we exchange this greeting with the priest, we are reminded that we truly do believe the Lord is with us, not out of obligation or in response to a summons. It is out of God’s kindness that He is with us.

And our response speaks not just to the priest as a person, but as a marked child of God. Just as Augustine was marked after years of prayer from his mother, the priest, and we, have had our spirits marked as children of God, never to be abandoned!

Take some time to really be with God this week. Feel that the Lord is with You!

St. Monica is a saint that we often pray to if we feel that our child has turned away from God and the church. There is a Litany of St. Monica that is fitting for uncertain and difficult times. It can be found here: https://gnm.org/prayers-for-parents/st-monica-litany/

This is another prayer for mothers who are worried about their children: https://www.archspm.org/faith-and-discipleship/prayer/catholic-prayers/prayer-to-st-monica-patroness-of-mothers/

St. Monica, Pray for us!

Consider journaling to relieve stress

Read the article below about how to begin and download a free template to get you started!

https://blessedcatholicmom.com/how-to-start-a-prayer-journal/#:~:text=A%20prayer%20journal%20shows%20the,love%2C%20and%20trust%20of%20God.

Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich? How about changing it up a bit? Have a cook-off and see what recipe you like best for grilled cheese this week!

• https://www.cabotcheese.coop/recipe/grilled-cheese-florentine
• https://www.americastestkitchen.com/kids/recipes/classic-grilled-cheese-sandwich
  
• https://www.halfscratched.com/kid-friendly-grilled-cheese-sandwiches/

Get out your jump rope! Challenge yourself to learn new jumps! How many can you do in a row? If you have more than one person to jump rope with, try one of these fun games! https://www.verywellfamily.com/jump-rope-games-1256809

Spread kindness with these crafts that inspire your family to reach out to others:

• https://inspirekindness.com/blog/kindness-ideas-kids-covid19-coronavirus
• https://www.crayola.com/crafts/kindness-calendar-quilt-craft/
  
• https://coffeeandcarpool.com/flower-kindness-craft/

For Children: "Be Kind" By Pat Zietlow Miller

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind?

Another great story: "Listening with my Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-Compassion" by Gabi Garcia, teaches kids to be kind to themselves as well as others!

For Teens: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

A wonderful story for parents and teens to discuss the way we accept, welcome and treat others who might seem a little different than ourselves

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!