Happy Catechetical Sunday!
"This is my body given for you"Luke 22:19
We have started our 2022-23 catechetical year. This would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, so please remember to express your appreciation to the teachers of your children and grandchildren. We are SO grateful for our volunteers.
This year’s theme “This is my body given for you” (Luke 22:19). Catholics hear these powerful words spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper at Mass which are a reminder of the gift of himself that Jesus offers each one of us in the Eucharist. TChrist truly becomes present in the Eucharist under the appearances of the bread and wine. The true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is called the Real Presence. This year's theme highlights and celebrates this core belief.
Catechist Blessing
With your fatherly blessing, Lord, strengthen these servants of yours in their resolve to dedicate themselves as catechists. Grant that they will strive to share with others what they themselves derive from pondering your Word and studying the Church’s teaching. And let them gladly join those they teach in honoring and serving your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/. Amen.
A Catechist’s Prayer
Loving Father, pour forth your Holy Spirit upon me that I may be a good catechist of your Word, your Son, Jesus Christ. Render my mind and heart so open, receptive and responsive to your Holy Spirit that, like Mary, I might become a living instrument of your Word to others. Help me to be a faithful witness to Gospel life so that your Church may become ever more alive. Let the fire of your love so enkindle my heart that I may be an instrument of drawing others to love of you in the Church of your Son. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Gospel Connection with our Children
Jesus tells his listeners that no one can serve two masters simultaneously. God must be put ahead of money.
Family Connection
As we grow up, our parents and teachers give us greater responsibilities. However, in order to continue to mature toward independence, we must show ourselves to be trustworthy in these responsibilities. In today's Gospel, we hear a parable that Jesus told about what it means to be trustworthy in the eyes of God. Talk with your children about some things that they have done to show that they can be trusted.What does Jesus say about people who are dishonest about small things? (They are also dishonest about big things.) When we make a habit of telling the truth, people know that they can trust us. As Christians, we tell the truth. This helps us be closer to God and to have good relationships with others. What might we do if we are tempted to lie? Talk a bit about what it means to be responsible. Responsibility often means that we put aside something of passing value for something of greater value.
Read together the short form of today's Gospel, Luke 16:10-13. Talk about the importance of responsible use of money and our material possessions. As a family, commit to one action that you will take this week to show that your family serves God and not money.
Ready Set Pray with Us!
Prayer is powerful, God hears our praises, cries, and pleas. In prayer, we know we are not alone and that gives us reassurance and hope!
“Do what you can, Use what you have, and Trust God to bless.” It is beautiful to see God work in the lives of our children.
As Parents we are busy. We have great desires and good intentions that are wonderful, but often fade into the background of urgent necessities. Our moments can pass into days, … the days to weeks, …then months, …and before we know it, years are gone and our good intentions are never realized. What is important has been lost.
This group is designed to help us meet with God as parents, to pray for our children, to help with anxieties and worries we might be encountering as we drop our children at school, to discern God's will for the lives of our children and also help our children fall in love with God. It doesn't require much we meet you were you are. You can take the moments where you are in your daily duties: at the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, driving the car, at your workdes or wherever you find yourself, to turn the routine duties into eternal investments.
Our influence, even as parents, is limited. But not God’s! Your gift of prayers will touch childrens life in ways that, naturally speaking, would be impossible if left to our own resources. As we pray, we tap into the greatest resource. Remember, our values are more often caught than taught! Praying together will also encourage us throughout the day to practice the truth in our own life.
Leave a Legacy that is priceless, can’t be stolen or wasted. Unlike tangible gifts that require money and are only temporal anyway, anyone can give this gift. It only requires a heart that is available, believing in God and His truth. The ripples from your prayers, like a pebble dropped in still water, will follow throughout the years of time for generations to come. Repercussions will pass from your child to all those they meet. Like a sweet perfume, you also will delight in seeing God’s work in their lives and beyond to others, and join the Apostle John in saying, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.” (3 John 4)
Even though all I can do is pray, do I? We will provide many resources that will help you grow in prayer, connect with your children and help you pass on to the them the faith, love and trust in our Lord. Remember children must first see your Love for God!
If you have a heart for prayer, please consider joining our Parents in Prayer group on behalf of your own child, niece/nephew, grandchild, Godchild or close acquaintance. We'd love to have you join our Parents in Prayer group to pray with us for the children and community. To join, please reply below