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Hello Everyone,

As the days of quarantine rise, it seems my spirits dive. I'm assuming some of you might be feeling the same. Please know I am praying for you all and am committed to journeying with you through this time. Please check in with me and let me know how you are doing. I know in my own family there are already layoffs, anxiety over what lies ahead and the challenges of so many people, working and schooling under the same roof. My family is finding peace in praying together, taking long walks outdoors, playing games and trying to put the blessings in all of this ahead of the struggles.

Holy Week begins this Sunday, Palm Sunday. The parish staff has put together some wonderful options for you to Keep the Week Holy At-Home. Look for the Parish emails with all of the fun! Be sure to check it out. I will then resume with my emails after Easter. Future fun includes: storytime with Miss Patti, learning to pray the rosary and more!

Bookmark this page and visit it frequently - Family Resource Page: www.saint-mikes.org/elemparent. All of my emails will be archived here so you can delete them from your inbox and find them when you need them.

Please reply and share:

Tips or activities you have been using with your family to avoid boredom
Any ideas of what you would like me to provide for you
Questions you or your children have for our "Ask Our Fathers" videos
Please also share photos and videos of your family doing the activities I am sending and your creative ideas too. I miss seeing the kids! Feel free to add them to my Google Photo album below:

Share Photos/Videos Here

FOR PARENTS:

Please be sure you are taking time for self care. I know that is often easier said than done but you need to be at your best for your children right now. Sometimes that means you need to schedule some time for yourself. Remember we are all striving to be the best-version-of-ourselves!

If you have pre-grade 1 children that you are schooling at-home, check out Aurora Sta Ana's videos that she is preparing for her students! Go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPE6lFAx89v5_gPV1bdPDEA

If your family is feeling the Quarantine Blues check out these easy tips to help beat them. Be sure to schedule some fun time for your family - I now with all the "work" that needs to be done for parents and kids the hours can slip away and it's bed-time. Schedule time for fun, play board games, puzzles, nature walks and more. In my house we sometimes need to impose "forced family fun" as a chance to reconnect. It can be the best way to turn those frowns upside down ; )

The technology available to us is wonderful but I expect you may all be facing the burnout with it that I am. I found these great idea to liven up your virtual time with family and friends: Adventures in a box offer these virtual "playdate ideas" and Adventures in Nana Land offers these game ideas.

New Mass Resources for April:

Magnificat and Magnifikid are extending their complimentary access to their subscription services. Click the button below for adult and kid access.

Magnificat/Magnifikid

Spanish Editions Here

Need some FUN and Learning? Try these...

Ten Easy Science Experiments -

I could not stop watching these. I will be trying these at my house with my kids! Most of these require simple items you will have around the house. Check out the video and plan one a day! Share your pictures and videos with me!

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Praying the Stations of the Cross, especially on Fridays during Lent is a longtime Catholic Tradition. Here are several kid-friendly ideas!

Interactive Prayer and Learning!

Fri, April 3 3:00pm

This week's Stations are a more reflective option intended for the elementary ages. If you have younger kids or really liked last week's option, see the video.

Topic: Children's Stations of the Cross
Time: Apr 3, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Watch the recording of last week's interactive Stations of the Cross.

Print these and use them for activities all week!

Printable Stations of the Cross for younger kids with several ways to use them.

Have older elementary kids? Preteens? Teens?Try this Via Dolorosa Trivia card game.