Hello Faith Formation Families!
Last week, we began our month of learning about the Corporal Work of Mercy "Shelter the Homeless." We took a good look at the parable Jesus told about a son who left home and was afraid he wouldn't be able to return. The story had a happy ending, though, because his father forgave him and invited him home again!
We also talked about another homeless family, Mary and Joseph, looking for a place for Jesus to be born, an innkeeper who offered the little he had left, and the miracle God gave us as a result!
Did you pick up your Faith Formation materials for December in the Parish Center? Stop by for a kit to make this super cute Baby Jesus in the Manger!
"Shelter the Homeless "
Family Lesson #12
Let's begin our lesson as we begin all things, with the Sign of the Cross.
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."
Then pray the "Our Father" together.
(prayer cards included in the Faith Formation materials available for pickup in the Parish Center)
Activities: Saint and Service
In today's activities, we'll learn a little more about St. Martin de Porres and do some service inspired by his life.
SAINT
In your materials for this month, there was a St. Martin de Porres coloring page (or you can print the pdf version here). Take some time to color him now. Notice some of the symbols in the picture with him. Why is he holding a broom? Why are there animals in the picture? Why does he have a crucifix and a rosary?
St. Martin said:
There are so many ways to pray! Jesus and our church give us prayers like the Our Father, Glory Be, and Hail Mary. We can pray by quietly speaking with God in our hearts. We can pray through music. (St. Augustine said, "He who sings prays twice!") And we can pray through our service, like St. Martin de Porres and so many other saints! As you do your service project in the next section, think about this quotation from St. Martin de Porres, and think of your service as yet another form of prayer!
SERVICE
St. Martin de Porres cared for homeless children by building an orphanage and a children's hospital, and he cared for his fellow brothers at his monastery by sweeping and cleaning the home they shared.
For your service project this month, pray for people who are homeless, and then choose one (or more!) of these ways to help people who are homeless or care for the homes with which we have been blessed.
1. Learn about an organization that builds houses for people who are homeless (like Habitat for Humanity) or that cares for people who are homeless (like Open Door or Shelterhouse). Save up your allowance or make money with extra chores, and donate to one of those organizations. Or buy blankets or personal hygiene items and donate those.
2. Help make your house a home. Follow the example of St. Martin de Porres and do some cleaning around your house. Do some laundry, sweep the floors, care for your pets, or do some dusting!
3. Help others make their house a home. Help your neighbors with their Christmas lights, shoveling snow or spreading salt, or bringing in their trash bins.
Special Bible Verse
As a family, read this Bible verse a few times slowly. Take a quiet moment to think about what Jesus is telling us.
"Love one another as I have loved you. "
If you wish, you could also write out this Bible verse in fancy letters, or even try to memorize all or part of it!
God Sightings
Here's a picture of my desk right now, as I'm working on your Flocknote lessons for the month of December. I'm so blessed that I get to dive deep into the Bible and books about the saints and Advent and Christmas every day to help you along on your faith journey!
Remember to share your own God Sightings in the "Share your faith work" section below!
Share Your "Faith Work"
Thanks for joining me this week to learn about St. Martin de Porres!
Yours in Christ,
Corinne
Faith Formation and Parish News
Plans for the New Year
With Michigan's current lockdown status, and as virus cases continue to rise in our state and across the country, Father Rob and our Faith Formation team have decided to continue virtual programming into January and through the rest of the school year. One of the many ways we can show how "Love Works" is by keeping one another safe! And as always, our love is at work for you!
Pick Up Your Faith Formation Materials
The materials you'll need to complete our December Faith Formation lessons, including the Baby Jesus craft, are available in the Parish Center. Come on by to pick up yours! If you're feeling unwell or if coming into the Parish Center makes you feel unsafe, or even if you just can't find the time during the day to get to church, please let us know and we'll plan on a special delivery porch drop off for you!
Christmas Cards
Back in April, Faith Formation families were invited to make and send Easter cards to older Blessed Sacrament parishioners. It was a big hit with the older folks, and we're doing it again for Christmas! If you would like to participate, contact Lyn Pajk at lynp@blessed-midland.org.
Christmas Gifts
Do you know someone in our parish who is feeling especially alone or isolated due to COVID restrictions? We want to help by delivering a small Christmas gift. If you know someone who could use some Christmas cheer, please call the office at 989-835-6777 or fill out the form below.
