Generations Growing in Faith

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Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself.

- Philippians 2:5-7


Blog Post for Week 8
October 30, 2016

The children took part in a special prayer service which had Halloween as its theme.  We came together with the other grades (1-5) and discussed our blessings as appreciated through carving a pumpkin, then talked about ways we could let Jesus shine in us on Halloween night.  Before you store all of your Halloween decorations away for the season, remind your little ones of letting their light shine as children of God not just on October 31, but always!  If you would like a copy of this prayer service, let me know.

As important as every Sunday is, this Sunday is going to be especially crucial for the children to be in attendance since we will be working with Fr. Jim and actually going through the Sacrament of Reconciliation in church with him.  As you may know, parents and older siblings are strongly encouraged to partake in the blessing this sacrament is to us all. 

Like Zacchaeus in the gospel this past Sunday, let’s all be ready to make reparation for our sins and do penance so that we can grow to be more and more like Jesus each day.  He is waiting to welcome us with open arms!  God bless and see you Sunday!

For more ideas on ways your family can live your faith, visit the "Faith First for Families" page at FaithFirst.com. Click on "Make a Difference" for ideas on how your family can share your faith in God with others.


Blog Post for Week 7
October 23, 2016

Our main focus this Sunday was on understanding being truly sorry vs. just saying empty words that may not genuinely reflect real sorrow. Tonight is the service with Ms. Jeanne Hunt and she will cover even in more detail the heart of forgiveness and our preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation. The children learned that Jesus told the parable of the Forgiving Father to teach us about forgiveness. When we are truly sorry and ask God for forgiveness, he forgives us. God is so happy when we tell Him we are sorry that He rejoices!

Tonight (Tuesday, Oct 25) you will receive a child’s version of the ten commandments. That will be extremely helpful to reinforce the concepts with your child. Practice the Our Father and also the child’s version of the Act of Contrition that you will also be receiving tonight. Review often how being kind and making good choices will keep your little ones on the right track. Looking forward to seeing you in church at 7:00 p.m.

For more ideas on ways your family can live your faith, visit the "Faith First for Families" page at FaithFirst.com. Click on "Make a Difference" for ideas on how your family can share your faith in God with others.


Blog Post for Week 6
October 16, 2016

The most important item of the day today was beginning to be familiar with the Ten Commandments, to help the children know right from wrong, good vs. bad choices.  In case you may find this helpful, I am including a list of the Ten Commandments for you to talk about with your children:

1. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
-Based on Exodus 20:2-3, 7-17

We are sending home a page each week titled “With My Family” so look for that too!  

For more ideas on ways your family can live your faith, visit the "Faith First for Families" page at FaithFirst.com. Click on "Make a Difference" for ideas on how your family can share your faith in God with others.


Blog Post for Week 5
October 9, 2016

Our class has been blessed with a wonderful helper, Ms. Ione Klekamp.  She has taught PSR at another parish and has graciously volunteered to help with the 2nd graders.  What an enormous light she brings to the classroom!  So please say hello to Ione when dropping off or picking up your child.  As a reminder, we will dismiss at 11:25 so 11:30 mass attendance will be possible without being late.

This week the focus was on beginning to prepare for First Reconciliation or Penance since it’s getting close.  So, we introduced the concept of how we sometimes make bad choices and end up sinning. Then we are able to get back on the right track through the sacrament of Confession.  We receive sanctifying grace, which helps us to do the right thing, in receiving the absolution.  We even talked about mortal vs. venial sin, just to get the first exposure to those concepts.

We always read the gospel for that Sunday and this one, as you know, was regarding the ten lepers who were healed but only one came back to thank Jesus.  We discussed how it is a good practice to show appreciation and thanks.  Fr. Chris in his homily recommends we practice gratitude all week and beyond. As time permits, please recite the Our Father and Hail Mary with your children, maybe at bedtime after recalling all we have to be thankful for.  Thanks and have a blessed week!  

For more ideas on ways your family can live your faith, visit the "Faith First for Families" page at FaithFirst.com. Click on "Make a Difference" for ideas on how your family can share your faith in God with others.


Blog Post for Week 4
October 2, 2016

Sad to say, we had ten children not in class; I hope if they were ill, as some of you let us know, that they are feeling better now!  We started to begin the concept of consequences of our actions and the notion of conscience.  Nothing like jumping into some pretty deep topics!  But with First Penance coming up in a month, we need to introduce the idea of right and wrong; they are old enough now to begin to know one from the other. 

Each of us has a responsibility to form a good conscience and those of us who guide children need to help them in that process.   The essence of Fr. Jim’s homily from Sunday was that we need to trust in God even when it seems He is not answering our prayers!  When things go wrong and He doesn’t seem to care, we need to be patient because what we see is NOT the last word!  Even if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, that will get us through and keep on continuing to make a difference in our world.

We will be dismissing at 11:25 going forward so that making it to 11:30 mass will not be an issue.

More resources for faith formation programs are available at MyCatholicFaithDelivered.com.

For more ideas on ways your family can live your faith, visit the "Faith First for Families" page at FaithFirst.com. Click on "Make a Difference" for ideas on how your family can share your faith in God with others.