Hello Faith Formation Families!
Last week, in our second lesson about "Clothe the Naked," we learned about St. Vincent de Paul and how he served the poor and led others to do the same. We made friendship bracelets to give away along with an invitation to share in our service to others. Did you invite someone to live out one of the Corporal Works of Mercy with you? What did you do together?
In this week's activities, you'll learn about the ways we use special clothing in the sacraments, and then you'll learn how to say the Two Greatest Commandments using sign language!
"Clothe the Naked"
Family Lesson #4
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 "Glory Be" together.
(prayer cards included in your delivery)
Activities: Sacraments and Signs
SACRAMENTS
Baptismal Garments and
Priestly Vestments
This week in our lesson, we're talking about "church clothes!" Specifically, we're talking about the special white baptismal garment worn by people who are being baptized, and the special clothes called vestments worn by the priests, deacons, and bishops during Mass.
The white baptismal garment symbolizes that a person is being made new in the image of Jesus.
Together, pull out the photo album from your baptism day and take a look at your baptismal garment. Is it a special family heirloom? Or was it made or purchased just for you?
My son wore the baptismal garment that his great grandfather wore in 1907! At my baptism, I was too chubby to fit into a family heirloom gown, so I had my own special new one!
Gabe in Great Grandpa's Baptismal Garment
Me with my godmother, Aunt Fay
Then, when you go to Mass this weekend or watch the online Mass, pay attention to Father Rob's vestments. What color are they during this church liturgical season, Ordinary Time? Do you see his white alb peeking out from under his chasuble? Do you see his stole? When the season of Advent begins in a couple months, watch how the colors change!
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.
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifice of that kind."
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
God paints the leaves in such beautiful colors! I collected these on my walk a few days ago.
Share your own God sightings in the next section!
Share Your "Faith Work"
Thanks for joining me this week to learn about church clothes and to practice some sign language! Have a fantastic week!
Yours in Christ,
Corinne
Faith Formation and Parish News
Sharing Tree Tag Tying
Every year, Middle School Youth Ministry ties the strings on 10,000 tags for United Way Sharing Trees around Midland County. This year, since our middle schoolers can't meet in person yet, we're asking for your help! Join us after Mass THIS SUNDAY, October 18 to help us tie tags! Click the link for more information.
Trunk or Treat
On October 31 after Mass, Blessed Sacrament Faith Formation will be hosting a COVID-safe Trunk or Treat from 5:30-6:30. Come and trick or treat around the parking lot, or host a trunk! My mom and my mother-in-law are going to be visiting from Ohio that week, and they're already making plans to host a trunk together. We hope you'll join in the fun too! Although decking our your trunk isn't necessary, we'll be holding a trunk decorating contest. For ideas, just Google "trunk or treat images." People have been very creative! Click the link to sign up to host a trunk! (Trick or treaters don't need to register.) OR bring candy donations to the Parish Center anytime this month.
