Hello Faith Formation Families!
Last week, in our third lesson about "Clothe the Naked," we learned about "church clothes," the special white baptismal garments worn at our baptisms and the special clothes called vestments that priests, deacons, and bishops wear when they celebrate the sacraments. Did you dig out your photo album from your baptism? How cute were you!? Did you pay attention to Father Rob's vestments at Mass? What color was his chasuble? Did you notice his alb and his stole?
We also learned some sign language last week! Did you practice the Two Greatest Commandments in sign language? Guess what the gospel reading is at this weekend's Mass! You guessed it... the Two Greatest Commandments!!
This last weekend of October is a chance for you to catch up on any of the lessons you may have missed earlier this month... and I've added some links to a few resources in case you're looking for a little something extra!
This weekend after Mass and during the first part of this week, packets for our November lessons are available for pickup in the Parish Center nursery. If you're here for Mass or driving by the Parish Center, stop in and pick up yours!
"Clothe the Naked"
Family Lesson #5
"Collect All 4 Lessons!"
Lesson 1: September 25
In this lesson, we learned about what the Corporal Works of Mercy are, and we read the Bible verses in which Jesus asks us to care for the least of our brothers and sisters... the Corporal Works of Mercy! We also started a week-long activity, the Works of Mercy Cross. This was also the weekend we kicked off our Faith Formation year with our parish-wide Acts of Mercy Blitz!
Lesson 2: October 2
In this lesson, we learned about St. Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who clothed the naked by cutting his cloak in half with his sword! We also took a good look at the Bible verses in which Jesus gives us the Two Greatest Commandments.
Lesson 3: October 9
In this lesson, we learned about St. Vincent de Paul, a saint who is well-known for his care of the poor and the many ways in which he encouraged others to help the poor alongside him. We made friendship bracelets to give to a friend along with an invitation to perform an act of service with us.
Lesson 4: October 16
In this lesson, we learned about "church clothes": the baptismal garments worn by the newly baptized and the vestments worn by priests, deacons, and bishops when they celebrate the sacraments. We also learned how to say the Two Greatest Commandments in sign language!
A Little Something Extra...
October 7 was the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary, and October is a month dedicated to Our Lady.
Our Lady Undoer of Knots
Pope Francis has a special devotion to Our Lady Undoer of Knots.
This beautiful painting of her was done around 1700 by a German artist named Schmittdner.
If you're having trouble with the problems, or "knots," in your life, you can ask Our Lady Undoer of Knots to pray for you!
Pray the Rosary!
This is a great time to pray the rosary as a family as well. Need some help getting started? Try this video from Kid Catholic:
Pray the Rosary in the Car!
I've been using this rosary audio recording for years to pray in the car or while I'm out for a walk. I even had it on cassette tape at one point, and listened to it on my Walkman! That's a loooong time ago! Now you lucky ducks can enjoy Dana and Father Kevin Scallon for free on YouTube! You're going to love his Irish accent!
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. (In this verse, "he" is the Angel Gabriel, and "her" is Mary. Gabriel has come to tell Mary that she is going to be the mother of Jesus!)
"Coming to her, he said, 'Hail, favored one! The Lord is with 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
Our Faith Formation friend Theo shared this God Sighting last week:
"I saw sunlight shine through the clouds and it looked like light from heaven."
Sounds beautiful, Theo!
Prayer Requests
Theo also shared a prayer request:
"We pray that our puppy gets potty trained soon."
We will pray for you, Theo!
Faith Work Sharing
Theo shared some of the Corporal Works of Mercy he has performed for his family this month:
"I gave drinks to my mom. I set the table for a lot of meals."
Thanks for sharing, Theo!
Share Your "Faith Work"
Thanks for joining me this week for a little review and to learn about Our Lady! Have a fantastic week!
Yours in Christ,
Corinne
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Faith Formation and Parish News
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.
Outreach Christmas Wreath Sales
It's not even Halloween yet, we know, but Advent is just around the corner! Outreach Christmas Wreath sales are happening only via our parish website or email this year. Pickup will be the weekend of November 21&22 or the evening of November 23. Contact Justin Rose for more information or to order. justinr@blessed-midland.org
Family Advent Wreath Event
While you're here picking up your wreath on November 22, reserve a slot to make your Advent wreath for this year! Save the date for our Second Annual Family Advent Wreath Event! More details and registration coming soon!
