Are We Asking the Right Questions?

During this Catechetical Year, we have been reflecting on and evaluating our faith formation programs and their effectiveness. We formed a group of parents, catechists, board members and staff members to study and discuss how our faith formation programs are conducted and decide to make some changes which will be implemented in the coming year, 2012-2013. The following article presents a compelling argument for why our current models of formation do not work. The article refers to the NSYR which is the National Study of Youth and Religion. We will be participating in a process called Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth. I will post more information about this later this week.
Forming Young Disciples: Are We Asking the Right Questions Article

The Joy of Stewardship

Yesterday, at the 10:30 am Mass, as I was in the Communion Procession, I was stopped by two little, six year old girls whom I know well. One of them said to me, "Sabrina, can we give this money to Church?" When I looked down to see what money she was talking about, I saw a two shiny coins in her small hand - a nickel and a penny. I replied, "Of course, you can give that money to Church! After Mass is over, you can go put it into the collection basket". At that the two little girls literally  jumped for joy (as only 6 year olds can do!), gleefully saying "Yay!!!". If only we could learn to give of ourselves so joyfully!

Epiphany Reflections

Today is the Feast of Epiphany. (Epiphany is actually on Jan 6th, but the Church moved this Feast to this Sunday, Jan 8th). Traditionally, this day also called "Little Christmas" is celebrated 12 days after Christmas and is the day that the Three Kings or Magi arrive from the East to pay homage to the newborn baby Jesus. Micah prophesied about this saying that Jesus would come from "...Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means means least among the princes of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler who is shepherd to my people Israel."
Jesus was send to earth, not just to shepherd the people of Israel, but was send for all nations. This feast celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to Gentile seekers, and Matthew tells the story of the kings humbly entering the house of the Holy Family to present gifts to Jesus and congratulate Mary and Joseph. Because of this, there are many traditions which celebrate the family as the domestic Church, an intimate Christian community in which children and most Christians first find faith in Jesus.
How can your family celebrate your faith in Jesus? What have you sought or are seeking this season? Research some Epiphany traditions and adopt one for your family.

At  St. Matthias, we have a collaborative approach to Faith Formation. So, last night I was asked by our Deacons - George and Rich to come to RCIA and talk about Epiphany. I can't tell you how much fun I had researching this feast! For instance, did you know that King Cakes are not just for Mardi Gras? They are actually "in season" from Epiphany (Jan 6th - celebrated on the 8th this year) through Mardi Gras (the day before Ash Wednesday). Traditionally King Cakes are decorated with purple, yellow and green icing or colored sugar and there's a tiny plastic baby baked inside. Whoever gets the piece with the baby in it is said to be blessed throughout the year, but is also responsible for providing the cake next year.  The purple denotes justice, the green faith and yellow power.

For my presentation, I thought it would be cool to bake and share a King Cake with the group. I found a super easy recipe online that I'd like to share (recipe comes from www.homecooking.about.com)

Filling Ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teas cinnamon (I like a lot of cinnamon so used more)

1/4 cup raisins, soaked in hot water for 15 mins, then drained and patted dry on a paper towel

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cake Ingredients:

2 rolls (total of 12 individual crescent rolls) refrigerated crescent rolls in the can

Icing:

1 1/2 cups of powered sugar

3-4 Tbsp milk or cream

1 teas vanilla extract

purple, green and yellow colored sugar or food coloring

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a pizza pan or baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment.

Place all the filling ingredients into a food processor and pulse until well mixed. Set aside.

Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Position triangles next to each other with the points toward the center, overlapping the long sides about 1/4 inch, forming a large round. Where the pieces overlap, press the seams together only in the center of each seams, leaving either ends of the seams unsealed so you can fold them up over the filling.

Spread the filling around in a ring covering the center sealed seam of each triangle.

Place a small plastic baby someone in the filling.

Fold the wide edge of each triangle toward the center just to the edge of the filling to cover. Continue all the way around, until the wide ends are all folded over. Begin folding the points of the triangles over until they are all folded. Lightly press the seams to seal.

Bake 20-25 mins until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature.

While baking, whisk together the powered sugar, milk or cream and vanilla until smooth. The consistency should be fairly thick, but still thin enough to slowly drip down the sides. Add more milk if necessary. If using food coloring, divide the icing into three smaller bowls and add colorant. Allow icing to dry and serve!

Does your family have any Epiphany traditions or customs? Do you celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings? What epiphanies have you had in your life? What is the significance of the three kings coming from the East to you?