November GIFT Follow-Up

November GIFT Follow Up Email

Thank you for attending our November GIFT Gatherings! We hope that you enjoyed learning about different Catholic prayer traditions like Intercessory Prayer, Meditation, Praying with Scripture (the Ignatian way) and Taize Prayer Around the Cross. If you were not able to attend the GIFT sessions this month, please click the link here to download the PowerPoint presentation from the event.

At this month’s gatherings, the Catechists led the K-4^th grade children through chapter 5 in their books. Please work through the remaining chapters in Unit 2 with them before the 1^st week of December, chapters 4 & 6. The website for the text is http://calltofaith.osv.com which is where you can download the home lessons for chapters 4 & 6.

The 5-8^th graders explored the prayer styles with the adults and high school students during these sessions.

There are a couple of FREE apps that I would like to share with you to enhance your prayer lives…1) Loyola Press (Jesuit) has a 3-Minute Retreat app that features a short scripture verse, question to reflect upon and soft music in the background. It’s timed so if all you have is 3 minutes – that works!  2)  the World Community for Christian Meditation has an app which includes timers for your meditation (like Jeff Erickson mentioned on Weds night) but it also features the weekly readings. 

Other Resources:

Pinterest – November Family Faith Ideas http://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/november-family-faith-ideas/ There are some really good ideas for creating family prayer boxes or prayer boards.

Vibrant Faith @ Home – www.vibrantfaithathome.org

Sabrina’s Blog – Do you children ever ask you faith related questions that you are just not sure how to answer? Or do really cool things related to their faith that you want to share with the community? If so, follow the blog http://faqsfaithandquestiosn.blogspot.com

Attached are the Taking Faith Home handouts for each week until we meet again on Dec 1^st or Dec 4^th  for the December GIFT sessions: Following Jesus: “Preparing for the Messiah”. (Mea culpa – I forgot to put the issue out for this past week – so I’ve included it in here).

Also – there are several opportunities coming up for families to celebrate Advent & Christmas. Please put these on your calendars!

·         Nov 30^th – Dec 8^th is our annual GIVING TREE. The gifts you bring help the St. Francis Center in Redwood City. More information will be available in the bulletin.

·         Dec 8^th – Las Posadas – we re-create Mary & Joseph’s journey through the streets of Bethlehem trying to find lodging so that the Baby Jesus can be born. We celebrate in song and with a reception at the end

·         Dec 14^th – Breakfast with Santa from 10-12 noon. Free breakfast and pictures with Santa – donations gratefully accepted

·         Dec 14-15^th – Third Annual Christmas Creche Exhibit – display your Nativity Set and have it blessed after all the Masses

·         Dec 24^th – Christmas Eve Pageant at 4:30 pm – rehearsals on Dec 15^th and Dec 18^th –must attend at least one of the rehearsals

Finally, here are the SEVEN FAITH PRACTICES FOR FAMILIES

1.       Offer a prayer at meal time

2.       Call upon the saints

3.       Reach out to help a neighbor in need

4.       Savor a few minutes of silence

5.       Ask for God’s blessing each morning

6.       Receive the Holy Eucharist for strength and nourishment

7.       Give thanks to God each night

How’s your Family Faith Plan coming along? I’d love to hear what you all decided, how you’re planning to implement your ideas and if you need any support from the parish community or staff!