In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we learned that the angel Gabriel came to Mary and announced that she was to be the mother of Jesus. Greeting her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” [Lk 1:28] Troubled by this greeting, Mary did not know what to make of it. Gabriel assured her of God’s love for her and told her, “…you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” [Lk 1:31] The angel informed her how the Holy Spirit would come to her and, to help her to understand the power of God, told her that her cousin, Elizabeth, had conceived a child in her old age. Mary’s response to Gabriel’s words were, “…I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” [Lk 1:38] Read the complete reflection online.
April Gospels: Questions to ask your kids
The Annunciation of the Lord: A short reflection
Today, March 25, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Our greatest saint, Mary did one simple thing. She listened to God’s will—that she was to be the mother of Jesus—and she accepted God’s will. Read the complete reflection online.
Caring for your family’s spiritual needs during the COVID-19 outbreak
One of the sad consequences of the coronavirus outbreak is the separation many of us feel from our parish communities. Public Masses are suspended and parish gatherings, including religious education classes, are canceled. But families can still stay connected to God and his Church during the COVID-19 crisis, and they can form their children in the faith as well. It begins with seeing the family through the eyes of our faith. Go online to read the ways your family can be a true domestic church during this time.
Home Adoration
As many of us are confined to our homes with the recent coronavirus pandemic, the question of how to stay connected to faith has emerged. One way to continue our faith practice is through a Holy Hour/adoration at home. Now a Holy Hour without the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is admittedly strange. However, it does not mean that prayer, faith and adoration is not possible. Go online to discover how to have a holy hour and home adoration.
25 things for your kids to spot during Palm Sunday and Triduum
Technically, Triduum spans three days—from the evening of Holy Thursday until the evening of Easter Sunday—but liturgically, it is “one day,” one long celebration of the Paschal Mystery. Triduum culminates in the Easter Vigil, which is the high point of the entire liturgical year. As with the Sunday liturgy, reviewing what will happen at the liturgy in advance is a good way to help your kids participate with understanding and reverence. Online, you’ll find lists to review and give your kids a heads up before going to church—and challenge them to notice each item during the service.
