Family Formation

This “lesson” is easy if you simply consider it to be a Summer Activity Packet, all on the theme of the cardinal virtues and the theological virtues.  Your assignment, parents, is to flip through it all to get an overview of what’s available.

It’ll be a little while, but at some point, the novelty of summer vacation will wear off and your kids will be looking for something to do, and that’s when you bring out this packet.  There are activities for indoors and out, rainy days, and car rides.  Things to do when your kids are alone, or in neighborhood-sized groups.  Become familiar with the choices, pull together any materials you might need and then be ready for the opportunities to keep growing in faith throughout the summer!

This lesson has lots of information about Pentecost, consecration, Mary as the New Eve, etc. but what I would start with is the spreading of the light activity on page 9.

You’ll need cupcakes and candles, a dark room, and a storyteller to explain how the light of faith started with Jesus, the Great Light and now spreads everywhere through the actions of the Holy Spirit, working through us,

This is a great activity to do with another family and, conveniently, you’ll already have cake and candles to celebrate the birthday of the Church!

From this core of the lesson, go ahead do the other stuff with your older kids, but starting with this foundation of celebration is the perfect way to both teach and say thanks to the Holy Spirit for His role in our lives!

Did you listen last Sunday?

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

That’s the nutshell of this lesson: Jesus is in heaven so it’s our goal to be with Him there someday too.  So how do we get there?

This lesson uses the device of planning a trip as we think about our journey to heaven.  You have all the pieces you need – a ticket, itinerary, passport, travel tips, etc.

PARENTS: It’s important to read the Preparation Instructions on page 3.  You’ll need to assemble a few pieces and mail some things to your kids in advance.  Don’t skip this step, especially if it’s your family’s first time doing this lesson!  Kids love to get real mail and this will be a perfect lesson opener!

The rest of the lesson is basically going through these travel pieces to learn more about the topic:

1. Who is the pilot of your flight?
2. What meals will be served?
3. How will your passport stamps help you get to heaven?
4. Who is your travel agent?

All this is fun for all ages, but (as we typically offer), there is a little additional bit for your older kids on just what it means to know, love and serve God in this world to help us attain the happiness of heaven in the next.

Have fun!