Family life helps us learn about the values of solidarity and the common good. As a family, we strive to respect the rights of each family member and make decisions that promote the common good of the family. Talk about what it would be like if the family ordered a pizza and then divided it unevenly, with some members getting as many pieces as they wanted while others got only a half slice. Talk about how you work to make sure that everyone in the family has his or her fair share.
Talk about how your family is also a member of the human family, called to share the goods of creation fairly and justly. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to remember that the goods of the world are intended to be shared by all. Read aloud Luke 12:13-21. Talk about the parable of the rich fool and ask family members to describe what they think he did wrong. Emphasise that although the man in the story doesn't seem bad, Jesus points out that this man's flaw was that he was thinking only about himself and his own comfort and security. Emphasise that when we fail to think about the needs of others, we call that a sin of omission.
Remind your children that each time we go to Mass, we ask forgiveness for what we have done and for what we have failed to do. We call this prayer the Confiteor. End this time together by praying the Confiteor (“I confess to almighty God…”).
Why your children should go to Mass with you
Now that students have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation, it is important for them to go to Sunday Mass. We request parents/God parents to make sure that the children participate in the Holy Mass. The Church itself is a Sacrament instituted by Christ to give us grace to become children of God.
Thank you to those parents/God parents who bring your children to Church every weekend to participate in the Mass.
When children go to Mass, they hear the word of God and prayers praising Him. Those precious phrases expressing the foundations of our faith are repeated week after week, and they will stay with our children forever.
WORDS ARE POWERFUL THINGS, AND THE RIGHT WORDS SHOULD BE SEEDED DEEP IN OUR CHILDREN’S MEMORIES. THEY MAY BLOSSOM UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THEY DESPERATELY NEED THEM, BUT ONLY IF THEY’VE BEEN PLANTED BEFOREHAND.
