ECHO

At the end of St. Francis' life, he celebrated a unique and special Christmas that began a tradition most of us observe today. Francis arranged a Mass in a cave, complete with a manger filled with hay, an ox, a donkey, and a small altar. This celebration of the Eucharist, at Greccio, became known around the world and inspired the small crèches we now place in our homes. In the Advent season, share this story of St. Francis with your learners and enhance it with the making of small manger scenes or acting out a living nativity. Connect with families by sending home a crèche blessing. You may even want to collect photos of everyone's manger scenes in their home or include a "show and tell."

Giotto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In catechesis, our behavioral goals for parents include helping them to "participate prayerfully and joyfully in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church," and a cognitive goal is for them to "know the Church's liturgical calendar and identify the seasons and key feasts that we celebrate" (from the Handbook on Catechetical Accompaniment). To help them achieve those goals, December is an ideal time to provide resources that highlight the liturgical year and give them materials for celebrating in the home! Below are some resources you can share to continue partnering with parents!

Do you know how to teach about the Jesse Tree? This is a wonderful way to connect Salvation History to both sessions at church and liturgical living at home during the Advent season. Here are some Jesse Tree resources. Make them during the month of November to prepare families to experience the fullness of the season at home. Making these is also a great activity for a November family faith session!

The National Community of Catechetical Leaders has created a wonderful curriculum to help you learn about making prayer central to catechesis, supporting families, and helping those you serve discover their pathway to a deep and meaningful prayer life. Explore it at the link below!

Email: leslie.barkin@dor.org

Website: oec.dor.org
Phone: (585)328-3210