THE FAMILY ZONE

This weekend, much of our focus will be on the beautiful Gospel of the Transfiguration and mountain top moments of faith. However, there is powerful sentence for our contemplation in the second reading from Paul to the Timothy (2Timothy1:8b-10). What message from the Gospel might be hard to share in today's world? Where have you felt drawn to stand for the message of Jesus when it may be counter cultural to the message society is proclaiming? God will provide us the strength we need to be people of peace, mercy, kindness and love. A Catholic influencer and digital creator on Instagram, lucero_catholicmom, suggested thoughts for a deeper Lenten season. Here are a few of them: "fast from complaining; give up the need to be right; speak gently; especially when you are tired; let someone go first-in traffic, in conversation, in opinion; do one act of service no one notices." We still have a lot of Lent to go...what are some things your family can do to live the Gospel, even when it isn't the way the world encourages us to behave?

On two occasions St. Francis went off to war with the neighboring cities. The first time, he was captured and held for ransom. When it was paid, he went back to Assisi and his carefree life. He was taken ill and became quite somber. When he learned of a new battle to the south, his quest for glory overcame his gloom. He marched off with the army, but soon found his taste for war diminished. He returned home to ridicule from his community.

St. Francis learned something in those years of war, and found that he had grown apart from his desire to fight. In what ways have you grown as a person and now believe, or feel something that you didn't feel at an earlier point in your life? St. Francis was growing closer to God by noticing his draw toward being a peacemaker. In what ways are you growing closer to God?

This organization which prefers reference books and textbooks as well as fiction and nonfiction will take both bound and digital books! Look through your family's books that are less than 15 years old, clean out your primary, secondary or college textbooks published after 2000 or send your reference books published after 2005. They even have an online shopping wish list! Check out their website below!

This quiet space in the church is designed to offer either anonymity behind a screen or face-to-face interaction with a priest to engage in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There are typically kneelers, a screen, and chairs in the space. Either type of space is created to offer absolute confidentiality. If you would like to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent, but haven't gone in awhile, here is a quick review of the steps:

1. Choose to sit either face-to-face with the priest, in a chair sitting across from him or kneel behind the screen where you will be hidden.

2. After the priest greets you, make the Sign of the Cross.

3. Next, say: "Bless me Father, for I have sinned, it has been ___ since my last confession, and these are my sins: (Confess your sins). Telling the priest how long it has been simply gives him context to help offer guidance and suitable penance.

4. The priest may offer advice and give you a penance, and then pronounce the prayer of absolution.

5. There will be a concluding prayer after which you will typically spend some quiet time in Church, in prayer.

1. Normalize the sacrament and let them know confession is about repairing a relationship with God just like saying sorry to a family member!

2. Practice and role play; allow the child to play the role of the Priest to reduce anxiety.

3. Show your child the reconciliation room/confessional.

4. Use an age-appropriate examination of conscience.

5. Practice forgiveness at all times in your home.

It always seems that we get questions about fasting and abstinence in the midst of Lent so here are some general reminders from the USCCB:

1. Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

2. Abstinence from meat is binding to Catholics 14 and up but NOT to those who are physically or

mentally ill, pregnant or nursing women or any situation where common sense tells you that a

person should not jeopardize their health.

While our goal is to abstain from meat, it is also to eat simply. Fasting doesn't mean Fridays are reserved for lobster dinners! Even vegetarians can simplify their meals on Fridays to observe the Lenten obligations.

Below is a recent article from Aleteia, which helps us to understand the reality of the Lenten fast and our daily lives:

Below is a plan for learning to pray with scripture, based on this week's Gospels. Links are provided to give you the Gospel text for each prayer experience.

This season of Preach will take us more deeply into examining our Lenten practices and how they can reshape our faith.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!