THE FAMILY ZONE

Today at Mass we will hear John's Gospel about Jesus cleansing the Temple. This is a Gospel that portrays Jesus as a man who can have real human feelings such as anger and frustration. He warns against the sacred space becoming a place of commerce and corruption. This Gospel also challenges us to think about our own selves as the Temple. Are you making space for God? Is there a place in your heart and your head to spend sacred time in prayer, or is your life filled with busyness, worry, noise and other things that compete for your time with God. Are you helping your kids to find space for quiet and prayer? How might this priority change the dynamic of your family? As we hear about Jesus cleansing the Temple, it is a good time to think about our own "cleaning," as we make our way toward the Advent season.

On Tuesday, our country will observe Veteran's Day. There are many unhoused veterans. One in five individuals who are experiencing homelessness are veterans, which can total to over 45,000 individuals across our country. Other veterans experience difficulty with the transition to Civilian Life, PTS, or are underserved with health care services as they age. Here are some ways you can share God's love with veterans this month and into the future.

The video below is a short reflection provided by Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. It is a good reflection for all to ponder on Veteran's Day.

An ambry is a type of display box in which the holy oils at a church are kept. The Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick and the Sacred Chrism are the three oils that are visible within an ambry, reminding the faithful of the significance of the Sacraments. Are you familiar with the ambry at your parish? If you have never seen it, you may find it near the baptismal font. You can learn more about the history of the ambry in Catholicism and other churches, as well as the use of the sacred oils, in the video below. It is a useful tool for teaching your kids about the Sacraments.

Next Sunday, November 16, is the feast day of Margaret of Scotland, who was queen of Scotland during the 11th century. King Malcolm had a great love for his wife, and he grew in virtue by following her lead. As royalty, they worked to found churches, serve the poor, and increase the integrity of those in power. Margaret was a mother to 8 children and worked tirelessly to help dozens of orphans. She had an extreme devotion to prayer and lived a reverent life. She is the patron saint of parents of large families, parents who have lost a child, queens, and widows. While she was very wealthy and powerful, she used her status to serve the least among us and to worship God through her actions. What a wonderful example of servant leadership! St. Margaret of Scotland, pray for us!

Hugo van der Goes, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Each month, the Pope has certain intentions for which we are invited to pray as part of his worldwide prayer network. In November, we are called to pray for the prevention of suicide.

Do you have an interest in learning more about the writings of the saints? Ascension Press produces a podcast reflecting on Catholic classics. This season explores the Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse

of Lisieux.

This year, we will provide you with a recipe and a topic to keep the communication going beyond "how was your day?"

St. Martin de Tours, was a soldier who risked his life to help a man in need. Celebrate Martinmas and all soldiers, with your family, by enjoying your evening meal by candlelight or taking an after dinner walk with a lantern, both of which are traditional Martinmas activities. Since Martinmas is observed most frequently in Germany, we have provided a German recipe for you to enjoy!

St. Martin de Tours made a choice to help someone in need. Ask your children, "what have you done to be helpful to someone this week? " Share what you have done for others, with them, as well!

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!