THE FAMILY ZONE

At Mass today, we will hear the Gospel of Luke. In that Gospel story we learn about Joseph and his reaction upon hearing that Mary is with child. St. Joseph is visited by an angel who urges him to stay by Mary's side. It is one of four angelic encounters Joseph experiences. As we enter into this Christmas week, may you be inspired by Joseph's steadfast commitment to Mary and to our Lord. Below you will find an interesting article about Joseph's encounters with angels, and a song for your Christmas listening. God is with us! Emmanuel! Merry Christmas to all!

Would you love to show some extra care to those who live around you but aren't really up for holiday hosting? Why not hold an impromptu hot cocoa gathering around a driveway firepit? It's a nice way to celebrate the season without adding too much to your busy schedule. Perhaps it will turn into a caroling adventure through which you visit neighbors that might not be able to join you outside! What does it achieve? As neighbors build positive relationships with one another, we become a more peaceful and less lonely world. Get to know one another and share God's love with the people around you.

As you attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass with your family, invite your children to take in all the sights, sounds and smells around them. It is definitely one of our most beautiful settings during our liturgical year. Jesus has now been lain in the manger and the space is likely filled with flowers and twinkling lights. If you are arriving early to secure a seat, take a moment to walk around the church and admire all its beauty! Thank you to all the hard-working staff and volunteers who help us to welcome Jesus into our world in such a stunningly beautiful way!

Use this guide from Holy Cross Family Ministries

Try praying in different ways with your family during the liturgical season of Christmas which runs from Christmas Day to Epiphany! Click on the link below for a variety of prayers from Sadlier publishing.

Our own Catholic Courier offers a podcast with host Gina Capellazzi, that takes you through reflections on the Liturgical Year of our church. It's a great way to learn more about all the seasons we celebrate in our Catholic faith. Check it out! New episodes are launched every Wednesday.

Here are a few to try out:

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!