THE FAMILY ZONE

Take your family out into the beauty and quiet of God's creation this summer. Slow down together and listen to the sounds around you. Do you hear birdsong, rustling leaves from wind blowing the trees, or perhaps the scuttling noise of a squirrel or chipmunk? Listening to the incredible sounds of nature can remind us of the presence of God the Creator who made our amazing world. As you pause, remind yourselves of our loving God and all that you enjoy most when you are outside. Is it the breathtaking landscape, the smell in the air, or the delightful color of the various leaves, flowers, and creatures? In that space, we can find an encouter with our God and wonder at all He can do!

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12) are at the heart of Jesus' teaching and provide parents with a guide for raising children who know, love, and follow Christ. Teaching the Beatitudes begins at home through everyday conversations, family prayer, and the example we parents set by living with humility, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and a desire for peace. As your children encounter challenges at school, at home, or with friends, you can help them see how Jesus calls us to respond with kindness, courage, and trust in God rather than anger or fear. Reading and discussing one Beatitude at a time, connecting it to real-life experiences, and praying together for the grace to live it each day helps children to grow in relationship with Christ and follow his lead.

How do you teach your child to put others first? Here are some great ideas you can use this summer to teach your kids to consider the needs of others and make choices to engage in acts of kindness as a normal way of life! It is likely they will find great joy in those selfless acts!

You may have heard the term "stewardship" at your parish. Stewardship is the way we use our time, talent, and treasure in service to God. Stewardship at a parish is important because it provides essential support to the church and helps it to continue to serve the community. There are other ways we are asked to be good stewards as well. Taking care of the environment is an act of stewardship. Using our resources wisely and not taking more than we need is another act of stewardship. Our faith calls us to be good stewards of the world God created, and to share the resources He provides. What is one way your family can commit to being better stewards this summer?

Click below for a downloadable summer placemat activity.

Here are some ideas for cooling down in the July heat while not needing to run continuous water!

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!