THE FAMILY ZONE

It is the last day of the Liturgical year. Next Sunday, we begin Advent!

Christo Rei Silhouette Photo by Pascal

In today's second reading from Colossians (1:12-20) you will hear a beautiful description of Christ. One of the words that stands out is PREEMINENT: "in all things he himself might be preeminent. "(Colossians 1:18)

It might cause you to pause and ask if that is true in your life; is Jesus Christ preeminent? Do you place your relationship with him above others and let His teaching impact your decision-making, your attitude, and your sense of purpose? Next week, we will begin the Advent season. Advent is an excellent time to reset our priorities and to think about our relationship with God. We invite you to take the time to make God preeminent by slowing down, entering into prayer and reflection, and preparing your hearts for the arrival of Jesus amidst the distractions of the holiday season and the busyness of your family's daily life.

The Thanksgiving holiday can be something beautiful and it can also be chaotic, stress-filled, anxiety- inducing and more. This Thanksgiving, whether you are hosting or attending a gathering away from home, share God's love through the act of hospitality. Here are some ways to share the gift of hospitality as a host or a guest:

1. Prioritize people over preparations. They will remember the way they felt more than how the turkey tasted.

2. Express gratitude and invite others to do the same. Bring prayer into your meal along with an opportunity to share one another's expressions of gratitude.

3. Be genuine and patient even if your ideas don't match those of another guest.

4. Listen well to the stories, even if you have heard them before!

5. Make space for the children who long to be part of the conversation and activity.

The ambo is one of the principal liturgical furnishings in the sanctuary of every Catholic church. It dignifies the Word of God by providing an elevated place from which Scripture is proclaimed.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, is in fact, an act of thanksgiving.

The inexhaustible richness of this sacrament is expressed in the different names we give it. Each name evokes certain aspects of it. It is called: Eucharist, because it is an action of thanksgiving to God. The Greek words eucharistein141 and eulogein142 recall the Jewish blessings that proclaim — especially during a meal — God's works: creation, redemption, and sanctification. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1328).

When we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we are participating in a profound act of love; what an amazing way to start our family's celebration of gratitude by praising the One who gave us life itself! Check with your parish to find the details of the Thanksgiving Mass that will be offered where you live. Often, Thanksgiving Mass includes a special blessing of food for your Thanksgiving feast, or an opportunity to share from your feast with others.

Get ready to celebrate the Advent season with your family with an Advent Calendar, an Advent wreath, and a Jesse Tree. Find details for all three family activities below!

Try out these table graces from Benedictine College and Catholic Digest:

If you'll have kids at your Thanksgiving meal who might not enjoy your traditional main and side dishes, you may want to check out these kid-friendly recipes from Tried and True:

Here are some great prompts for your Thanksgiving conversation:

• Who is someone you could say "thank you" to today? Why?
• What is something you'd like someone to tell you "thank you" for?
• How can we be thankful in our lives even when we have a bad day or are upset?

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!