Family Faith on the Go!
Ah, Labor Day: the last hurrah of summer—a time for barbecues and one last family trip. But this Labor Day, honor the true spirit of the holiday by telling your kids about the Church’s rich teaching about the dignity of work. Here’s a backgrounder, and nine things to do with your kids.
The feast of the Queenship of Mary is more than just another way of honoring Mary as the mother of Jesus; it is also a reminder that all of us are “kings and queens” in the Kingdom of God—even the youngest of your kids!
The Trinity is the “central mystery of the Christian faith,” yet most kids are a little fuzzy on the details. You can begin to remedy that by marking the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity with your kids. In the post you’ll find several ways to celebrate the day, plus some talking points to get you started.
Technically, Triduum spans three days—from the evening of Holy Thursday until the evening of Easter Sunday—but liturgically, it is “one day,” one long celebration of the Paschal Mystery. Triduum culminates in the Easter Vigil, which is the high point of the entire liturgical year. As with the Sunday liturgy, reviewing what will happen at the liturgy in advance is a good way to help your kids participate with understanding and reverence. Online, you’ll find lists to review and give your kids a heads up before going to church—and challenge them to notice each item during the service.
Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are at the heart of the forty days of Lent. Here are some strategies for helping your kids get involved in these traditional penitential practices. Most of the ideas you’ll find on the website are appropriate for kids ages six and up. The best way to introduce younger children to Lenten practices is for them to see adults and older kids in the family practicing them; use their natural curiosity and desire to be “grown up” as a springboard for talking about what you’re doing, and why. Find out how to talk about Lent with kids, fasting ideas, prayer suggestions, giving ideas and much more.
