New Year’s Blessings

Ordinary Time covers two distinct periods in the Church year. The first segment runs from the end of the Christmas season to the day before Ash Wednesday. The second segment begins on the day after Pentecost and ends when Advent begins.

This is a time for learning about and growing in our faith. This is a time for recognizing and celebrating our heritage. It is not ordinary at all.

“Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.” (Based on Psalm 25:4-5)

God bless and Happy New Year! -- Dave (Email me at ddziena@osv.com to share your suggestions and questions.)

This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

Ordinary Time Resources

Activity One: (Grades K-5): Toy Blessing and Epiphany Activities (PDF)

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): Baptism of Jesus File Folder Game (from CatholicMom.com)

Teacher Pattern: God Loves All Children (PDF)

Now available!
Click for a sample
Click here to order

Lisa Mladinich's article
on kids being taken
to Mass - or not
Visit the author's web site

Lifelong Catechesis Corner: In celebration of the Baptism of Jesus and your own baptism, place holy water in a special dish near the entrance of your home. Encourage family members to bless themselves with the Sign of the Cross each time they enter or leave the house. Practice making the Sign of the Cross as a reminder of our Baptism and of our identity as God's adopted sons and daughters. For weekly activities, visit the OSV Curriculum site

Catholic Stewardship for Kids:

With the family, discuss problems that are present in the community (vandalism, drug abuse, disrespect, racism, discrimination). Find ways that you as a Christian family can address these problems. Choose one and discuss what you can do to bring about a change with that problem. Spend time in prayer concerning your choice.
Discuss with your child the divisions among people in his or her school. What are the reasons for the divisions? How can your family help?
For more ideas, visit the OSV Lifelong Catechesis site

Soul Food for Teachers: Three Suggestions for Avoiding Burnout (from AmazingCatechists.com)

Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien, 'From Extraordinary to Ordinary?'

Prayer

A bright star guided the three kings to the place where Jesus was born. The kings were very happy to see the new baby and they gave him gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. On this Epiphany day, we are thankful for the gift God gave us, his Son, Jesus. We are also thankful for the gifts we received and were able to give to others this holiday season. We ask that in the days ahead, we remember others and continue the spirit of giving all year long. Amen.

From The Big Book of Catholic Customs and Traditions for Children's Faith Formation, edited by Beth Branigan McNamara with Sue Robinson and Anne E. Neuberger.

Also on www.TeachingCatholicKids.com:

Teaching Catholic Kids

January 2011