May 2012

On Fire with our Faith

CNS photo

This month we celebrate the birth of the Church at Pentecost. Huddled and afraid in the upper room, the earliest disciples were gifted with the enduring presence of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. From that day forward, Jesus’ disciples prayed together, sang together, and gave witness to the life, death and resurrection of Christ together. Sound familiar? Today, more than 2000 years later, we still gather together in much the same way as the early Church communities to worship and praise the Lord every Sunday at Mass.

May is also the month to honor our mothers, especially our spiritual mother, Mary. Going to Mass as a family is the greatest gift you can give a Catholic mom. Blessings to you in this month of celebration!

E-mail Heidi

Smart Martha's Catholic Guide for Busy Moms

--Heidi Busse and the OSV staff
Share your suggestions and questions

This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

New feature! May at a Glance (PDF)

Activity One: (Grades K-5): Celebrate Mom! (PDF)

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): Making A Joyful Noise

Reflection Questions: Does music ever make you feel more connected with God? How so?
Who is your favorite Catholic/Christian musician today?

Lifelong Catechesis Corner:

Pentecost (May 27) is the birthday of Christ’s Church. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, the apostles and disciples were on fire with their faith and became witnesses to the miracle of Christ’s resurrection.
What are some ways you can nurture the fire of the Spirit in your heart?

Activities online at the Lifelong Catechesis page.

Soul Food for Teachers: Busy Prayer

Catholic Stewardship for Kids: The Joyful Giver

Catechist Know-How: New Life from Mary Lou Rosien

A Prayer for Moms

by Heidi Busse
(available in prayer card form at www.osv.com)

All-loving God,
we give you thanks and praise
for mothers young and old.

We pray for young mothers,
who give life and count toes
and tend to our every need;
May they be blessed with patience and tenderness
to care for their families and themselves
with great joy.

We pray for our own mothers
who have nurtured and cared for us;
May they continue to guide
in strong and gentle ways.

We remember mothers who are separated
from their children because of war,
poverty or conflict;
May they feel the loving embrace of
our God who wipes every tear away.

We pray for women who are not mothers
but still love and shape us
with motherly care and compassion.

We remember mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers
who are no longer with us
but who live forever in our memory
and nourish us with their love.

Amen.

Also on www.TeachingCatholicKids.com: