The April Family Mission is to go through the Book of Psalms and pick a favorite to share next time, Watch a video below or read about David and Goliath, Review the "Ideas for the Easter Season" below and pick something new for your family to do, and to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet together as a family. (We'll again give the kids tickets for a chance to win a prize for bringing a note stating what they did)
In this week's lesson, we leave the Pentateuch, and enter back in way after Moses, way after Joshua. Time passed - over 400 years. Most leaders at that time forgot to keep God first in their lives. Then Hannah dedicated her baby Samuel to God. God spoke to Samuel as a youth who replied, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening!” God gave him messages for the people and leaders. The people asked Samuel, now a prophet, to appoint a king like all the other nations. We read the story of Samuel, Saul and how Jesse’s son, David, was chosen by God. As always, we listen for clues of how David’s story foreshadows Jesus - this time as the “King of Kings”. We read 1 Samuel 8: 1-22, 1 Samuel 13: 13-14, & 1 Samuel 16: 1-13. Next time we'll dive into David and Goliath.
We learned a bit more about St. Faustina Kowlaska and The Divine Mercy image and chaplet and prayed it together up in the church on Divine Mercy Sunday.
FAMILY MISSION FOR APRIL:
1. Read from the Book of Psalms and select a favorite Psalm to share with a reason why it's your favorite to share at the Week 3 gathering of families. (Maybe one other than or in addition to Psalm 23 The Good Shepherd)
2. Read the bible story or watch a video of David and Goliath. (We won't have time to watch during lesson)
For Kids: (9:26)
For Teens: (3:46 clip from movie)
3. Gather as a family and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet around your home altar/prayer space.
4. Review the following Ideas for Easter Season – 50 days from Easter to Pentecost! See if there's something new that you can try as a family:
IDEAS FOR THE EASTER SEASON
Easter is not just one day, it’s 50!
Easter is a time of joy and light for Christians, after the 40 days of Lent we have the 50 glorious days of Easter, lasting from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday. Why not do some special things which add to your life and faith this Easter Season? Here are some ideas to help you.
Visit a lovely place and simply sit there and thank God for beauty
Have a small vase of flowers in a prominent place in your home
Eat a small special piece of chocolate and savor the taste
Read the account of Easter morning in John 20:1-18
For a few days make a list of things you are grateful for
Come to a weekday Mass in the Easter Season, each week if possible
Take a 15-minute walk, carefully notice the things you see
Give away something each day – a material thing, or a smile
Make a chart of the 50 days of Easter and make some plans!
Send some Easter cards with a greeting to some friends or distant family
Place a lovely postcard you have received prominently in your home
Read the story of the Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35
Try to identify one place each day where you encountered Jesus
Invite a friend for tea to your home, or to a café
Look at old photographs of departed loved ones and give thanks
Learn a new recipe for a simple cake and share a piece
Give a donation for Easter flowers at Church to share their beauty
In May, Mary’s month, say the Rosary one day or more
Support a local food bank and help feed children and families in need
Plan a special Eastertime meal
It’s okay to have questions. Read about ‘Doubting Thomas’ John 20:24-29
Plant a sunflower seed
When you come to church make sure you have a time of quiet
Give a small gift to say Thank You to someone
Think of an Easter hymn or poem you like and read it
Make an Easter gift, food or a card, say, and give it away
Place a sign of Easter (flowers or a cross…) where you work
Sort out, or put up, your bird feeder
Sort out your clothes and give some to charity
Give an Easter gift to a child you know
Pray for joy, beauty and a spirit of love and generosity
Read St Matthew’s account of the Resurrection: Matthew 28
