Page 11 - Our Catholic Family

AUTUMN
Conversation Starter
We don’t know how the Holy Family celebrated birthdays, but we do know that Mary and Joseph were good parents. How do we know? (They took care of Jesus. They looked for him when he was lost.)
Today’s Prayer
Dear God,
As we celebrate Mary’s birthday, we thank you for giving her to us as the Mother of God and our Mother, too. We ask her to bless our family and to always be with us. We ask this through her Son and yours, Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
(Conclude by praying a “Hail, Mary” together.)
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)
Introduction
The Feast of the Holy Cross has been celebrated by the Church since the fourth century. It originally commemorated the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem in 335 A.D. On September 14, a portion of the True Cross (found by Saint Helena in 326) was brought inside this church for veneration.
Today’s Reading
Go to www.usccb.org/bible/readings for the text or an audio recording of the Scripture readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Faith-Sharing Activity
Today’s feast is joyful and triumphant, a victory celebration. In that spirit, form a “victory procession” through your house. Carry a crucifix from the front door into each room. In each room, pray the following designated prayers. (The response is: Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.)
Living Room: Lord Jesus, bless this room where we receive our family and friends as welcome guests. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (All respond.)
Dining Room: Lord Jesus, bless this room where we share our meals, especially with guests. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (All respond.)
Kitchen: Lord Jesus, bless this room where we prepare our meals and gather as a family. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (All respond.)
Family Room: Lord Jesus, bless this room where we gather for fun, recreation, and family sharing. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (All respond.)
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