WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING THIS MONTH?
This month your child learned what it means to be part of the Church, our community in Christ. They learned that the Church is much more than a building—it is the People of God, united through Jesus Christ and called to know, love, and serve Him.
Together, we examined the Church's mission to continue the work of Jesus by proclaiming the Good News, celebrating the Sacraments, serving others with love, and building God's Kingdom in our world. Students also learned about the important role of the Sacraments, especially Baptism and the Eucharist, which strengthen our relationship with God and with one another.
Finally, we discussed how every member of the Church has a unique role to play. By praying, participating in Mass, showing kindness, serving those in need, and living according to the Gospel. This is how we each help make the Church a living community of faith.
BRINGING THIS SESSION HOME
Faith grows strongest when it is lived each day. This week, take a few moments as a family to reflect on what it means to belong to the Church.
Consider discussing questions such as:
- How does our family participate in the life of the Church?
- Which sacrament has been especially meaningful in our lives, and why?
- How can we share Jesus' love with others through our words and actions this week?
- What gifts has God given each member of our family to help build His Church?
As a family, choose one simple way to live out the Church's mission this week. It might be helping a neighbor, praying together each evening, attending Mass with greater intention, or performing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return. Through these everyday actions, we continue Christ's work and strengthen our place within His Church.
PRAY TOGETHER
This month, we invite families to pray in particular for all of those people in Church leadership — especially the clergy that serve at Mount Carmel. Those who serve the Church in various capacities have a big responsibility to lead and guide the faithful towards God. Oftentimes, this responsibility is very heavy and priests don’t get many breaks! This month, I encourage you to offer prayers and do something for our priests — give a word of encouragement, or even make them their favorite meal!
If you’re unsure of where to start, here is a good prayer for our priests:
Gracious and loving God,
We thank you for the gift of our priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the Sacraments.
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen.
(Taken from The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
