Our parish bulletin needed some more content, so I thought it would be fun to contribute ideas for families to use at home to celebrate some of the feast days of the liturgical year. Here's my first attempt:
Domestic Church
"The Second Vatican Council calls the family the 'Ecclesia domestica', the domestic Church, teaching that parents are 'by word and example...the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children.'" (CCC1656)
One of the most enjoyable ways to be heralds of the faith to our children is to share the feasts and seasons of the Church year with them. On November 11th (which is also Veteran's Day), we celebrate the feast of St. Martin of Tours, patron saint of soldiers. Take a little time on Thursday to share the story of St. Martin with your children. He was known for his wisdom as Bishop of Tours, France, and throughout his life, he took care of the poor.
One story tells that when he was a catechumen, St. Martin was still a solider in the Roman army. One winter day, he saw a beggar outdoors with only very worn and thin clothing. He had no food to share with the beggar, but he tore his woolen cloak in two and gave half to the beggar. That night, St. Martin had a dream in which Jesus appeared to him wearing the half-cloak and praising his actions to the angels.
For more about the liturgical year, St. Martin, and some ideas about celebrating his feast day, go to:
Liturgical Year calendar: http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies/?page_id=48
The Catholic Encyclopedia online at New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09732b.htm
The St. Martin story and some prayers for the day: http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2008/11/feast-of-st-martin-of-tours-patron.html
No comments:
Post a Comment