Our new Blended Learning model seeks to share and reinforce our rich Catholic heritage by providing a number of traditions and prayers to learn together as a family. Each family will choose and participate in two faith activities each month. We offer a variety of options to support families on their individual faith journeys.
We would love to see any pictures that you are willing to share. Email them to: religioused@stpaulkensington.org.
Here are some January Family Faith Activities to start the New Year. A few more will be added soon. Please remember to let us know what two options you chose via THIS JANUARY SIGN UP GENIUS.
20+YEAR = The year of the blessing.
+ = The Cross
C = Caspar
M = Melchior
B = Balthasar
The letters can also stand for "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" which means "May Christ bless this house." A prayer that may be said with your family as you go from room to room in your home chalking your doors (or only your front door) is this:
"Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."
To learn more about this Catholic tradition, watch THIS VIDEO.
THREE KINGS BREAD BAKING FUN! - Three King's Cake (or bread) is to be made and served on the Epiphany (January 6th). This date commemorates the visit the Three Wise Men made to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. In Mexico, the day is a gift-giving holiday. Tradition states this bread be served, garnished with the "jewels" of fruit and nuts. Usually a small clay or porcelain doll is baked inside. The custom is that whoever finds the doll must give a party on Candlemas (February 2nd). CLICK HERE for the recipe.
EPIPHANY STAR CRAFT - Want to get crafty for the Epiphany? Your child will be painting Epiphany stars. Here are the instructions. For more craft ideas, please check out catholicicing.com's Epiphany page
EPIPHANY VIDEOS - watch one or more!
FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF JESUS VIDEO & CRAFT - Sun., Jan. 9. Some quick facts:
Find the instructions to make the CRAFT HERE. Watch this Baptism of Jesus video.
TRINITY SNOWMAN DONUT POPS - Instructions HERE.
The Trinity Snowman Poem
When you see a snowman
Three snowballs round,
He is reminding you
That in God Three in One are found.
The bottom reminds us of God the Father,
Our strong rock and foundation
The Creator of all living things,
People, tribes and nations.
The middle shows us God the Son
With His arms spread open wide.
Who died on the cross for each of us
Our sins Jesus' blood did hide.
The head reminds us of God the Holy Spirit
Who is our counselor and friend,
He speaks to our hearts and minds
Transforming us in the likeness of Him.
So when you see a snowman
In the midst of all the wintertime fun,
Listen carefully and he'll tell you,
"Remember, God is Three in One."
Copyright 2002 Maureen Spell
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION -Wed., Dec. 8 -The patron of our nation is Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception, so ask Mary to intercede for your country in a special way. As this is a Holy Day of Obligation, the following Masses are scheduled:
CHRISTMAS CONCERT/GRECCIO (nativity) - Sun., Dec. 19 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in St. Paul Church and then moving to the Parish Green. Join us for a beautiful representation of the First Christmas accompanied by our talented St. Paul choir.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION - Spend some quiet time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament as a family. Adoration takes place on Mon., Dec. 13 & 20 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and weekly on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
CONFESSION - Mon., Dec. 13 & 20 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. at Saint Paul Church. Receiving the sacrament is a perfect way to prepare our hearts this Advent. If one or more of your children is younger than 4th grade, bring them to church with you anyway so that they can witness you receiving the sacrament. No matter the length of time away, the sins committed, the repeated nature of some sings, God's mercy has no limits and no sin need go unforgiven.
CHRISTMAS WAFERS (Oplatek) - Those of Polish and Slavic ancestry are likely familiar with the sharing of the oplatek, (pronounced o-pwa-tek) at Christmas and in particular at the evening meal (wigilia) on Christmas Eve. This thin unleavened wafer is shared and broken among all members of the family along with greetings for a blessed Christmas and New Year, but also incorporates a request for forgiveness from each other for any hurts that might exist. The oplatek are available on the table in between the two wings of the church at St. Paul's as well as in the Parish Center. A free will donation can be made. Use this OPLATEK Sign Up to let us know you picked some up and participated in this tradition.
CHRISTMAS MOVIES - watch one or more. Click on the title to access them on YouTube