For Families

Families are the domestic Church, vital to the Church and to society. The family is a crucible of competence, a mini-society where the children learn Christian values from their parents and prepare to take their places in society. This page will be further developed, but we also need your insights, stories and learnings.

Family is the crucible that prepares us for life.

And here, an old African saying has it: “Women hold up half the sky.”

The values that you share in family influence your children and society. Your family is a microcosm of community and they translate these values into the wider community.

Another African saying: “When a tree falls the noise brings everyone running; but when it grows, it grows without a sound.”

When there is a crisis in the family, it can bring us closer together, we break down the barriers and get to the heart of things.

“I can’t do a thing with him” is an oft heard cry; but what did you do for him in terms of values?

1. Value the family unit – strive to keep the family together;
2. Value open communication – ensure that any sulks, tantrums and prolonged silences are dealt with respectfully and as quickly as possible;
3. Value your participation in/and contribution to the wider community;
4. Value your faith – praying together, coming to Church. Your children are half an eternity. There was a time they did not exist; now they exist for eternity. Acknowledge the power and importance of prayer in their lives.

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Prayers By Children From St Christopher's Primary School

 

BEDTIME PRAYERS

PRAYERS FOR FRIENDS

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK

THANKING GOD FOR CREATION

PRAYERS FOR WORLD PEACE

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Family Mass

 

We plan to have a family Mass once each term, apart from the school-parish Mass each term and the ongoing contemporary Mass every six weeks. Paul Gleeson has accepted responsibility for the children's family Mass.

The dates for the 2004 School-Parish Masses are pending!

Last year, the dates for the 2003 School-Parish Masses were:

• Sunday 6th April: 10:30AM Commitment Mass for First Communion Candidates.
• Sunday 1st June: 10:30AM Feast of the Ascension
• Sunday 27th July: 10:30AM Commitment Mass for Confirmation Candidates.
• Sunday 19th October: 10:30AM

 

 

Last year, the dates for the Children's Masses were:

• Sunday 4th May: 10:30AM
• Sunday 20th July: 10:30AM
• Sunday 26th October: 10:30AM
• Advent Sundays will involve the younger children at 10:30AM Mass.
• Christmas Eve: 24th December at 7:00PM.

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Family Resources

 

 

Baptism of Children

Drawing, Colouring and Writing Exercises

1. You were born into a family of Dad, Mum and ?
   
   
   1. Draw a picture of that family!
      
      
   2. Write their names.
      
      
   3. Can you write down what it was like for them all before you were born?
      
      
2. There was a celebration around the dinner table because a new member came into the family.
   
   
   1. Draw a picture of the family around the table.
      
      
   2. Write about what you think they were talking about.
      
      
3. You will soon be Baptised. God’s special smile comes to you in baptism. It brings you New Life. Have you seen a baby chuckle (come to life) when a mother smiles on her baby? With God’s New Life you become a new member of God’s family.
   
   
   1. Draw a picture of yourself with God smiling on you.
      
      
   2. Write a note to God and ask Him to smile on your family and especially on you.
      
      

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Climbing into the Heart of God:

Praying with Children in Uncertain Times

by Cheri Fuller   

(Amended slightly by our Parish Office team to suit Australian Conditions)

Ater the terrorist attacks of September 11, I was struck by what Martin Luther said: “Prayer is climbing up of the heart into the heart of God.” Now, with our uncertainties and fears about terrorist attacks and war in Iraq, how we need as families and individuals to climb into the heart of God, the loving arms of God, and to the throne of God for the mercy, grace, and help He offers for those who come in time of need [Heb. 4:16].

Children are exposed to—and often bombarded by—the media at school and home. They see troubling pictures and words about biochemical strikes against us, about the shuttle tragedy, about preparations for war in the Middle East. They watch the news or hear from friends on the playground, and their fears escalate.

One of the best things we can do is to pray with our children in these times, climbing up into the heart of God and asking for His help. We can help turn our kids’ concerns and worries into prayer and action, providing a safe place for them to share and be supported.

Here are some ways to pray with children and help them deal with uncertain times or crisis, whether in your family, your state, or our nation:

Pray together! After you watch the TV news to get updated on what’s happened, turn it off and pray as a family for Mr Howard and his family, and the Cabinet, House and Senate leaders. It is best to avoid overexposing children to media reports and replayed scenes of tragedy or impending crisis—but when you do see something of concern on television, turn those concerns into prayer.

Pray God’s Word. Praying Bible prayers can bring peace and confidence into the hearts of children—and adults—helping us pray in accordance with His word and focus on God, not just the tragedy. “Lord, under Your wings we seek refuge. Your faithfulness is a shield and bulwark... Thank you that you said we can call upon You and You would answer us and be with us in trouble, rescue us so we can honor You” [Ps. 91:4,15]. “God, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” [Psalm 46:1].

Make prayer cards. Kids can sign cards for each of the children in a cancer ward, writing their own message and prayers, and send these. The children will feel their prayers make a difference and are encouraged to keep praying with their parents.

You could make prayer stations with photos or pictures from the newspaper or magazines. Laminate these. Then at each prayer stop children could pray for:

• For the Prime Minister and the leaders of the House of Representatives, Senate, and the military to make wise decisions
• For our military men and women
• For protection for those serving our country in uniform. Pray that our Prime Minister and the leaders of America and Britain and their military leaders will have wisdom about how to disarm Iraq with the least amount of bloodshed.
• For families and especially children whose parents have been deployed — for peace, protection, and hope for them every day
• When kids pray specifically, God answers powerfully.

Put feet to your prayers. In any situation, there are opportunities to serve others. And when children have a chance to help, they don’t feel quite as helpless and sad. If donations are needed, let your kids help collect them and deliver to the collection site. Your kids could make a card for leaders or workers, or make a banner with handprints dipped in acrylic paint and messages of hope. Even if they are too young to write, kids can draw pictures and send to people in need. After praying, brainstorm with them about what they could do.

Finally, Listen to the children. Active listening is important – not dismissing their fears, but patiently hearing their hearts and assuring them that God is watching over them, that He never slumbers or sleeps [Psalm 121] and will protect and care for them. Fill their emotional tanks with plenty of hugs and affection, and keep daily routines.

Join with others at your church and in your community and be a role model to your children, letting them know that even in our feelings of helplessness and powerlessness, we can turn to God, who is all-powerful and will never fail us or forsake us.

Copyright Cheri Fuller, www.cherifuller.com, author of "When Mothers Pray, When Children Pray, Opening Your Child’s Spiritual Windows" and founder of Families Pray USA.

Our grateful thanks to Cheri Fuller for kindly giving permission to alter and reprint this article.

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Understanding the Mass for Children.

Sometimes Mass seems a bit boring and we don’t want to go. It’s difficult to listen because we don’t really understand what it’s all about.

If we understand what the parts of the Mass are about, it helps us to listen and be glad to go along. We go to Mass to accept God into our lives, to learn what sort of people He wants us to be, and to ask for forgiveness for the things we have done wrong.

The very beginning   We call it: The Introductory Rite	What happens? – At the start of the Mass, everybody sings a song together.  This song is called a “hymn” (said like “him”)  We make the sign of the cross together, and are greeted by the priest.  We then say the “Lord have Mercy” together.  What does it mean? – We come to Mass to celebrate our faith, and that Jesus died for us and rose again.  We begin the Mass with a hymn to help us come together as one community.  When the priest greets us, he is letting us know that God is among us.  Before we listen to the readings and receive Jesus, we must first remember our sins, and be sorry for them.
Stories from Jesus’ life and teachings   We call these: Sacred Scriptures	What happens? – A person from the parish will read from the Bible.  The priest will then read the Gospel which is the Good News about Jesus. What does it mean? – By listening to the stories we learn who Jesus was, and that He wants us to be loving like Him.  Jesus speaks to us through these stories, and we need to listen carefully to understand what He is saying to us.
The Gospel is explained   We call this: The Homily	What happens? – After the priest has read the Gospel to us, he talks about what we have heard, and how we can learn from it.  What does it mean? – Sometimes, when we listen to the readings and the Gospel, we find it difficult to understand what they mean to us.  Listening to the homily helps us to understand.
Prayers   These are called: Prayers of the Faithful, or General Intercessions	What happens? – A person from the parish will pray for the needs of our Church, our community and our world.  We respond by saying “Lord Hear Our Prayer”.  What does it mean? – The Prayers of the Faithful are just like the prayers we say by ourselves at home. By praying as a community, we are telling God that we are all asking for his help together.
What we believe   We call this The Creed	What happens? – As a group, we say what we believe.  What does it mean? – We are saying that we believe:      God made us and the world we live in.          Jesus is the Son of God, who was born on earth, died for our sins and rose to make us right with God.          The Holy Spirit is God staying with us, and directing our lives.          That Baptism brings us into the family of Church and together we are walking towards God now and for always.
Gifts are brought to the altar   This is called Preparation of the Gifts, or The Offertory Procession	What happens? – We give money to help people in need. The bread and wine which will become the Body and Blood of Christ, are taken with the money to the altar.  We also bring all the good things we tried to do through the week and offer them to God. What does it mean? –Our whole selves are offered in prayer to God.
The priest speaks at the altar   This part is called: The Eucharistic Prayer	What happens? – The priest says some prayers over the bread and wine.  If you listen carefully you will hear that the priest is thanking God for all He has done for us, and offering our gifts.  He says this prayer on behalf of all the people in the church.  We should say this prayer silently along with the priest to show that we are truly thankful for all that God has done for us. What does it mean? – The priest takes our offerings and on our behalf offers them to God.
Blessing the bread and wine We call this: The Consecration	What happens? – Together with the priest we do what Jesus did. The priest holds out his hands over the bread and the wine and calls down  the Holy Spirit and says the words that Jesus said: "This is my Body, broken for you. This is my Blood, poured out for you. Do this in memory of me"  What does it mean? – The bread and wine are now changed into Jesus’ Body and Blood.  This is Jesus given for us and He asks us to give ourselves to be friends to one another..
The Great Amen   This prayer is also called the Doxology	What happens? – The priest holds up the Body and Blood of Jesus and prays that through Him, with Him and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honour and glory are yours almighty Father, forever and ever" and we all say a loud "Amen".  What does it mean? – This means we say "YES!" to all that has just happened.
Getting ready to receive Jesus in Holy Communion This is called: The Communion Rite	What happens? – Before we receive Jesus We pray the Our Father together. We shake hands with each other in peace. We say the Lamb of God. What does it mean? – The Our Father is the prayer that Jesus taught us, praising God and asking Him to provide us with food each day, and to forgive us for the things we do wrong, to help us forgive each other and to keep us safe.  We shake hands to show that we love each other.  The Lamb of God is a prayer for forgiveness and peace in the world.
We receive the Body and Blood of Jesus This is called: Receiving Communion, or The Eucharist	What happens? – Those in the church who have made their First Communion will go forward to the altar to receive the Body of Jesus, which still looks like bread, and the Blood of Jesus, which still tastes like wine. What does it mean? – When we receive the Body and Blood we say “Amen”.  We are saying that we believe that we are really receiving Jesus Body and Blood.  This brings us closer to God.
The final blessing This is called: The Concluding Rite	What happens? – The priest says a final prayer before we finish Mass with another song called a “hymn”.  What does it mean? – The priest blesses us and sends us from the church to bring Jesus to the people we meet by being loving and kind. We sing a hymn to end the Mass with joy and thanks.

 

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Pallottine Family Camps

 

There has been a tradition of family camps at Casa Pallotti for a number of years. These have been conducted by Fr Pat Jackson and a team of parents. The camps are designed to meet the specific needs of the families who are coming.

 

 

 

There is time for parents to discuss issues relevant to their lives, family time all together at prayer, meals, and afternoon activities, hikes and games. A programme is also designed for the children of various age groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parents and families have met church in a significant way on these camps. They have often been the annual highlight for them in the midst of a hectic life.

Fr Pat hopes to continue these camps. Please contact him on 9802 8538.

 

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GodStart

 

GodStart is a parish based post-Baptismal program which supports young families in the Church community. GodStart provides a way for parents to introduce God into the lives of their children, through a series of age appropriate activities and suggestions for discussion. It is also a way of letting families know that they are members of the parish community and that they can find support and companionship within it.

On the GodStart program, children who have been Baptised are given a birthday card on their first and second birthday. The first birthday card reminds parents of the symbolism of candles on special days. The second birthday card suggests that parents liken the twinkling birthday candles to the twinkling stars. They can take their little two year old out to see the night sky and talk about God creating the stars.

On the third birthday a series of four activity cards provide fun for children and a way of parents bringing God into everyday activities of their child’s life. And finally, on the fourth birthday a child is given a little prayer book in which they can stick their photo.

Sr Joy and Catherine Drake are developing this programme and look forward to your support.

 

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St Christopher's Catholic Parish
Last modified: Mar 17 2007

Website Design: John Cooney

Maintained by: David Whalan