2010 FAMILY THEME “FAMILIES PLAY THE GAME”
JANUARY – THE GAME OF LIFE.
FAMILY HOUR
We have a well-known saying in the Church “The family that prays together stays together.” This year with such a big focus on the World Soccer Cup we can add “The family that prays and plays together, stays together.”
These reflections using the calendar themes and linking them with the liturgical readings of the Sundays and main feastdays can be a vehicle for families to pray and play together.
As a family, whether just two or more members, choose a suitable time once a week to spend together. Call it OUR FAMILY HOUR. Take turns to plan what activities can be built into the hour.
PRAY. Use one or more of the weekly scripture passages, read, share your thoughts and insights and then spend some time in prayer, giving everyone a chance to pray. Offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving, pray about the family’s needs and any other needs that are of concern. Also ask forgiveness if necessary from time to time.
PLAY. After this time share some food, a meal or a snack and play some games. Different family members can take turns to plan this part.
INTRODUCTION: One could say life is not a game; it is a serious matter, but even games can be serious. Life is a game to be played and enjoyed, but played according to the rules, God’s rules that demand respect for life. One of the family’s tasks in Church and society is to nurture the life of its members from conception until natural death. How are we in our family playing the game of life? What are we doing to show appreciation for all life in our family?
1st New Years’ Day. Mary, Mother of God.
When we pray the Creed we call the Holy Spirit the giver of life. It was the Spirit who brought about the incarnation in Mary. Her response and the whole way she lived her life, loving God and nurturing Jesus her son, was also being life-giving. Families are life-giving in many different ways from babies being borne into a family to caring for every member in every stage of life. Share life-giving memories with one another.
3rd Epiphany.
10th Baptism of the Lord
17th 2nd Sunday of the Year C.
24th 3rd Sunday of the Year C
31st 4th Sunday of the Year C. St John Bosco.
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