2010 FAMILY THEME “FAMILIES PLAY THE GAME”

MAY - THE PARENTING GAME.

INTRODUCTION
Becoming parents is a joy but also no joke. The years of being a young parent are probably the years when most games are played in the home, from the peek-a-boo games with a baby, to cricket and soccer games on the lawn, board games on cold nights and TV games too. We know the saying “the family that prays together stays together” but it is vital that parents and children throughout their lifespan should play together too, should have fun and enjoy their unique relationship. Difficulties can be addressed or put aside with the good will that comes from constructive play.
Discuss how you understand the Parenting Game. How good is your family at playing games?  Can you do more?
FAMILY HOUR

1st  St Joseph the Worker. Workers Day.  This feast was added to the Church calendar to Christianise the socialist celebration of May Day or Workers’ Day.  We don’t know much about St Joseph except that he was a carpenter, who was very concerned about doing what was right and who worked hard to support the Holy Family.

2nd 5th Sunday of Easter. The New Creation.  This new creation is built on Jesus’ command, “Love one another, just as I have loved you.”  Then through being his disciples we can change the world.  This begins at home with parents loving one another and loving their children. That is being truly lifegiving.     

9th 6th Sunday of Easter. Mothers’ Day.  John’s gospel continues to speak of God’s love and we recognize the Spirit of God’s love as the Holy Spirit who communicates that love to everyone and invites us to do the same. The gospel message to mothers could be “peace I give to you, a peace the world cannot give” even though a mother’s life is often not very peaceful especially while children are young.  But mothers need to be a sign of the peace that Jesus brings to all their children, young and grownup.  Pray especially that mothers will have this gift to share.  

13th Ascension Thursday. Luke describes how Jesus was carried up to heaven and how the disciples were not sad but filled with joy.  Pray for all parents that when their children leave home they will experience that same joy of a task well done. 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.   “You will be my witnesses” is the theme for 2010.  Pray for Christian unity especially in homes where members of different faiths live together, that they may still be witnesses of God’s love.

16th 7th Sunday of Easter.  The Spirit and the Bride.  The readings give us am image of a future, a new Jerusalem where, as the gospel tells use, we will be completely one with God and with one another.  Praying and playing together helps to build up that unity.  

23rd Pentecost. Pray that the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sent in the name of Jesus will come down upon all families and remind the whole Church of the words of Jesus. “If anyone loves me he will keep my word and my Father and I will come to him and make our home with him.”   Would the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit find a place in your home, not just when you pray but also when you play?