Young Family
Liturgy of the Hours
This month we learned that our Muslim sisters and brothers pray five times a day. We have a similar practice in our Catholic Tradition called the Liturgy of the Hours. Click here to learn more about this ancient form of prayer.
Mardi Gras
On Tuesday, February 28, we will celebrate Mardi Gras here at Ss. John and Paul. Families and people of all ages are invited! Come early as we burn last year's palms outside, and then enjoy pancakes, clowns, crafts and the burying of the Alleluia from 6 - 7:30 p.m.! Click here to learn more about this tradition and find a prayer for Mardi Gras.
Ash Wednesday
And on Wednesday, March 1, we will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Come for Mass, including the distribution of ashes, at noon. Or, come for a Service of the Word and distribution of ashes at either 5:30 or 7:00 p.m. Click here for a brief explanation of Ash Wednesday and prayer to say together as a family.
This month we learned that our Muslim sisters and brothers pray five times a day. We have a similar practice in our Catholic Tradition called the Liturgy of the Hours. Click here to learn more about this ancient form of prayer.
Mardi Gras
On Tuesday, February 28, we will celebrate Mardi Gras here at Ss. John and Paul. Families and people of all ages are invited! Come early as we burn last year's palms outside, and then enjoy pancakes, clowns, crafts and the burying of the Alleluia from 6 - 7:30 p.m.! Click here to learn more about this tradition and find a prayer for Mardi Gras.
Ash Wednesday
And on Wednesday, March 1, we will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Come for Mass, including the distribution of ashes, at noon. Or, come for a Service of the Word and distribution of ashes at either 5:30 or 7:00 p.m. Click here for a brief explanation of Ash Wednesday and prayer to say together as a family.
Catholic Identity
Click here to find a great article for talking about our Catholic identity with our kids.
Our Kids Growth in Faith
Do you want to better understand how your child grows in faith? Here is a link to a website that offers age by age information about just that!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. How will you celebrate this day dedicated to love? Remember to show your love for those in need. Why not collect all red food items (either red foods or foods in red packaging) for the food pantry? When you make Valentines, be sure to include those who might be lonely - those in care centers or who live alone. Visit a neighbor and bring them a Valentine treat! Show the love of God to all who need to be reminded of it!
Plan a Pilrimage
This month, our kids in grades K-6 we learned about making a pilgrimage. Click here for an article that explains this important tradition. But don't just read about pilgrimage - make a pilgrimage as a family! Some folks are blessed to be able to visit the Holy Land or Rome, but there are lots of opportunities much closer to home:
When you plan your spring break trip or summer vacation, research holy sites or interesting parishes to visit. Is there a parish with a multi-cultural element to experience? Is there a shrine or grotto or other holy site in the area? How about a site that is historically significant for Catholics?
Even closer to home -- it is interesting to attend Mass at another parish. Are you in another part of the metro or a little further away for a sporting event or music competition with your kids? Attend Mass or visit a nearby parish. Be sure to pick up a copy of their bulletin to see what their parish life is like!
Take your kids to visit the parish where you grew up or where you were married. Were they baptized somewhere else? Visit that parish and share stories of that day.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. How will you celebrate this day dedicated to love? Remember to show your love for those in need. Why not collect all red food items (either red foods or foods in red packaging) for the food pantry? When you make Valentines, be sure to include those who might be lonely - those in care centers or who live alone. Visit a neighbor and bring them a Valentine treat! Show the love of God to all who need to be reminded of it!
Plan a Pilrimage
This month, our kids in grades K-6 we learned about making a pilgrimage. Click here for an article that explains this important tradition. But don't just read about pilgrimage - make a pilgrimage as a family! Some folks are blessed to be able to visit the Holy Land or Rome, but there are lots of opportunities much closer to home:
- St. Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines
- Basilica of St. John, Des Moines
- Grotto of the Redemption, West Bend IA
- Basilica of St. Francis Zavier, Dubuque
When you plan your spring break trip or summer vacation, research holy sites or interesting parishes to visit. Is there a parish with a multi-cultural element to experience? Is there a shrine or grotto or other holy site in the area? How about a site that is historically significant for Catholics?
Even closer to home -- it is interesting to attend Mass at another parish. Are you in another part of the metro or a little further away for a sporting event or music competition with your kids? Attend Mass or visit a nearby parish. Be sure to pick up a copy of their bulletin to see what their parish life is like!
Take your kids to visit the parish where you grew up or where you were married. Were they baptized somewhere else? Visit that parish and share stories of that day.
