Family of Faith IV – January 2021

Chris Godfrey was our guest speaker on Sunday.  A former professional football player in the NFL, businessman, father of six and grandfather of seven, he shared the importance of his Catholic faith both on and off the field.  Chris reminds us at our baptism we receive a great gift, something we don’t deserve and haven’t earned.  We become sons and daughters of God and receive the theological gifts of Faith, Hope and Love. (CCC1266) But do we put the virtues of faith, hope and love into action?

Chris spoke of  times in his life when things weren’t going the way he planned, like getting cut three times in one year from professional football teams; the Washington Redskins, New York Jets and Green Bay Packers.  It was then that he made the decision to place his trust completely in God and whatever God’s plan was for him.  He made a conscious effort to put the virtues of faith, hope and love into action by praying the rosary and attending Mass more often than only on Sunday and reading the bible. He found by putting his baptismal gifts into action and loving God, he became a better person, a better husband and father and a better football player!  He played for the Champion New York Giants in Super Bowl XXI.  He gave us some insight into how he practiced his faith on the field. Before every game, the players said their team prayer together, The Our Father!  Often during a game’s TV time out, Chris would ask God to help him!  Chris finds prayer to be a time to retreat into the presence of God.  Even in difficult circumstances, prayer has the ability to unite and comfort us.  Chris encourages us to: “Seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well.” Mt 6:33 

Family assignment for the month of January: 
January Parent Essay, Lesson 6 Parent Guide pages 300-302
January Parent Essay, Lesson 7 Parent Guide pages 303-305
January Fridge Page Parent Guide page 123
January Car Conversation Parent Guide page 125

To do at Home this month:
Your Catholic Home, Day of Prayer for the Protection of Unborn Children, Parent Guide page 122 .
Suggested Activity Lesson 6: After reading the “What you need to know before you begin” section in Activities 1-4, Parent Guide, pages 129 – 139; complete Activity 5 with your child, Parent Guide page 139, Activity Book page 73.
Suggested Activity Lesson 7: Activity 3, Parent Guide, page 149, Activity Book 87
Prayer Board Activity, Parent Guide page 152; Activity Book page 89
(Optional) Prayer Journal Activity, Parent Guide paeg 151; Activity Book page 181

January Additional Resources:
Article:  Distraction In Prayer As Form of Spiritual Battle

Coloring Activities:
Mrs. Puorro, Praying Hands Craft

Catechist’s Corner – January Lessons:
Mrs. Mahoney, Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ms. Karipel, Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Mrs. King, Praying the Our Father
Mrs. King, The Holy Spirit
Mrs. Puorro, Last Four Petitions of the Our Father

Saint of the Month:
St. John Bosco, Parent Guide page 154; Activity Book page 91

Reminders:
Wednesday, January 27 – Eucharistic Meditation, 7:00 p.m., Location TBD
Sunday, February 7 – Family of Faith Zoom Session, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 10 – Family of Faith Zoom Session, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 20 – Penance Service, Church, 2:30 p.m.

Sponsor our Guest Speakers:
Chris Godfrey, Life Athletes
Chris Godfrey, Redeemer Radio/Sandwich Generation
Sr. Laura Arvin, Mount St. Mary’s House of Prayer

Parish Website:
You can find links and monthly assignments below and on the parish website: www.olpnp.com under the Catechetical Office tab, Family of Faith.