November
2011
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"Do this in
memory of me"
(Catechetical Sunday 2011)

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Feast Days
Following Christmas

Dec. 26, St. Stephen’s Day, the first disciple of Jesus to become martyr.

Dec. 28, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Herod’s attempt to end the life of Jesus by killing all infants under the age of 2.

Dec. 30, Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

2012
Jan. 1, Mary, Mother of God
Jan. 3, Most Holy Name of Jesus
Jan. 8, Epiphany
Jan. 9, Baptism of the Lord
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MADISON – During the St. Francis of Assisi parish Advent fair on Nov. 20, Dylan (right back) and Tyler Robbins (right center) helped children make animal masks. Celebrating the theme “Advent Around the World,” the children learned it’s a custom in Nigeria to make masks depicting animals in the stable and then act out a Nativity play using the masks. (Photo by Sr. Michele Doyle, OSF)

November/December Thoughts for MMM (2011)

A Blessed Advent!
The season of ADVENT is about waiting, about preparation, about quiet and mystery. Think about and enjoy these days. We’re making and buying gifts, baking good things, anticipating seeing friends and family, enjoying parities. Let’s also slow down and enjoy these days of Advent. Talk with the children about getting ready for the Christ child in our homes and in our hearts.

*Spend time planning how you can celebrate the 28 days of Advent well.
Your plans can include items that are spiritual (deciding when and where you will pray each day). . .practical (your gift list). . .personal (sending a Christmas card to someone with whom you’ve not been on good terms). . .charitable. . .(doing something for the poor). . .
(From The Little Blue Book, Advent and Christmas Seasons, 2011-2012)

ACTIVITY:
One activity that can be brought back to the parish is making stars to decorate for the Christmas season. The parish might provide a template, and each family can be invited to make the star with their child’s picture in the center. Obviously many families will have multiple stars. This can be a sign of the gifts that our children are. It can remind us to give thanks for the gift of the people in our lives, especially the children, who remind us of the God who became one of us in a little child.

CHRISTMAS is a celebration of God Incarnate, now, among us! It begins at midnight on Christmas morning, and lasts during the 12t days of Christmas. . .a time to remember the beginnings of Christianity.

ACTIVITY:
The blessing of a Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas, or another suitable time.

When the manger is set up in the home, it may be blessed by a parent or another family member. The blessing might include a brief prayer, a biblical reading, and a closing prayer.
A prayer might be said as each figure is named and placed in the manger scene. The Christ Child is placed with the final prayer.

‘Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and rise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever.’
(From the Blessing of a Christmas Manger, Catholic Household Blessings)

Jan. 1, 2012 Mary, the Mother of God

The 1st of January sings out “fresh start!” The promise God made to us has been fulfilled! What promise will we make to God to be closer to
God at the end of 2012?

EPIPHANY is a celebration of the visit of the magi, and the start of the world learning about him. It is observed on January 8 in many dioceses.

Continue the celebration of Christmas in small ways through the 12 days. Leave the Christmas decorations up and the nativity scene in place. Read Christmas stories and enjoy Christmas cookies and music.

Being aware of and talking about Advent and Epiphany, as well as the full season of Christmas, helps us feel the rhythm of this time of year, and makes it an even more wonderful time.
(Taken from Faith at Home, http://www.faith-at-home.com)

These seasons of the church year offer a welcome rhythm for family life at a time of the year that can so easily be hectic and full of frustrations!

Send us action photos of your Advent and Christmas activities. The last pre-Christmas paper is December 16.

Dates:
Johannes Hofinger Conference, January 13-14, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans.
Theme: “Do This in Memory of Me”
Keynote Goals: Believe, Belong, Become
www.HofingerConference.org

January 17, Diocesan Religion Teachers Day, St. Richard’s Jackson.
Additional information will follow!

Blessed Advent and Christmas, and a great New Year!