Reflect

Scriptural Prayer and Reflection:
Among the many ways to pray, scriptural prayer is one of the best for children. The stories, images, characters, and words of the Bible are an excellent starting point for a child’s prayer. Using Scripture as a foundation for prayer helps children to engage their imagination and, in turn, express their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. When you first start praying with the children, explain that praying is talking and listening to God.

How to find a Bible Passage
The Gospel of Matthew is in the New Testament of the Bible. Let’s look at the first reading Matthew 5: 10.
  • “Matthew” is the book of the Bible. You can use the table of contents to find where the Gospel of Matthew begins.
  • The number ‘5’ stands for the chapter. Look for the bold number ‘5’ in the Gospel of Matthew.
  • The number ‘10’ directs you to read the verses one through three.
Read Aloud Matthew 5: 10 The Beatitudes
In scriptural prayer, we listen to God’s voice by doing the following:
  • Did something in the reading catch my attention? Did someone seem to be talking to me?
  • Did the Scripture story give me an idea or make me think about a particular person or situation in my life?
  • How did the reading make me feel? What do the feelings tell me?

For Parents

Listen to the Summary of Sacrament of Reconciliation from The Catechism in a Year by Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Focus

This week we will focus on the eighth Beatitude.
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

What It Means:
Be strong in your love for God. Sometimes, people who don’t understand your faith will question you, and mean people might even make jokes. But just remember, you’re making Jesus proud. The mean words that people say are just words; they can’t hurt you.

Now Try:
When you go to church, look around at all the other children. Each time you go, try to introduce yourself to one new friend. Remember, these kids are God’s children, just like you.​

Watch

Watch these videos with your child. They are short! (Click on the [  ] symbol to watch the video in full screen.)
The Five Steps of Confession
Saints devoted their lives to God. They show us how to live holy lives, just as Jesus taught us. Learn about Saint Andrew. His feast day is November 24th. Andrew was a fisherman who met Jesus in a village named Capernaum. He was the first to be called by Jesus to be his disciple. Andrew loved Jesus.  He was baptized by John the Baptist. 

Pray

Prayer of Peace
Pray this prayer of peace as a family.
Return to First Communion page.