Reflect

Visio Divina Prayer and Reflection:
Among the many ways to pray, Visio Divina (Latin for "divine seeing") is a special way to pray with Scripture art. Visio Divina is the practice of looking at a painting or a photograph and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Art. We will continue our Visio Divina prayer this week with the scripture passage John 10:11

How to find a Bible Passage
  • “John” is the fourth gospel  in the New Testament. Use the table of contents to find where the Gospel of  John begins.
  • The number ‘11’ stands for the chapter. Look for the bold number ‘11’ in the Gospel of John.
  • The number ‘25' directs you to read verse twenty-five.

Steps for Visio Divina prayer:
  • Read aloud the scripture passage: John 11:25
  • Look at the image. What is the first thing you notice in the picture?
  • Now, look at the whole image. What comes to mind? 
  • What does the Bible passage and image mean to you?
  • What are some things this picture tells you about Jesus being the resurrection and the life? 
  • Share your thoughts with your family.​
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Picture Source: Thomas Doubts, Keeps the Faith - NIV Bible

For Parents

The Prayer of the Church. Listen to Father Mike Schmitz explain the Lord's Prayer in the Catechism in a Year Day 355. 
This is a great homily reflecting on today's readings. 

Focus

 Jesus used the same phrase "I AM" in seven declarations 
about Himself. This week we will ponder Jesus words,
           "I am the resurrection and the life"   
  • What is resurrection?   
  • Jesus has the power over death, so we can live forever with him, and he has power over life, so we can be happy with him forever. What do you imagine heaven will be like?

Fun Facts: Jesus spoke this crowning statement of hope to His grieving friend, Martha, after her brother, Lazarus, had died. In the next verse He clarified His statement by saying, “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). Death brought a sense of despair, hopelessness, and finality until Jesus spoke those glorious words, and then demonstrated them by bringing His dead friend back to life. Shortly afterward, Jesus showed the world that He had conquered the grave when He, Himself, rose to life three days after His death for the sins of all who would believe. According to 1Corinthians 15:55, death no longer holds its sting because Jesus has overcome the grave. All who are in Christ will live forever.
Listen to the song about Jesus the resurrection and the life.

Watch

Watch these videos with your child. They are short!
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Learn about Saint Gemma Galgani. Her Feast Day is April 11. She is the patron students. 
St. Gemma Galgani models the virtue of humility. She helped the poor wherever she could.  After watching the video, share one thing that inspires you about St.Gemma Galgani. 

Memory Work

Practice this response in the Communion Rite and keep this prayer in your heart.
Return to First Communion page.