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 ‘10’ stands for the chapter. Look for the bold number ‘10’ in the Gospel of John.
  • The number ‘11' directs you to read verse eleven.

Steps for Visio Divina prayer:
  • Read aloud the scripture passage: John 10:11
  • 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 Good Shepherd? 
  • Share your thoughts with your family.​
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Picture source: PublicDomainPictures.net

For Parents

The Prayer of the Church. Listen to Father Mike Schmitz explain the Lord's Prayer in the Catechism in a Year Day 354. 

Focus

 Jesus used the same phrase "I AM" in seven declarations 
about Himself. This week we will ponder Jesus words,
           "I am the Good Shepherd"           
  • What are the traits of a good shepherd?
  • How has Jesus been a good shepherd to you? 

Fun Facts: With this statement, Jesus described His sacrificial love for His people. He was letting the Israelites know that, unlike a hired man who will run and leave a flock unprotected in order to save his own life when the wolf threatens the sheep, He will not abandon His sheep, but will keep watch over His people. In John 10:15-16, Jesus said “I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” This was a prophetic utterance about His coming sacrificial death to save both the Jews and Gentiles who would believe in His name. In Psalm 23, David referred to the Lord God as his shepherd, and in this passage, Jesus refers to Himself as the ultimate Good Shepherd who was about to give His life for His sheep and fulfill His Father’s plan of salvation for all people.
Listen to the song about Jesus the good shepherd.

Watch

Watch these videos with your child. They are short!
Sing the Our Father 
Learn about Saint Patrick. His Feast Day is March 17th. He is the patron saint of Ireland. 
St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain the Trinity to the people of Ireland. After watching the video, share one thing that inspires you about St. Patrick. 

Memory Work

Pray the Our Father with the family and keep this prayer in your heart.
Return to First Communion page.