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: 4.
  • “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 ‘4’ directs you to read the verses one through three.
Read Aloud Matthew 5: 4 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 Introduction to Baptism from The Catechism in a Year by Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Focus

This week we will focus on the second Beatitude.
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

What It Means:
If you’re sad, then be sad. Feelings are a good thing. We’re not always happy. Different things might make us feel sad or guilty, but know that being upset doesn’t last forever.

Now Try:
Think about a recent time when you saw someone else feeling sad. Make a card for that person to help them feel comforted and know you’re thinking about them.

Watch

Watch these videos with your child. They are short!
The Baptism of Jesus
Learn about Saint Francis of Assisi. His Feast Day is October 4th. St. Francis loved animals. It is tradition to bless family pets on his feast day.

Pray

The prayer of St. Francis is a prayer for peace and healing.
Pray this prayer as a family.
Return to First Communion page.