The Creation Series: Humanity
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Then God said: Let the earth bring forth every kind of living creature: tame animals, crawling things, and every kind of wild animal. And so it happened:
God made every kind of wild animal, every kind of tame animal, and every kind of thing that crawls on the ground. God saw that it was good.
Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth.
God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth.
God also said: See, I give you every seed-bearing plant on all the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the wild animals, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the earth, I give all the green plants for food. And so it happened. God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed—the sixth day.
Elementary Activities:
God Made Me Special
Hidden Pictures Game: Adam and Eve
God Made People Maze
High School Activities:
Why Are There Two Different Creation Accounts? Ascension Blog
Why Did God Become Man?
Family Feature Friday: October Sky
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This week’s feature is October Sky (1999). It is rated PG and runs 1hr and 47 min. It can be rented or purchased HERE. October Sky is a moving drama based on a true story that centers on a very difficult, tense father-son relationship. Ultimately, the movie is about following your dreams, no matter how unachievable they might feel. Parental note that there's also some surprisingly strong language for a PG-rated movie (including "s--t") and a few mild sexual references as well as one scene where a feather beats another kid. Parental Discretion advised.
1. In the 1950s, Homer's dream was considered far-fetched. Space exploration was only a thing of comic books and a few movies. Do you know anyone who has a "far fetched" dream today? What is God’s dream for your future?
2. Why did Homer's father want him to work in the mine? What part of this desire was based on good parenting intentions? To what degree was the father right? How could he have implemented those good intentions better? Do you think Homer made the right choice in going to work in the mine -- and in leaving it?
3. What would have happened to Homer’s family if no one had been working in the mine even though his father was still recuperating from injuries he had received saving the lives of other miners?
4. Most of the town thought the “Rocket Boys” were wasting their time and they just went along with their own lives. But the boys knew there was something greater out there for them. How do Christians have to ignore what the world thinks? When they think we are “wasting our time”, how do we remain headstrong even when we aren’t 100% sure about the future?
5. Reflect on how this Bible verse relates to the movie: 1 Timothy 5: 8. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Family Feature Friday: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
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For this Family Feature Friday, we have the last part of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Return of the King (2003). It is rated PG-13 and runs 3hr and 20min. It can be rented or purchased HERE.
1. In the 1st movie, Frodo and his companions are given lembas bread. They are told that just 1 bite of it is enough to fill the belly of a grown man. Lembas bread becomes the key sustenance for the Hobbits in the journey to defeat evil. What sacrament does this remind you of? Do you think Frodo and Sam could have made the journey without Lembas bread? What is the importance of the Eucharist in your own life?
2. The darkest moment for Frodo and Sam occurred when Gollum threw the Lembas bread to the bottom of the mountain pass and the Hobbits were without it. Why did Gollum despise the Lembas bread? (He was still in a state of mortal sin and could not stand the bread). What happened to Frodo and Sam when they were separated from the bread? (A: they split up, Frodo was deceived by Gollum, and Frodo was misled down a dangerous path.) Is it possible for humans to defeat evil on their own without spiritual nourishment? What do you think happened to the Catholic Church around the world when most people could not receive the Eucharist during the pandemic due to quarantine?
3. What was the other gift given to Frodo and Sam by the elves in the 1st movie? (A: the Phial of Galadriel) Fun fact, in the book, Sam says this incantation to make the phial glow:
Oh Elbereth Starkindler,
from the high firmament gazing afar,
to thee do I cry amid this horror!
Look kindly upon me, Ever-pure Lady!”
Can you spot the parallel language in this prayer:
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.
So… In Sam and Frodo’s darkest moment when they are without the Lembas bread (Eucharist), who do they turn to and who saves them in the end literally and symbolically (A: Galadriel and Mary respectively).
4. Reflect on the Following Bible passage and how it relates to themes in the movie:
John 6: 26-35
Jesus answered them and said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal." So they said to him, "What can we do to accomplish the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent." So they said to him, "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" So Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." So they said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.
5. Who eventually was the one to throw the ring in the fire? (A: No one). Frodo was supposed to be the person that had the most resilience against the ring (original sin). What does this say about the capability of living persons to be able to conquer sin and evil on their own? What then explains how the movie ends?
As a refresher, the answer to this question actually happens in the 1st Lord of the Rings movie:
“Frodo: 'It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill Gollum when he had the chance.'
Gandalf: 'Pity? It's a pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play in it, for good or evil, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.'
Frodo: 'I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.'
Gandalf: 'So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at woTrk in this world, Frodo, besides that of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.”
The explanation is what Gandalf refers to as “other forces… besides evil”. Here he alludes to a divine being with a plan who is orchestrating some of the events on Middle Earth. This shows how God can even use creatures of sin like Gollum to advance his greater plan. And in reference to the last line Gandalf says, we all have our own trial and tribulations, but we should be encouraged that God would never give us a trial we could not handle.
Family Feature Friday: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
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As a continuation from last week’s Family Feature Friday, this weeks movie is "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002). it is rated PG-13 and runs 2hr and 59 min. It can be rented or purchased HERE.
1. How long do elves live? What does the movie say about how orcs came into existence? (A: Orcs came from corrupted and tortured elves). So, if the eternal elves can be understood as angels, what are the orcs? Who do we know that constantly prowls about the world seeking the ruin of souls here on earth?
2. Every time there is a battle in this movie, you can imagine all the orcs are the forces of evil. And so, every fight can be understood as a human, fighting off demons and sin (the orcs). How successful were the humans throughout the movie in doing this? At the deciding battle for the existence of men (our souls); were humans able to take on the Orcs and Uruk-Hai by themselves? What would have happened to mankind if the Elves were not there to assist the humans? What would have happened if Gandalf had not appeared in the East on the 5th day?
3. There is a significant Christian parallel about what Gandalf does to save all humans. He tells them to hold off until the 5th day and look to the East. One of the Titles of Jesus that we praise (especially during Advent) is "O Oriens". This is translated as "O Dayspring". What is the significance of this? In what direction does the sun rise? When the world is full of darkness (night), where do we look to see the light that we know will eventually come? What then, does Gandalf's triumphant return represent? What can we do to hold out hope that morning will come when all other hope seems lost? How can we give our all against the forces of evil?
4. Grima Wormtounge poisons the mind of the King, what was the deadly sin that Grima used to make the King of Rohan an ineffective leader? (A: Sloth/Apathy). What happened to the kingdom of Rohan because the King refused to act? How are we sometimes tempted into inaction? What is evil allowed to do when we do the same thing that The King Theoden did?
5. Does evil ever rest in Middle Earth? What happens when the humans forget about evil or stop preparing to fight evil? How can we constantly keep or weapons sharp for when evil inevitably comes? (A: Virtues).
6. What are we fighting for Sam? "That there is some good in this world, and it is worth fighting for". What theological virtue does Sam try to reinforce in his speech to Frodo? (A: Hope). How can Hope be one of the most powerful forces on this earth? What happens to humans when they lose hope? Would any of the victories in this movie have been possible without hope? Would humans have made it to daybreak if they gave up hope before then? What areas of our life are we tempted to give up hope?
7. Pray this prayer:
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
Family Feature Friday: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
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This week’s Family Feature Friday is Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). It is rated PG-13 and runs 2hr and 58 min. It can be rented or purchased HERE.
Lords of the Rings is a beloved fantasy adventure about the fight for the soul of Middle Earth. It is no secret that J.R.R. Tolkien's Catholic theology heavily influenced his writings, but he also hated allegory. Which means that his world may not be as easily understood in a Christian lens like, for example, Narnia is. This movie is the 1st of 3 movies in the series, and it is quite simply: a story of good versus evil... but a large portion of the evil can be found in temptation from within. The movie is rated PG-13 as it can be rather scary and violent at times. I hope you all enjoy this epic trilogy over the next 3 weeks.
1. What is the great temptation of the ring? Why does everyone want it so badly? Why does Gandalf decide that the ring needed to be destroyed?
2. The imagery of The Ring is a good representative for the role of sin. Is anyone exempt from the temptation of the ring? Is even Gandalf or Galadriel capable of not being tempted by the ring?
3. The group of friends set out together to destroy the ring (sin). Why was it important that they go on this journey together? How did they help keep each other accountable from the temptations of the ring? Who are your friends that keep you accountable on your journey to defeat sin?
4. Who is Aragorn supposed to be? Why was he running away from his duty? What finally convinces him to accept his role in the world? (A: the death of Boromir).
5. The final scenes of the movie concerning Boromir actually mimic the journey of the sacrament of Reconciliation? What was Boromir's sin? (He gave into temptation and tried to take the ring from Frodo). Who did Boromir confess his sin to? (Aragorn). What was Boromir's penance as given to him by Aragorn? (To look after the other two Hobbits: Merry and Pippin).
Unfortunately, the movie leaves out the absolution that is present in the books here. I will paste what is said next in the books.
“I tried to take the Ring from Frodo,’ [Boromir] said. ‘I am sorry. I have paid."
"Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed.'"
'No!' said Aragorn, taking his hand and kissing his brow. 'You have conquered. Few have gained such a victory. Be at peace!
Boromir smiled.
Here is the Prayer of absolution that the Priest says after Confession:
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Notice the similar statements regarding "peace" and the statement of victory (his son reconciled the world ...)
St. Martha
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Martha. There are two options for the Gospel at Mass today. One is from Luke 10: 38-42
Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”
The Lord said to her in reply,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”
The other is from John 11:19-27
Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary
to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,
she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus,
“Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
Jesus said to her,
“Your brother will rise.”
Martha said to him,
“I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.”
Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Both of these Gospel passages give us great information about Martha’s faith. She had immense love and trust in the Lord. She, Lazarus, and Mary were close to Jesus, and as each member was unique in their response to Christ, each also came to share in his glory through their yes in faith.
Parent Resources:
Motivating Reluctant Helpers Parent Article
Saturday Morning Chores and Catholic Social Teaching Parent Article
Elementary Activities:
The Life of Martha
Martha and Mary Activities
Martha Coloring Page
High School Activities:
“Martha, Martha you are anxious and worried about many things.” Jesus is gently correcting his friend, calling her to the better portion of faith. In this moment, Martha, though serving as a great host, is complaining about her sister, and even more, she is distracted, unable to focus on the Lord.
Often, we get distracted; we worry; and we complain. Christ calls us to more, just as he gently corrects Martha. In our daily lives, we can become so fixated on the stresses, but if we do not entrust our anxieties to the Lord, they cannot be transformed.
St. Padre Pio quotes, ”If certain thoughts bother you, it is devil who causes you to worry, and not God, Who, being the spirit of peace, grants you tranquility.” Especially among the worldly anxieties, we are called to trust in God. Mary models that at the foot of Jesus, but Martha does too in the raising of her brother. When Christ asks us, do we believe that he is the resurrection and the life, may we too profess: “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Why St. Martha Should Be a Role Model
Martha: A Disciple Jesus Loved
Formed Daily Reflections: Martha
Creation Series: Life in the Waters and Sky
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“Then God said: Let the water teem with an abundance of living creatures, and on the earth let birds fly beneath the dome of the sky. God created the great sea monsters and all kinds of crawling living creatures with which the water teems, and all kinds of winged birds. God saw that it was good, and God blessed them, saying: Be fertile, multiply, and fill the water of the seas; and let the birds multiply on the earth. Evening came, and morning followed—the fifth day.” Genesis 1:20-23.
Elementary Activities:
Bird Watch Tally
Egg Cart Ocean Craft
Flapping Bird Craft
Ocean Shore Nature Hunt
High School Activities:
Today we reflect on the 5th day of the creation narrative, and mirroring the 2nd day of the creation of the sea and the sky, the rulers of this domain are the birds and the fish. In the creation of the seas and the sky, the spaces are vast. These animals go quite the distance to travel.
If we look at the flight migration during the winters, birds travel quite the distance to get to the warmer spots. Arctic Terns fly around 44,100 miles every year from the Netherlands to Antarctica. Turtles, whales, and fish also travel throughout the vast waters. Leatherback Sea Turtles travel 10,000 miles annually in search for jellyfish. Funny enough though, these migrant creatures get where they need to go every year.
We are on a great migration ourselves. We walk the road that Christ has set before us, and our final destination, is so far above any place on Earth. We are called to be Jesus’ disciples, to follow his footsteps, to enter through the narrow gate. Our homes are not of this earth, but rather we find our eternal home with God in Heaven. Even when it seems difficult, we have the grace and all that is necessary to follow him.
We are worth more than many sparrows. Jesus reminds us of our importance in creation.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?”
Matthew 6: 25-26
How can we trust in the Lord’s grace to become saints? How can we trust that the Lord has it all even among the day to day chaos?
“But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
Matthew 6:33-34
Litany of Trust Prayer
A good read to reflect on the creation of animals especially during this time of the pandemic: A Tribute to Our Furry Quarantine Companions
Family Feature Friday: How to Train Your Dragon
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The Family Feature Friday this week is “How to Train your Dragon” (2010). It is rated PG and runs 1hr and 38min. It can be purchased or rented HERE. It is a movie about how an awkward, but inventive, viking teenager has to learn how to help his village despite his lack of brute strength. He ends up going on an unexpected journey, befriending a dragon, and teaching the rest of his village how to do the same. As a note, they do reference norse (viking) gods, but in our Christian belief, we affirm one Trinitarian God.
1. Hiccup is the weakest viking of his age, but he vows to slay the most dangerous dragon that no one else has salin. When you were a kid, what grand claims about your future did you make? What did Hiccup do about his promise? What have you done about it?
2. The whole time, Hiccup has told himself that he desired the approval of his father and his village that he can also be a great dragon slaying viking. So why couldn’t Hiccup finally slay the dragon? What did he do to empathize with the traditional enemy of the vikings?
3. After his father disowns him, Hiccup begins to doubt everything about himself. Who is there for him to help encourage him and give him new direction? How important are good friends to help us in our darkest times? How can we be a good friend?
4 Read Daniel 6: 1-28. How does this relate to the movie?
5. Hiccup finally wins his father's trust and approval by the end of the movie. How did he do this? Same question for Astrid? And the rest of his peers? Why didn’t he have it in the first place?
6. Hiccup does not follow quite in his father’s footstep. In the Jesus’ time it was tradition that you either were discipled by a Rabbi (teacher) or you followed the career path of your father. Jesus makes new of this tradition by saying “Follow me”. Everyday we are called to be Jesus’ disciples. How then are our lives different because of the call to follow Christ?
St. Mary Magdalene
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On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”
Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?”
She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.
Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.
-John 20:1-2, 11-18
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. In the Gospel of Luke (8:2) Mary is freed from demonic posession. She has an incredible conversion to Christ and becomes the Apostle to the Apostles as the one sent by Jesus Christ at the time of the Resurrection. We too are called to proclaim the good news that Christ has defeated death and has brought us to new life!
Learn More About Mary Magdalene HERE.
Elementary Activities:
Mary Magdalene Feast Day Ideas
Mary Magdalene Coloring Page
Mary Magdalene Women in the Bible
High School Activities:
Mary Magdalene within art is depicted with a skull as a symbol of meditation on death. Throughout the Christian life we often have to contemplate our own mortality. “Momento Mori”, remember your death. Mary had a deep and real conversion to our Lord. Sin brings death, but Christ brings us freedom. Yet as she is the first mentioned to encounter the risen Lord, she symbolizes hope. This world is not the end but rather a time of preparation to be with God forever in Heaven. How can we continue to find the light of Christ within our life?
Mary Magdalene Showed Up, Stayed, and Trusted Article
Mary Magdalene: The Symbol of the Church Article
Mary Magdalene: A Living Blueprint for Effective Evangelization Article
The Chosen Series has a great first episode with a visual interpretation of the miracle of Mary Magdalene in Luke 8:2. Watch the first episode HERE.
Creation Series: Sun, Moon, and Stars
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Then God said: Let there be lights in the dome of the sky, to separate day from night. Let them mark the seasons, the days and the years, and serve as lights in the dome of the sky, to illuminate the earth. And so it happened God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night, and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky, to illuminate the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. Evening came, and morning followed—the fourth day.” -Genesis 1:14-19
Elementary Activities:
Constellation Jar
Flashlight Constellation Activities
Solar Experiments
High School Activities:
In the previous three days, God brought form to the formless of creation and on the fourth day God begins to fill the emptiness of creation. On this day God creates the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, mirroring the first day of the creation of day and night.
As a bit of Scriptural study, the Genesis passage was not allowed to use the names Sun and Moon and instead uses “two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night, and the stars,” because Israel was forbidden to worship the luminaries, which was a temptation since other eastern religions had made them idols. Yet how marvelous is creation that throughout all of history it becomes a temptation to worship!
Yet, David has the right approach in worshiping the Creator for the beautiful creation.
O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place—
What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet will sing of your majesty above the heavens
Psalm 8:2, 4-7
It’s incredible that as we examine the universe, we quickly recognize how small we are! As David praises the Lord for his creation, we too recognize the God of this universe.
Most of our life is dependent on the sun. Our seasons change. Our days come to an end. Our life is measured by rotation around the sun. Yet David mentions, “What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?”. What is it that our God still wants us to know him personally and to love us?
Even our galaxy, the Milky Way, looks microscopic in comparison to the larger galaxies, and our solar system is infinitely smaller in magnitude. There is purpose to God’s creation of man. We see that we are made distinct on the last day, that we are made very good. God proves his might in all creation and yet his immense love and tender care for us and our need.
Family Feature Friday: Sound of Music
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The Family Feature for this Friday is "The Sound of Music". It runs 2 hr and 54 min and is rated G. It can be purchased or rented HERE. This is a charming story, but it is a little long. Luckily there is a natural intermission spot after the marriage that can be a natural stopping point.
1. The movie is primarily about discerning God's plan for your life. What does Maria originally think God's plan for her is? How does God reveal to Maria what his actual plan is? Who or What does He use and how does Maria discern this?
2. In the movie, Maria says "When the Lord closes a door, he open up a window". What does this phrase mean? What are some instances in your life where you could see this motto in action? Have you ever really wanted something in the past that doesn't seem all that great now? What does this say about some of our current desires now?
3. Maria uses music to awaken a very somber and dead inside household. How does music help the children? (Answer: They learn to play, work together, overcome fear, express themselves, and get along. Towards the end of the movie, music is even used to stand up to the Nazi regime. (Parents explain here) Where does music draw its power from? (A: Hope and Beauty).. Lastly, how can music be abused so it becomes a bad thing?
4. How does this Bible verse relate to the movie:
1 Corinthians 12: 4-11
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
5. How do you solve a problem like Maria?
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
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Today we celebrate the feast of our parish’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Please learn more about Our Lady of Mt. Carmel through Fr. Anthony’s Blog Post on the OLMC Feast Day
Elementary Activities
Here is some brief history about the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel:
On Sunday July 16th, 1251, as Simon Stock knelt in prayer, Our Lady appeared to him, holding the Child Jesus in one arm and the Brown Scapular in the other. She uttered the following words: “Hoc erit tibi et cunctis Carmelitis privilegium, in hoc habitu moriens salvabitur” (This shall be the privilege for you and for all the Carmelites, that anyone dying in this habit shall be saved).
The Brown Scapular comes from the word scapula meaning “shoulder”. It is worn over the shoulders to signify the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary to those who are devoted to her. It is brown to represent the Carmelite order. This outward sacramental outwardly represents that which happens inwardly; when we wear the scapular, we are physically showing an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary to show that we have faith in Mary’s promises to bring us to her son.
Here is a neat article on Evangelizing a Community, Using the Parish’s Patornal Feast. The writer specifically talks about his parish in New York, also Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast Day Spotify Playlist
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
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Today we celebrate the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680). Kateri belonged to the Turtle Clan of the Mohawks, an Iroquois community. She lived near today’s Auriesville, New York. She lost most of her family to a smallpox epidemic that broke out in her village. She herself was left with poor eyesight and facial scarring because of the smallpox.
Kateri’s uncle raised her after the passing of her parents and brother. As a teenager, she had a conversion to the Catholic faith. She refused to get married, as she wanted to give her life through consecration to the Lord. This angered her family, especially her uncle. She was baptized and received into the Church when she was 20 years old. She was taught the faith through Jesuit missionaries. It was not easy for her to live out the faith; the rest of her tribe, including the children would mock, refuse to feed, and throw stones at Kateri. She eventually escaped to live with a Christian community. She would go to Mass daily, often visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, prayed the Rosary, served the sick and dying, and taught children about the faith.
St. Kateri died at the age of 24, and her final words were “Jesus, I love you.” At the moment of her death, the scars suddenly disappeared. On October 21, 2012 she was canonized a saint by Pope Benedict XVI. She is known as the “Lily of the Mohawks”.
Elementary School Activities:
St. Kateri Tekakwitha 3 Minute Retreat from Loyola Press.
How to Draw St. Kateri
High School Activities:
Kateri teaches us the importance of living the faith and remaining in hope, even when the world seemed to be against her. She trusted that the Lord had great things for her life. Often times we are faced with trials when living the faith.
Christ assures us, “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.” (John 15: 18-19).
If there is one thing that is certain is that the Christian life is going to be difficult, but the corollary is that Christ will give us the grace to overcome even today’s persecutions. We are reminded in the Sermon on the Mt. that the reward is eternal life with God. “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Mt 5:10-12).
Kateri, among the many saints, suffered persecution. She chose to consecrate her life to God, even when it seemed silly to do so because at this time, a woman’s life depended on marriage to be sustained. She trusted in the Lord, when it was most difficult, and today, she resides in heavenly joy with out Lord in Heaven. We are called to do the same.
Below are some additional resources to celebrate today:
Discerning a Religious Vocations (Ladies)/ Discernment (Gents)
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Spotify Playlist from the Grotto Network.
St. Kateri is the patron saint of environmentalism. As we recognize the beauty of creation, here is an article on For the Beauty of the Earth. For further resources on the Catholic Care for Creation click HERE for an online Catholic Ecology Library.
Learn about the life of St. Kateri: Truth to Inspire- Story of St. Kateri Tekakwitha on Formed.
Creation Series: Seas and Dry Lands (The Third Day)
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Then God said: Let the earth bring forth vegetation: every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it. And so it happened: the earth brought forth vegetation: every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree that bears fruit with its seed in it. God saw that it was good. Evening came, and morning followed—the third day.” (Genesis 1:11-13)
Elementary Activities:
High School Activities:
May we never lose our wonder. Throughout this series on creation, we are given the opportunity to contemplate God in his creative work.
We are so fortunate to live in the beautiful city of San Diego, where both the beach and the mountains are within a 15 min drive. As we are in the midst of the summer months and able to go outside, there are so many opportunities to encounter God with awe and wonder of the beauty of creation.
Here on the third day, God brings the final day of forming creation with the creation of land and vegetation. The world is no longer formless, and starting on the fourth day, God begins to fill creation filling the emptiness of the chaotic state before creation.
As a recap, the first day, God created day and night (time). The second day, God created Skys and Seas (spaces). The third day, God created dry land and vegetation (habitat).
In reference to the New Testament, we once again see Jesus’ authority as he curses the barren fig tree.
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree.
The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:12-14)
Later in the Gospel, the disciples discover the now withered tree.
The Withered Fig Tree.
Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered. Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.” (Mark 11:20-25)
It would seem odd that Jesus would curse this tree, but the figs symbolized the Israelites, and as Jesus cursed the fig tree for not bearing fruit, Israel too is cursed for not bearing life in the Lord. This then becomes a good reminder for us, that if we separate ourselves from the true vine, Jesus Christ, we are bringing about our own death. Yet, more importantly, if we cling close to Christ, we cling close to our life source.
St. Maria Goretti
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Today we celebrate the young saint, St. Maria Goretti. She was born in 1890 to a poor family in Italy. At the age of 11, this young saint was met with sexual advances from her neighbor. He was nine years older than her. She refused the advances, trying to prevent him from grievously sinning and defending her purity. The neighbor, angered by her refusal, stabbed her, and the next day Maria Goretti died from the wounds. Her neighbor was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and during this time, Maria appeared to him in a dream with a message of forgiveness. Her neighbor was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and because of Maria’s example, he had a radical conversion and became a Franciscan lay brother. During his release, he immediately went to visit Maria’s mother to seek forgiveness.
Maria is one of the youngest canonized saints, and she is the patron of youth, girls, and teenagers. To learn more about St. Maria Goretti, click HERE.
Elementary School:
High School Activities
To Learn More About St. Maria Goretti on her page, click HERE.
Forgiveness, does not come easy to anyone, and yet Maria Goretti modeled immense mercy towards her attacker in forgiving him. Here is an article on how St. Maria Goretti Teaches Us To Forgive when It’s Hardest
Her neighbor wrote a letter about his conversion in prison and the witness St. Maria Goretti had on him. The letter can be found HERE.
Formed has a video on St. Maria Goretti. Follow the discussion on FORMED Now! Forgiveness: Saint Maria Goretti
This image is a Portrait by Noah Buchanan depicting Alessandro receiving St. Maria’s forgiveness at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wisconsin. To learn more about the portrait click HERE
Family Feature Friday: National Treasure
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For the family feature Friday I wanted to find a good family movie for July 4th, so this week the movie is National Treasure (2004). It is rated PG and runs 2hr and 11 min. It can be rented or purchased HERE.
The movie is about a family with a historical secret that has been passed down that may or may not lead to the world's greatest treasure. This movie is just a fun action/adventure movie where the absurdity of the plot matches Nicholas Cage's acting style. Plus, it has the added benefit of the protagonists treating American history and its symbols with awe and respect, which I thought would be welcome today. One note on the movie, there is some lore about the Freemasons and stuff behind it in the movie. If your child is curious at all about that stuff, it is best to tell them that to be part in any way with Masonic activity is a mortal sin. There was a Papal decree in 1983 that excommunicates all Mason members. Other than any specific question about the Masons, you can just tell your kid that the movie is historical fiction and there is no physical great treasure hidden away.
1. What steps do Ben and Riley take to try to stop Ian from stealing the Declaration of Independence? Did they exhaust all options before stealing it themselves? Actions can be sins, but can inaction be a sin as well?
2. Ben chases after a great treasure that not even his own father thinks is real. Society laughs and looks down on him; and his historical peers do not take him seriously. Yet, he never gives up hope. What treasure do we chase that other people may laugh at us for chasing? Should we ever stop hoping for this treasure, even if it means that society accepts us? What did Ben have that kept him believing in the treasure even with minimal evidence? (Faith, and he says hope a lot)
3. Ian can be a great metaphor for Satan. Few people really believe God exists, and in the movie, few people believe Ben that the treasure exists. However, Ian believes Ben that the treasure exists, and Satan does believe that God exists. In the movie, how does Ian try to tempt Ben into stealing the Declaration of Independence? (A: he tells him "I understand your bitterness... you should be able to rub this treasure in their arrogant faces, and I want you to have the chance to do that") How can Satan similarly tempt us to do something wrong in the name of God? Do we sometimes feel frustrated that good does not triumph more in this world?
4. What signs of awe and respect do Ben and Abigail show towards historical sites and symbols throughout the movie? What inspires this admiration in them?
5. In the movie, several times reference what the founders did as brave. The first clue which has the phrase "iron pen" references the bravery required of the men who signed the Declaration. Why was bravery required to sign the Declaration?
6. Reflect on how this Bible verse relates to the movie.
Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Family Feature Friday: Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse
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The movie for this week is Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). The movie runs 1hr and 56 min and is rated PG. It can be purchased or rented HERE. I think this was one of the best animated movies of the year. It is about how a young high-schooler has to fill in the shoes of the original Spider-man. Along the way he has to conquer his tentativeness, find his real role models, and become a role-model himself.
There are a few things to be aware of when watching this movie as it was not strictly designed to be a family movie. There is violence and mild language, (the worst of which is "crap"). But the thing in the movie to be most wary of is the idea of alternate dimensions and realities. As Catholics, we do not believe in alternate realities and dimensions where different versions of ourselves made different choices. We believe in 1 soul, and one reality for the choices we make. Of course, the theory behind it is interesting to explore people's choices and actions in a fantasy setting. This is fine in itself, unfortunately, this theory of multiple universes has now been getting some traction as a reality amongst the scientific community under the umbrella of "string theory". As such, the idea of multiple universes has bled out into pop-culture and has become a sort of superstition amongst some people about why their life is the way it is. Ultimately, I don't think its that big of a deal to be in this movie, but I thought it important to let you know, just to reaffirm the idea with your kids that there is only one universe.
1. What kind of role model was Miles' father to him. What about his uncle Aaron? Who does Miles feel closer to at the beginning of the movie? The end of the movie?
2. In the original Spiderman movies/comic books, the message that is repeated is, "with great power comes great responsibility". How did the original universe's spiderman respond to that charge? How did the alternate dimension Peter Parker live up to that challenge? What became of the original Spiderman's life for taking on the challenge of responsibility? The alternate dimensions one? Who was happier?
3. Peter Parker is miserable with himself because he has made his life diminished because he runs away from responsibility? In what ways did he avoid responsibility? When presented with another opportunity to give his life purpose and be Miles' Spider-mentor, does he willingly accept this responsibility? How does Aunt may react when she sees the alternate version of her nephew?
(A: He didn't want to have a kid, he didn't want to be Spiderman... all the way to he didn't even want to keep his room clean or keep in shape. It's a good place to talk about how shirking and failing small responsibilities now will not change when the responsibilities become greater).
4. Miles is frustrated with his father at the beginning of the movie. Why? His father tells him to not hang out with Uncle Aaron, his brother, and tells Miles that he doesn't approve of Spiderman, who is his hero. His father just wants what's best for him, but Miles finds all this restrictive. I think the most telling and emotional line in the movie is from the father who finishes his talk with his silent son: "I love you... you don't have to say it back though". Why does God reveal himself to us as a "Father"? How is the Father''s love for his child similar to God's love for us?
5. Reflect on how the following Bible verses relate to the movie:
James 1:19
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
1 Corithians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
6. The movie talks a lot about a "leap of faith". What parts of our lives do we need a leap of faith? What prevents us from taking that leap (uncertainty/fear). Sometimes we can hit the ground hard on a leap of faith, does this discourage you? Sometimes we want to be in control of our own lives, but this means living smaller than we are capable of, what is the leap of faith needed to stop being in control and letting God take control?
The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
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Today we celebrate the nativity of John the Baptist. As Christ’s Nativity is December 25th, the brightest day after the winter solstice, we celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist on June 24th which is the darkest after the summer solstice as a physical reminder of his words, “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Elementary Activities:
Cup of Dirt
Grasshopper Activity
Honeycomb Snack
Seashell Windchimes
High School Activities:
St. John the Baptist was a model saint and the last prophet preparing the world for Jesus Christ. Today, we are called to proclaim the Gospel and bring others to Jesus Christ. Let us continue to follow is witness in preparing others to encounter the Lord.
Today reflect on the readings for the feast of John the Baptist
Article on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and God’s Will
St. John the Baptist Playlist on Spotify
Below are some videos on St. John the Baptist:
Creation Series: Heaven and Earth (the Second Day)
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“Then God said: Let there be a dome in the middle of the waters, to separate one body of water from the other. God made the dome, and it separated the water below the dome from the water above the dome. And so it happened.. God called the dome “sky.” Evening came, and morning followed—the second day.” (Genesis 1:6-8).
Elementary Activities:
Earth and Space Activity
Jello and Cloud Parfait
Sky Sensory Bin
Soap Clouds
Activities for Teens:
On the second day, God creates the sea and the sky. He continues to bring form out of the chaos of the earth.
In Hebrew, the word Heaven (Gen 1:8) can be translated to “sky” or “heavens”. In the Jewish tradition the lowest level of heaven was thought to be the atmosphere, and the highest level was where God dwells. Throughout Scripture we see the importance of the waters and the sky. Later in the New Testament Jesus’ control over creation through the natural miracles will help reveal his divinity.
We see a bit of a parallel in Matthew when Jesus calms the wind and the seas.
The Calming of the Storm at Sea.
He got into a boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” (Mt 8:23-27)