Oops!  So sorry I forgot to post this past week's Family Meeting slideshow.  You can still talk about the readings with your family, and we can always strive to be more like Mary, in her faith and obedience.  

Catholic Family Meeting {Prep for Sunday, December 14} Third Sunday of Advent!

This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Guadete Sunday, meaning rejoice!  Like last week, the gospel reading is another on John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus.  It starts with

"A man named John was sent from God.  He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.  He was not the light, but came to testify to the light." John 1:6-8

Jesus is the light in the darkness.  

Even though in Advent we are preparing for Jesus, He is also already present in our lives.  All we have to do is look around and recognize Him among the blessings we've been given.  

For me, I see Jesus in my husband when he is selfless and forgiving.  I see Jesus in my two daughters, their sweetness, innocence, and joy in the smallest of things.  I see Jesus in my parents, in their generosity and love.  I see Jesus in the beauty and perfection of nature.  I see Jesus in the faithful servants of His church, who generously care for their community and teach the gospel to their children.  I see Jesus in the small, kind acts of strangers every day.  

This week there are several awesome feast days that are fun to celebrate and help us stay focused on Jesus during Advent:  St. Juan Diego (12/9), Our Lady of Guadalupe (12/12), and St. Lucy (12/13).  We will be doing activities from the pages I linked that I spent a lot of time researching last year.  Grace is so excited about them, especially St. Lucy's feast day, as she will get to wear the wreath on her head and deliver cinnamon rolls to us for breakfast.  Even if you do just a little to recognize these feast days, your children will appreciate it.

I hope you have a great family meeting!

Catholic Family Meeting {Prep for Sunday, December 7} - 2nd Sunday of Advent!

'As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare  your way.  A voice of one crying out in the desert: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."

                                                                         Mark 1:2-3

This second Sunday of Advent, we continue to prepare for Jesus.  All the readings relate to the Lord's coming and salvation.  The gospel reading tells of John the Baptist, who came before Jesus, baptizing and preparing people for the arrival of the Messiah.  

During our family meeting this week, we focused on how we can prepare ourselves for Jesus and bring others to know Him.  There are also some fun videos about John the Baptist and ideas for simple John the Baptist themed snacks.  

As you continue your Advent, consider including some simple but meaningful traditions, like the ones described here.  Also consider joining the Holy Heroes Advent Adventure for daily videos and activities.