Second Grade Sacrament Class
Reconciliation Retreat
Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:am until 2:pm
This mandatory retreat will be hosted at St. Mary of the Purification church in Room 100. starting at 10:am. A breakfast snack will be available upon arrival, and lunch served at 12:noon. "Parent pick-up" from the sanctuary is scheduled for 2:pm.
We have an enriching and transformative retreat planned, making full use of our four hours to ensure a meaningful and engaging experience. Our objectives will guide the children through a deep understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, including:
- The Ten Commandments – Laying the foundation for moral guidance.
- Examination of Conscience – Encouraging self-reflection and spiritual awareness.
- The Four Essential Parts of Reconciliation:
- Confession – Understanding the importance of honesty before God.
- Penance – Embracing acts of restoration and renewal.
- Contrition – Cultivating genuine sorrow and the desire for change.
- Absolution – Receiving God’s grace and forgiveness.
- What to Expect & How to Receive the Sacrament – Building confidence and reverence in approaching Reconciliation.
- The Stone & The Pillow – A hands-on lesson that ties it all together, helping students internalize the grace and peace that come with forgiveness.
The Feast of the Presentation
February 3, 2025 - CCE Recap
Today’s CCE class was both meaningful and engaging! The children observed a special color change in the church—from green to white and gold—signifying the Feast of the Presentation, celebrated on February 3rd.
We learned about Mary and Joseph bringing baby Jesus to the temple, offering a sacrifice of two turtle doves as part of their sacred tradition. Our discussion focused on Simeon's prophecy and how he recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Savior, not a warrior-king as many had expected, but a light to the world who would save souls through love and peace.
The class reflected on the expectations of the people of Israel, who hoped for a leader to overthrow the Romans, and how Jesus instead taught the Beatitudes—showing a path of love, humility, and spiritual freedom. We also explored how Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments into the Greatest Commandment: “Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
We closed with a review of the Act of Contrition and held a heartfelt prayer circle for Beau and his family in their time of loss.
It was a wonderful lesson, filled with faith, reflection, and community.
What is the Presentation of the Lord?
The presentation of Jesus in the Temple, The purification of Mary, The fulfillment of Simeon's prophecy, and The recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.
The Greatest Commandment
The Blessings listed by Jesus in His sermon on the Mount
Sr. Josephine Jemiseye SSMA
The Sisters of Saint Michael the Archangel order in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Sr. Josephine Jemiseye SSMA is the religion coordinator for St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School and devoted member of our parish church community. She is a constant fixture at the 8:30am mass, and you will always find her rejoicing in the the goodness of Lord and greeting all her students and the parish children with a graceful smile. Her calm demeanor and infectious laughter is a constant reminder of the joy and peace she has found in her mission to serve the Lord a member of the order, Sisters of Saint. Michael the Archangel.
Unfortunately she recently received the news that a member of her family passed away. Although devastated she has continued to serve the Lord and her community during the historic snow storm. Please take a moment and say a special prayer for Sister Josephine and her family.
The Power of One
One blood donation saves three lives!
God blesses the giver too! Have you ever considered the good YOU receive when you give?
- Reduce Risk of Heart Attack
- Reduce Risk of Cancer
- Reduce Risk of Blood Clots
- Improved Hair Health
- Helps Regulate you Iron Levels
- Replenish Blood Volume
Sunday, January 19, 2025
This week's class was productive! We discussed the structure of mass and took turns reading from the scriptures. A visit from Fr. Arockia and the shared king cake were the highlights of the day. Thank you Mrs. Hatchett for your assistance. 🥰
Structure of the Mass
Introduction Rites
Greeting, Opening Prayers, Gloria Kyrie Eleison, & Penitential Rite
During this part of the Mass we offer our prayers
Liturgy of the Word & Homily
Bible Readings, Gospel, Homily, & Creed
During this part of the Mass we receive instruction from the word of God & leaders of the church
Eucharist
Offertory, Eucharist Prayer, & Communion Rites
During this part of the Mass we bring our gifts, we offer our gifts, & we receive God's gifts.
Sunday evening, January 12, 2025 our St. Mary's family welcomed the art and music of the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra. It was a wonderful night filled with the very best professional musician from our own community in our very own sanctuary. This Free concert was also captured by our visual media ministry. Enjoy!
Share this animation with your child to reinforce the concepts taught in CCE class this week
CCE - Sunday, January 12, 2025
Ms. Sands gave a wonderful report of her time in the class during my absences this Sunday. Although I'm very sorry I could not be there in person, I'm very proud of the way the class conducted themselves reciting the Hail Mary in both English and French and then engaging in a discussion of Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist!
Your children learned how the Holy Trinity is reflected in the First Sacrament, during the Baptism of Jesus:
God the Father Speaks
Jesus the Son is baptized in the Jordan
The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus in the form of a dove.
Sister Josephine Jemiseye SSMA
St. Mary of The Purification Catholic School Religion Coordinator/Teacher PK-5th
Sr. Josephine is the amazing religion coordinator with our parish school. She generously shares her classroom with us each week, and we benefit greatly from the wide array of resources there.
Both Sr. Josephine and Ms. Gabriel work together to prepare for our catechumens for their Reconciliation & First Communion sacraments.
We were so excited to have her visit us for our first class back in the new year, Sunday, January 5, 2025!
Sister Josephine attends the 8:30am mass each week. She is very kind and always ready to share a smile, give a hug, or offer a prayer. Be sure to say "HELLO" if you see her!
The Epiphany
In CCE Class today we discussed the end of the Christmas Season which is marked with The Epiphany, also known as the Three Kings Day or Theophany. We celebrate the Epiphany on Jan. 6, which commemorates the visit of the Magi (Wiseman) to honor Jesus Christ. The Magi brought Jesus the gifts of Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh as prophesized in the Old Testament by Isaiah!
The gift were symbolic: Gold to denote Jesus is the King, Myrrh a form of oil for anointing (blessing Him), Frankincense is to acknowledge His priesthood.
This video details the old testament prophesy as well as the full story of the three kings. You may want to learn more and share it with your child.
Holy Days of Obligation
Because this is a new year we took this opportunity to talk about the The third commandment's instruction to set aside one day each week to praise and give thanks to God. In addition to our weekly Sunday attendance of mass the code of canon law of the Catholic Church says that there are six additional holy days of obligation other than Sunday. In 2025 these are the dates of
The Holy Days of Obligation.
January 1st Solemnity of Mary
We celebrate and honor Mary, the Mother of God
May 29th Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascension into heaven celebrated on the sixth Thursday after Easter
August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary ascension into heaven
November 1: Solemnity of All Saints
Observing the lives of the many saints for whom there is no specific feast day during the year
December 8: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We celebrate the immaculate conception of Mary herself in the womb of her mother.
December 25: Christmas
Celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Pre-Program Prayers
Prior to the children entering the sanctuary they made a circle, held hands, dedicated their performance to their families, and prayed together.
YES! Jesus Loves Me!
“Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.”
Thank you for all of your commitment and dedication to making this evening possible. Over the next few months we will host retreats to prepare for our Sacraments. With your continued effort your amazing children are ready to meet any expectations we set for them.
Video used courtesy of Hatchett family.
Christmas Eve Program 2024
The Christmas Eve program we have been preparing since the very start of our CCE journey this year took place on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. I could not be more proud of our amazing children! Their performance was truly the highlight of the evening, showcasing their dedication, talent, and teamwork.
The children were pitch-perfect during their signing and brought joy to all present with their heartfelt delivery. Their ASL presentation was nothing short of magnificent, adding a deeply moving and inclusive touch to the celebration. They looked absolutely wonderful in their dressy attire, radiating the joy of the season.
We received countless compliments on their performances, and I hope that your family enjoyed every moment as much as I did. Unfortunately, the second part of the program was less successful due to the absences of the planned music for the Christmas play. This led to an abbreviated schedule and a missed entrance cue for our class. Despite these hiccups, out children proved themselves to be TOTAL PROFESSIONALS, taking to the stage during the final bows in full costume with confidence and smiles. Their resilience and positive attitudes were a true testament to the spirit of Christmas.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the parents for their unwavering dedication throughout this process. Your patience, flexibility, and good humor made all the difference, especially in navigating the evening's unexpected moments with grace.
Each of you are shining stars and I'm so honored to be on this journey with you. Wishing you and your families a joyful blessed Christmas & a Happy New Year filled with the promises of Advent, hope, peace, joy, and love all year long!
Jacque Alexander Kiswendsida Sanhouidi
Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.
Thank you for sharing your Christmas Eve evening with your St. Mary's family!
Kaison James Henderson
Family gives your the roots to stand tall and grow strong!
Thank you for sharing your Christmas Eve evening with your St. Mary's family!
Elijah Robinson
Having somewhere to go is home, having someone to love is family, & having both is a blessing!
Thank you for sharing your Christmas Eve evening with your St. Mary's family!
Dean Hatchett
Family is where life begins, and love never ends.
Thank you for sharing your Christmas Eve evening with your St. Mary's family!
Fourth Sunday of Advent is LOVE
Over the four weeks of the Advent season we have celebrated the virtues of hope, peace, and joy. Today we celebrate the most important virtue, love. Jesus choose to become human and be born of the Virgin Mary live on the earth and sacrifice His life as the ultimate gift of LOVE. During Advent to a reminded to share God's love which brings hope, peace, and joy to his people with one another. We mark this day by lighting the last violet color candle, and wait for Christmas Eve to light the middle candle with out family for the arrival of the baby Jesus.
Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24th
Program - 6:00pm
Mass - 6:30pm
This is a snippet of last year's performance
WE ARE THE OPENING ACT!
Arrival Time:
Please have your child at the church by 5:15 PM.
First Performance:
Our class will perform "Yes, Jesus Loves Me" with both singing and ASL.
Children should arrive dressed in their Sunday best and be camera ready by 5:45 PM.
Costume Change:
After our performance, the children will return to the classroom to change into their Goat Costumes.
The Gabriel Girls welcome mom or dad to help with the costume changes.
What to Bring:
A neutral-colored jogging suit (black, brown, or white).
Sneakers for the performance.
Provided Items: Ms. Gabriel will supply the headband and vest to complete the costume.
Thank you for ensuring your child is prepared for this special evening!
Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete
The theme of the day expresses the JOY of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration. The celebrants and the church are all wearing the color ROSE (Pink) to mark the day! Elijah's sister, Natalie Robinson and Ayden Thomas were chosen to bring up the gifts for the Eucharist celebration.
Our Class discussed the importance of sincerity when making a confession over juice and donuts.
The Act of Contrition
The word Contrition means to feel remorseful and penitent. When you are contrite you understand the wrong you have done, and sincerely want to be forgiven. This is the first step to reconciling with God.
The following is the prayer we want to learn for our First Confession - Penance - Reconciliation Sacrament.
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy.
Amen!
Fr. Jasion on Gaudete Sunday
Gaudete is the third Sunday of Advent. The term, Gaudete, is from the Latin meaning Joy.
The Priest & Deacon wear special vestments
The color Rose represents joy or rejoicing and reveals a shift in the season of Advent away from repentance and toward celebration.
The vestments have symbols stating Christ is the Alpha & Omega
The meaning behind the Chi Rho symbol on Fr. Jaison's vestments: "X" and "P" form the Greek abbreviation for Christos (Christ), while Alpha and Omega, the first and last Greek letters, signify that Christ is the beginning and the end.
Acolyte Randel Sinnette shares the meaning of the Second Sunday of Advent - PEACE!
Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests
Sunday, December 8, 2024, marks the Second Sunday of Advent! We light the second violet candle and focus on PEACE as we await the return of the King of Peace.
Today’s CCE class was full of energy and joy as we reconnected after Thanksgiving break! We shared heartfelt conversations about the things we’re most grateful for—family, delicious meals, and the chance to finish our crafts. We also practiced the Hail Mary prayer in French and shared plenty of laughter along the way!
Archbishop Wilton Cardinal Gregory
St. Mary’s of the Purification had the distinct honor of welcoming His Eminence Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the first African American Cardinal of the Catholic Church, to celebrate our 11:00 AM Mass. Joining him were his distinguished Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brothers, who gathered for a special Founders' Day program. This momentous occasion was a true celebration of faith, unity, and history!
Cardinal Gregory holds a unique and historic place in the Catholic Church as the highest-ranking African American Catholic in the United States. Born on December 7, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 9, 1973. Over the decades, Cardinal Gregory has demonstrated exceptional leadership and faith, serving in various roles, including Archbishop of Washington, D.C. His contributions to the Church and society were recognized when Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals on November 28, 2020, making him the first African American Cardinal in the Church’s history. His elevation is a significant milestone, symbolizing progress and representation for African American Catholics worldwide.
CCE members Griffin Royes Morgan and John Nikolas Maruska had the incredible honor of serving as Altar Servers for His Eminence. We are so proud of them for representing our parish in such a special way!
Requirements: To be an altar server, you must be 10 years of age, have received your First Holy Communion, know how to genuflect properly and how to make the sign of the cross.
Happy New Liturgical Year!
Sunday, December 1, 2024 is the first Sunday of the Advent Season. We light the first candle and set our prayer intentions for HOPE!
Traditions at church & home!
We want to thank Mrs. Robinson for inviting us to join her class during their field lesson to the sanctuary where we discussed the tradition of the Advent Wreath, the significance of the candles, colors, and we challenged the children to make and decorate their own Advent Wreaths at home! Please send the pictures so we can share in your holiday joy!
Black Catholic Legacy in America
We want to say "THANK YOU!" to the catechist preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation (Classes I & II) who took the time to teach our class about the real African-American Catholics that tirelessly served our community and are being considered for canonization for Sainthood today, November 24, 2024.
Venerable Henriette Delille
Venerable Mother Mary Lange
Servant of God Sr Thea Bowman
Servant of God Julia Greeley
Venerable Pierre Toussaint
November 10, 2024
Today we discussed how prayer, like meditation helps us to turn down the noise and distractions around us while we focus our minds on our prayer intentions.
We were introduced to the Rosary. We learned the word rosary comes from Latin and means a garland of roses, the rose being one of the flowers used to symbolize Mother Mary.
We learned that the rosary is an aid that helps us keep track while we recite the specific prayers. Together we completed the introductory prayers as a class.
The Joyful Mysteries are perfect for the the start of the Advent season as these prayers focus on Mary's obedience to God & the birth of our Savior!
The introductory prayers are:
1 Apostles' Creed (Holding Cross)
1 Our Father (first large bead)
3 Hail Mary's (three small beads)
1 Glory Be (second large bead)
Announce your intentions & focus aligned with one of the 4 Mysteries. During Advent we suggest the Joyful Mysteries!
Joyful
Sorrowful
Glorious
Luminous
Pray: the Rosary Cycle
1 Our Father
10 Hail Mary's (one decade)
1 Glory Be
Repeat this process until all five decades are complete
To End your meditational devotion pray
1 Hail Holy Queen
The Closing Prayer
Sign of the Cross
Rosary Activity
Each catechist received a "construct your own rosary" kit which consists of an assortment of colorful beads, a cord, cross, and instructions on "how to" complete the project and prayers.
Once constructed each student should complete rosary five decades of Hail Mary prayers with their family at home.
Please remember to send a picture to Ms. Gabriel so it can be added to the website.
We are proud of all our families for completing their rosaries! The pictures are beautiful. We also want to pray a special blessing for Grayson as our church community and his family celebrates as he prepares for his First Sacrament! We are proud of you!
Grateful Grayson
Loving Lillian
Kinetic Kaison
Justice Jacque
Brilliant Beau
Enlighten Elijah
Determined Dean
Greatest Commandment = All Ten Commandments
The first three commandments are specifically about our relationships to God :
Only one God, Use God's name with reverence, and keep holy the Lord's day.
The remaining seven commandments help us with our relationship with one another:
Honor your parents and adults that care for you, remember all life is sacred and should be protected, the community should honor and help strengthen unions of marriage, we should respect the work and property of others, we should always be honest, we should avoid jealousy and be glad and celebrate all the blessing we are given and be happy when others receive blessings.
The Traditional Phrasing of The Ten Commandments
I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in Vain.
Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods
1st Commandment
We worship only God. We praise and honor Him with our thoughts & actions.
2nd Commandment
We always show reverence and honor to God, and show respect when using His name.
3rd Commandment
We remember to worship God by participating at Sunday mass, and honor Him by praying, & doing good deeds.
4th Commandment
We respect our parents, and those in our community who care & protect us.
5th Commandment
We respect and honor all life as sacred.
6th Commandment
We respect, protect, and honor the promises made in marriage
7th Commandment
We respect the property & hard work of others.
8th Commandment
We are honest, we avoid gossip, and are respectful of the reputations of others.
9th Commandment
We respect and honor our relationships and celebrate the success of other's relationships.
10th Commandment
We are satisfied & grateful for the gifts which we have been given, and celebrate the joy of others with them.
Sunday, November 3, 2024 All Souls' Day
We visited the sanctuary and explored the beautiful display of the Church's Book of Souls, which includes the names of the faithful departed from our St. Mary's Community. We also stopped to pray after viewing the beautiful pictures left by family members before returning to our class to discuss today's lesson.
Priests in Lafayette, La. celebrating All Saints' Day November 1, 2024
All Saints' Day & All Souls' Day
On November 1st All Saints’ Day celebrates the holy men and women in Heaven, those known and unknown by the Church.
On November 2nd All Souls’ Day honors all of the faithful departed. In some countries, such as Mexico, people know All Souls’ Day as the second day of “Día de Los Muertos.”
All Saints' Day is a Holy Day of Obligation which means as Catholics we are expected to celebrate Mass! We have two more Holy Days of Obligation left in 2024:
Monday, December 9, 2024 - Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 - The Nativity of Our Lord
How we celebrate All Saints' Day & All Souls' Day
We honor the departed by attending Mass at church, reflecting on the Beatitudes, praying for all souls, visiting and caring for the graves of our family, and reflecting on our promised reunion with our departed loved ones in heaven as promised by God.
Sunday, October 27, 2024 is the Last Day of the Fall Festival
Today we celebrated our shared optimism of for the future and the victory of love over hate that we defend everyday with prayer, laughter, friends, and family!
Thank you for sharing in this day and enjoy your time off from CCE Class this week.
October 20, 2024 the class learned how to respectfully enter the sanctuary. They also learned the ASL gestures for the first time to the song we will perform for Advent: Yes! Jesus Love Me. A special thank you to Mrs. Hatchett for capturing this amazing moment for us at practice!
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Class began in the church, and after our successful rehearsal we moved to the classroom where Elijah and Dean led the Gospel reading of Mark 10:35 - 45 were we discussed James & John asking Jesus to give them positions of honor in heaven. Jesus explained the suffering he would endure. Each child had an opportunity to read and we had a lively dicussion about the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.
We will continue to use this church-classroom format to help the children grow comfortable with the performance space ahead of our advent performance in December.
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Today, Kaison, led us in the Gospel reading of Mark 10:17-30. We learned that we do not "earn" our way into heaven through good works, but instead we are welcomed into heaven through the sacrifice and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Yes! Jesus Loves Me
This video can be used to help with practicing the ALS song the class will perform, Yes! Jesus Loves Me. We will continue to work together in class each week to get ready for the Advent Season performance, but please make sure your child is also practicing at home.
Sunday October 6, 2024
In class we discussed the way the church communicates with us each week through the use of COLOR!
The Liturgical Calendar is like a wheel that starts with Advent on December 1st
Field Lesson in the Sanctuary
The class visited both the church sanctuary and the inner chapel, exploring the roles and perspectives of liturgical readers, deacons, priests, and acolytes. The Sons of Abraham asked many questions about the chalice, books, binders at the lectern, and the standards carried by altar servers. The class showed great reverence while enjoying additional freedom in the inner chapel. They also discussed the difference between a cross and a crucifix and visited the votive candles for intercessory prayers. The field lesson concluded with a brief meeting with Fr. Jaison before the 11:00 Mass, where the children identified his green vestments, and they correctly identified the color green is worn for Ordinary Times.
The Tabernacle - Christ is With Us
The students approached the tabernacle with reverence, learning that the Blessed Communion Host inside is the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, transformed at every Mass and the extra is stored here. They responded with bows and the sign of the cross as a sign of respect.
Sunday, September 29, 2024 we learned there are four basic category of prayers. We can identify and pray all four types during time of sorry, confusion, or joy!
- Prayer of Blessing and Adoration (praising God)
- Prayer of Petition (asking for what we need, including forgiveness)
- Prayer of Intercession (asking for what others need)
- Prayer of Thanksgiving (for what God has given and done)
Glory Be is a Prayer of Adoration
The Our Father is a Prayer of Petition
The Hail Mary is a Prayer of Intercession
When we "Say Grace" we are offering a prayer of Thanksgiving
The word "Catholic" comes from the ancient Greek adjective **καθολικός** (*katholikos*), meaning "universal." This word beautifully describes our Church family because the Catholic Church can be found all over the world. No matter where we go, we will find familiar practices, such as the structure of the Mass, the Ten Commandments, the Seven Sacraments, and the veneration of the Holy Family.
One of the most profound aspects of Catholicism is how different cultures around the world depict the Holy Family and other figures from the Bible in ways that reflect their own communities. In ancient times, there were no cameras or photographers, so today's images reflect the people and places where we live and worship.
Mary, Mother of Jesus
During our class this week, September 29, 2024, we explored images from around the world that depict Mary, the mother of Jesus. Does your family have a special religious image in your home to remind you that you are part of a larger spiritual family? It can be impactful for your faith to seek out religious images that reflect your family's culture, so your child can see themselves in the face of God.
Home Work - See you on Sunday, October 6, 2024
Sunday, September 29, 2024 we ran out of time and were unable to cover this information together in class. Please take a few minutes this week to review this video with your child as it explains the lines of the prayer in age-appropriate language.
The video includes the following segments:
Hail Mary prayer Explained
Do you want to try in French?
Sunday, September 22, 2024 Family Tree project was a great success! Our Sons of Abraham showed up with images and illustration of their family and introduced us to their parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, godparents, and more! We discussed being born into our families and connected our Baptisms as the sacrament of the church that welcomed us into our church family!
Beau Bradford
Dean Hatchett
Elijah Robinson
Grayson Latchley
Jacque Sanhouidi
Kaison Henderson
Lillian Collins
Catholic means Universal
The children were taught the etymology of the word, Catholic deriving from the Greek word meaning Universal, Katholikos. We learned Catholic churches can be found around the world, and each Sunday millions of Catholics celebrate the Mass in their own language. We learned that we are all connected as we recite the same prayers and phrases.
Being a part of the Catholic faith means wherever we go in the world we are connected to our Church Family!
English: The Lord Be With You; And With Your Spirit!
French: Le Seigneur soit avec vous ; Et avec votre Esprit !
Spanish: El Señor esté con vosotros; ¡Y con tu espíritu!
Chinese: Yuàn zhǔ yǔ nǐ tóng zài; hé nǐ de jīngshén!
Arabic: alrabu maeka. wamae ruhaka!
Your Family Tree
Your first assignment (due Sunday, September 22, 2024) is to complete your own family tree! We are looking forward to hearing about the amazing roots that produced the amazing YOU!
Jesus Family Tree
Jesus was a real person that was born, lived and died right here on planet earth. His life story is has been chronicled in the Holy Bible which is divided into two major parts: Old Testament & New Testament.
Old Testament details the world before Jesus was born. It details the history of His cultural ancestors and provides instructions of how to live a good and blessed life during that time. We still use this framework to help order our lives today.
New Testament details the life of Jesus, His teachings, and Sacrifice. We learn about the struggles of the early Christian church as it breaks away from the traditional culture and expands the message of love and salvation inviting all people to join the church established by His followers. We are members of that same church family today.
Sign of the Cross
Your child is responsible for learning the "Sign of the Cross" as part of their CCE Second Grade Sacrament Class curriculum.
This is fundamental to your child's life as a Catholics. This is a verbal and physical profession of faith in God as He has revealed Himself. It serves as an abbreviated form of the Apostles Creed.
As we declare our faith in the Gather, Son, and Holy Spirit we also "make the sign of the cross" by touching our forehead, chest, and shoulders. Please make sure you practice this most fundamental declaration of faith with your child.
Make sure you are touching your forehead, chest, LEFT shoulder and then RIGHT shoulder and saying AMEN!
Making the sign of the cross is typically done with the right hand because Jesus sits at the right hand of God. However, the left hand is okay too!
Nightly prayer is a wonderful way to end your day showing gratitude to God!
Our Father Prayer
Your child is responsible for learning the standard "Our Father" prayer as part of their CCE Second Grade Sacrament Class curriculum.
This prayer is fundamental to your child's life as a Christian. As Catholics we believe this prayer was given to us by Jesus during his Sermon on the Mount. This payer can be found in the New Testament the Gospel according to Luke chapter 11 verses 2 - 4, and the longer version in the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 6 verses 9 - 13.
We find making this prayer a part of our night time routine prior to getting into bed to be very effective. It is a lovely way to help your child end his/her evening in thanksgiving for the blessing of the day.
"Glory Be" Prayer is called The Doxology
Your child is responsible for learning the standard "Glory Be" prayer as part of their CCE Second Grade Sacrament Class curriculum.
This prayer is fundamental to your child's life as a Christian. As Catholics we believe this prayer is part of our religious tradition that comes from the Jewish synagogues. St. Paul would often use doxologies similar to the Glory Be in his letters. For Example, he referred to "the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be honor forever and ever".
This short prayer is typically used as a way of ending longer petition prayers. So when your child has prayed from their heart asking for help, support, or a matter of concern they can wrap up the prayer with a "Glory Be", prior to making the sign of the cross and ending the prayer completely.
The Hail Mary Prayer
Your child is responsible for learning the standard "Hail Mary" prayer as part of their CCE Second Grade Sacrament Class curriculum.
This prayer is fundamental to your child's life as a Catholic. We believe this prayer serves as a reminder of the special sacrifice Mary gave willingly as a faithful servant of God.
The words of the prayer are from the Gospel according to Luke in chapter 1 verses 1 - 28 the angel Gabriel was sent to Mary by God, the Father. Angel Gabriel greets her, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you".
Additionally when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth according to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1 verses 41 - 42, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb".
Creating a routine during morning prayers asking Mary to pray for us during the day can help reinforce this fundamental prayer of our faith.
May we will always say "YES to GOD" as Mary did when she said yes to becoming the mother of Jesus.
To reinforce this prayer you can have your child recite it whenever they would require correction or redirecting for actions deserving of an apology. For example:
Your child's actions result in another child crying. In addition to apologizing with an "I'm sorry" you can use this opportunity to recite the words of the Act of Contrition.
This prayer helps your child hold themselves accountable for their actions against others.
The Act of Contrition
Your child is responsible for learning the standard "Hail Mary" prayer as part of their CCE Second Grade Sacrament Class curriculum.
This prayer is fundamental to your child's life as a Catholic. Our faith teaches us it is essential to reaffirm the truth, express our sincere sorrow for past sins, and declare our earnest hope that God's grace will triumph within us and we will avoid sin in the future.
Your child will make their First Reconciliation during the Advent Season. Please practice this prayer with them daily so they are prepared when seeking absolution of sin.
Why do you pray the Rosary?
The daily news is alarming, and sometimes it feels there is no end in sight, but as Christians we believe in the promise of the Psalm chapter 27 verse 1:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
We will get through this as a country, community, and church. For children and adults this can be very difficult and scary, but as Catholics we know we can find comfort in traditional prayers.