December-Waiting for Jesus
Email pictures to ycfaithformation@gmail.com Reflection Forms
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What is AdventWatch this quick video to understand what Advent means to Catholics and Christians throughout the world.
Bethlehem
Click image to discover the birthplace of Jesus, by exploring images and hearing how the sights have been preserved as places of pilgrimages. Talk together about what it would be like to have lived during Jesus life. How was the world and communities different? How were they the same?Write a Reflection when done.
Click image to discover the birthplace of Jesus, by exploring images and hearing how the sights have been preserved as places of pilgrimages. Talk together about what it would be like to have lived during Jesus life. How was the world and communities different? How were they the same?Write a Reflection when done.
Christmas GamesClick image for 30 fun family games to play together this Holy Season. Enjoy time together with simple, easy ways to celebrate our Lord's birth.Write a Reflection when done.
Watch a Movie TogetherMiracle of 34th Street-G (1947)A Christmas Story-PG (1983)The Ultimate Gift-PG (2006)Charlie Brown Christmas-G (1965)The Polar Express-G (1004)The Star-PG (2017)How did characters treat others? How did the movie celebrate this holy season?Write a Reflection when done.
St. Nicholas - December 6Click image to discover the true story of St. Nick.After learning about his love of giving, have your children put shoes outside their bedroom door the eve of December 6th. St. Nick might visit to leave a gift in the night. This link has a fun activity, too.Write a Reflection when done.
Immaculate ConceptionA Holy DayDecember 8th is the feast which celebrates the day Mary was conceived without sin. Mary is pure. Make a white cake to symbolize Mary's purity. Celebrate by attending or watching mass and sing the Immaculate Mary together.Click image for more details on this holy day.Write a Reflection when done.
St. John of the Cross
Feast DayOur patron's feast day is December 14. Click image to learn about our special saint and also discover why SJC is named after him. Visit the new statue of our patron at the school near Wolf Road and talk about what is special about SJC's community. Write a Reflection when done.
Feast DayOur patron's feast day is December 14. Click image to learn about our special saint and also discover why SJC is named after him. Visit the new statue of our patron at the school near Wolf Road and talk about what is special about SJC's community. Write a Reflection when done.
Create an Advent WreathCreate this cute homemade Advent wreath as a family. Click image for directions and simple materials needed. Email if you prefer to pick up cut out hands for your project.Write a Reflection when done.
Need inspiration?Read as a family this beautiful letter written by a 107-year old Great-Great Grandmother to the world during this pandemic. Click image for the full article. Discuss challenges each family member may be having and how you can overcome them together.Write a Reflection when done.
SJC Childrens' ChoirOur SJC children created a beautiful rendition of You are My All in All. They also use ASL for the refrain. Sing along and learn sign language to a wonderful hymn.Write a Reflection when done.
Read together this MonthDiscuss how God's voice is heard in the characters and themes. Get a library loan or look online for a Christmas story or these favorites:A Picture of God: 3 in 1 by Joanne MarxhausenA Birthday Party for Jesus by Susan JonesThe Nativity
by Juan WijngaardWrite a Reflection when done.
by Juan WijngaardWrite a Reflection when done.
Learn about Jesus ancestorsThe Jesse Tree is an Advent tradition to learn about Jesus' family. Each person presented paved the way for the Messiah, the Savior to come into the world. Click image to print and create a Jesse Tree with ornaments and readings. You can find scripture references here.Write a Reflection when done.
Our Father PrayerJoin us in learning how to use ASL to pray the Lord's Prayer. The Grade 4 Blest Are We workbook has step-by-step or download a paper copy here. Write a Reflection when done.
CARES: Appreciate the Artisan & Small Farmer this ChristmasPray for the Dignity of WorkersWe pray for the artisans and small farmers of the world.Who work to provide food, shelter, and education for their families and whose hands and love create beautiful works and nourishing food. Amen
Write a Reflection when done.
Write a Reflection when done.
Pray at your Nativity
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Christmas Schedule
You are invited to celebrate the beautiful Advent and Christmas season with our community. Join us for so many lovely celebrations throughout the season.
Write a Reflection when done.
You are invited to celebrate the beautiful Advent and Christmas season with our community. Join us for so many lovely celebrations throughout the season.
Write a Reflection when done.
Family Service IdeasDid you know our parish, St. John of the Cross lists ways to volunteer and help others? There are ways to give from home and ways to actively make a difference in the community around us. Click image above to be directed to the Volunteer page on the SJC website. Send pictures and share what you did!Write a Reflection when done.
Q & A from YC YouthClick the image to see some questions and answers that YC youth have asked over the past years. Discuss 3-4 of the answers and complete a Reflection form on what you learned.Write a Reflection when done.
Christmas LightsSpend time together as a family driving or walking to view all the beautiful Holiday lights -in neighborhoods, at Brookfield Zoo Lights, Morton Arboretum, The Believe House Naperville, Kids List or other displays. Have your child look for signs of faith - Nativity, Angels, North Star, Wise Men or themes from Hanukah - talk about how Jesus was Jewish and how he would celebrate today.Write a Reflection when done.
Printable Family Advent Calendar
As we journey through Advent walk towards the Birth of Our Savior, Jesus, with this beautiful Advent Calendar from USCCB or a Children's Advent Calendar with simple activities from Loyola Press or this Advent Calendar from Sadlier with ideas through the season.Write a Reflection when done.
As we journey through Advent walk towards the Birth of Our Savior, Jesus, with this beautiful Advent Calendar from USCCB or a Children's Advent Calendar with simple activities from Loyola Press or this Advent Calendar from Sadlier with ideas through the season.Write a Reflection when done.
Prayer - Meditation
There are many forms of prayer. Click image to discover Meditation. Quieting yourselves and spending time with God, who speaks in the silence, should be practiced by youth and adults throughout our lives.Write a Reflection when done.
There are many forms of prayer. Click image to discover Meditation. Quieting yourselves and spending time with God, who speaks in the silence, should be practiced by youth and adults throughout our lives.Write a Reflection when done.
Bless your Christmas Decorations During this season, Catholics bless holy items. Click image for prayers to bless your Nativity Set, Advent Wreath, and Christmas Tree.Write a Reflection when done.
Twas the Night
of Jesus' birthClick on image to print a book to read about the night Jesus was born. Keep the book to use each year and remember the wonderous coming of our Lord Jesus.Write a Reflection when done.
of Jesus' birthClick on image to print a book to read about the night Jesus was born. Keep the book to use each year and remember the wonderous coming of our Lord Jesus.Write a Reflection when done.
Memories VideoClick the image to watch a children choir sing about our memories. Share a favorite family memory. Pray together for more beautiful family memories in 2024.Write a Reflection when done.
Celebrate the Holy Season in Song
Tune in for all day. Fill your home with Christmas music! Talk as a family about how the music makes you feel and which song is your favorite.Write a Reflection when done.
Tune in for all day. Fill your home with Christmas music! Talk as a family about how the music makes you feel and which song is your favorite.Write a Reflection when done.
O AntiphonsOur Music Director, Jessica Koch, has written a beautiful article for the bulletin "Musical Reflections of the O Antiphon."Click image for a family activity. Find scripture references to the
O Antiphons by opening this link and printing them out here. Print a coloring book or small images to create as ornaments here.Write a Reflection when done.
O Antiphons by opening this link and printing them out here. Print a coloring book or small images to create as ornaments here.Write a Reflection when done.
Share ChristmasShare Christmas has been a beautiful annual tradition at SJC for over 30 yrs. Click image for details. Donate by December 7th. Generous parishioners have made Christmas special for thousands of people who may not have a gift or a meal. Gifts will be delivered to St. Blase, Precious Blood community, St. Agatha, and St. Gall as well as SJC families in need. Write a Reflection when done.
Christmas CraftsMake a
Countdown Paper Chain,
Paper Fan Photo Ornaments or Tree Bag Toppers.Remember to take a photo of your child with the finished craft and email ycfaithformation@gmail.com.The photo will be put on our picture carousel located on the Chapter Activities page banner and may go in the bulletin or on our website!Write a Reflection when done.
Countdown Paper Chain,
Paper Fan Photo Ornaments or Tree Bag Toppers.Remember to take a photo of your child with the finished craft and email ycfaithformation@gmail.com.The photo will be put on our picture carousel located on the Chapter Activities page banner and may go in the bulletin or on our website!Write a Reflection when done.
Stations of the NativityClick image to watch and pray along with the 14 Stations of the Nativity.Write a Reflection when done.
The Beginner's Bible Story
Click image to watch the story of the Birth of our Lord Jesus. Follow along in The Beginner's Bible on p 271.Write a Reflection when done.
Click image to watch the story of the Birth of our Lord Jesus. Follow along in The Beginner's Bible on p 271.Write a Reflection when done.
Name that CarolClick image to print a fun sheet for your holiday celebration and have everyone try to guess the Christmas Carols by the image. Print answers here Write a Reflection when done.
The Beginner's Bible Story
Click image to watch the story of the Shepherds visiting the new born King. Follow the story in The Beginner's Bible on page 277.Write a Reflection when done.
Click image to watch the story of the Shepherds visiting the new born King. Follow the story in The Beginner's Bible on page 277.Write a Reflection when done.
One of the two monthly Reflection Forms should be a reflection of the Sunday Mass, Sunday Scriptures, Bible Story or Catholic Teaching. Feel free to use one of the options below
The Nativity StoryChildren receive The Beginner's Bible in 1st Grade. Youth receive The Catholic Youth Bible in 6th grade. So,1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders should all have one of these Bibles. Use these or any Family Bible to read the Nativity story. Find the story in Matthew Chapter 1: 18-2: 12, and Luke Chapter 1: 5-2:21. Reflect on the similarities and differences between the two.Write a Reflection when done.
Sundays Scriptures
Use the Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families in your YC supplies. Then submit your Family Mass/Scripture reflection here.You can also go to this site for online readings and questions.Write a Reflection when done.
Use the Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families in your YC supplies. Then submit your Family Mass/Scripture reflection here.You can also go to this site for online readings and questions.Write a Reflection when done.
Catholic Kids MediaVideos with mass reading for children for every Sunday of the year. Kids will love this quick video of readings and reflections created just for kids! Check it out here!Write a Reflection when done.
Join us for Mass this month!Masses are 4pm Saturday; 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 5pm on Sunday.
Click the image to watch online if you can't join us. Or, check out Children's Liturgy of the Word with your young children.Write a Reflection when done.
Click the image to watch online if you can't join us. Or, check out Children's Liturgy of the Word with your young children.Write a Reflection when done.
Family of Faith
Click on the image to print a sheet full of ideas to engage your family throughout the Advent Season. Remember to email us a picture and share your experience with this activity.Write a Reflection when done.
Saint of the month
Click image to discover many new saints this month, such as St. Lucy, St. Juan Diego, and St. John of the Cross. Search for a coloring page for the saint you discovered on a Google search. Email ycfaithformation@gmail.com your finished coloring page. Write a Reflection when done.
Click image to discover many new saints this month, such as St. Lucy, St. Juan Diego, and St. John of the Cross. Search for a coloring page for the saint you discovered on a Google search. Email ycfaithformation@gmail.com your finished coloring page. Write a Reflection when done.
Stump the Shepherd
Click the image to play, with your children, this interactive Jeopardy-like game about facts of the Catholic faith and more. One to four players can join in the fun!Write a Reflection when done.
Parish Reconciliation - Sat Dec 7, 9:30am
Father Mike Schmitz talks about making a good confession at the Sacrament of Reconciliation; watch the video here. Reconciliation is also available after any Sat. 9:00 am mass. The healing mercy of Jesus is always waiting in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Write a Reflection when done.
Father Mike Schmitz talks about making a good confession at the Sacrament of Reconciliation; watch the video here. Reconciliation is also available after any Sat. 9:00 am mass. The healing mercy of Jesus is always waiting in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Write a Reflection when done.
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