December 8, 2015 WBB For Families, REL Catechetical - K–6, REL Topic - Catechesis, REL Asset - Handout, REL PD - Family Faith
By: Allie Johnston
As the season of winter approaches, bring Catholic family members together to strengthen their relationships while they care for God’s creation.
At the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, during his visit to the United States this fall, Pope Francis said, “Love is something we learn; love is something we live; love grows as it is “forged” by the concrete situations which each particular family experiences. Love is born and constantly develops amid lights and shadows.”
Connecting everyday experiences to a life of faith is an easy and effective way to help bring family members closer to one another and to God—learning and living love. This Winter Family Activities resource offers four seasonal activity suggestions for family members to do together during winter to enjoy time together in the seasonal beauty of God’s creation. The activity suggestions are ideal for families with early childhood and primary aged children.
The winter season offers unique opportunities to observe God’s amazing creation, especially as families prepare to celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas. As Catholic families prepare for Christ’s coming during Advent and celebrate the birth of Jesus during Christmas, winter is a wonderful season for family members to pray, celebrate, share, and live their faith together.
Winter Family Activities are not tied to either liturgical season but instead focus on everyday experiences. Busy families will especially appreciate the simplicity of the winter activities for families. They can be carried out easily and without much preparation or required materials. Additionally, the activities are multisensory to awaken in each participant a real connection to the season as part of God’s wonderful creation.
Share this resource with the families in your religious education program to inspire the time their family shares together this winter. Or, as a variation, plan a parish event in which you incorporate some or all of the suggestions in the Winter Activities for Families resource. Families within your program will form bonds while family members do. Catechists of preschool and primary aged children may also appreciate the seasonal suggestions for classroom use.
You may also want to use a Catholic Family Prayer Service alongside the Winter Family Activities. This wonderful family prayer service for use in the home is a perfect resource for the busy Catholic family. This simple prayer service does not require special materials or lots of time and space, and can be accomplished by families of any size and makeup. It includes Scripture, prayer, and a simple activity to bring family members together.