Everything seems to grow in summer – vegetables, weeds, & KIDS! Why not your friendship with God!?
Check out these suggestions for parents and kids, perfect for SUMMER in the YEAR OF MERCY:
Do the Kids’ Mercy Challenge during Faith Formation break. 1: Do acts of mercy, big and small and write or draw about your experiences on the Mercy Challenge Sheets. (Scroll to bottom of page for printable sheets) 2: Bring your completed Mercy Challenge sheets to the Family Masses in the fall, and they’ll be added to our MERCY QUILT. Click here for the Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy that you can do.
Join our Parents’ “Good Summer Read” Program. Stop by the Faith Formation Office to purchase a copy of My Journey to Live from the Inside Out, by fellow parent and parishioner, Shawn George. Shawn shares hard-earned wisdom on how faith can enrich marriage, parenting, finances, relationships, etc. We’ll gather Thursday, Sept. 1st for day and evening book talks with Shawn.
Check out St. Ann’s Mercy Opportunities Calendar (Click here) for ways you can help others through parish and community efforts. Invite a friend!Help Tend St. Ann’s Community Garden. To sign up, contact Shawn George, (860) 836-5209, shawnmarzano@hotmail.com.
Read some of our favorite books or try a daily devotional. Click here for our list of favorites.
Go to Mass on vacation. You’re part of one big Catholic family, and the Mass is the same everywhere, so you’ll feel at home! Notice what’s different about the churches you visit.
Visit with an elderly or frail neighbor and help with light yard- or housework. You’ll be doing Corporal AND Spiritual Works of Mercy!
Keep a Gratitude Journal. In a slump? Counting your blessings provides a new perspective!
Meet God outdoors! Take a hike at the beach or in the woods, and notice the beauty of God’s creation. Pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross at Lourdes of Litchfield, or Holy Family Retreat, West Htfd.
Try to live one theme per week from Rediscover Jesus. Journal your experiences to see how you’re growing. Get daily inspirational emails from author, Matthew Kelly: http://bbold.cc/3ZRYy