Unit 1 - Prayers
Family Prayer:
Gratitude is a basic attitude for the followers of Jesus. Set aside a time each day this week for the family to give thanks to God. Invite each family member to write down three things he or she is grateful for, such as “I got a B in reading; I met a deadline at work.” Younger children can dictate their thanks. Take turns reading aloud the written items. After each item is read, the whole family can respond: “Thank you Lord, for this and for all good gifts.”
Individual Prayer:
For centuries, the rosary has been a great tradition for individual and family prayer. Follow this link http://www.usccb.org/advent/rosary.shtml for a handout on how to pray the rosary, including the prayers to say as one touches each bead: The Apostles Creed, The Our Father, The Hail Mary and The Glory Be.
Unit 1 - Activities
Make it Last
Small children learn very quickly that this is a disposable society. Take your children aside and present them with an inexpensive new toy or new piece of clothing. Tell them how Jesus wanted people to be careful with the things of the world, to make them last, and not to destroy these gifts. Then, challenge your child to make this gift last. Use it as a focal point of discussion if you see it lying about or if it starts to look shabby.
Clean Space
Justice and for peace issues can seem so vast that it is hard to get a handle on them. But you can take simple and constructive action at home to show how followers of Jesus never give up hope, never stop trying to bring his justice to the world. Choose an afternoon when every family member can be available to participate in a neighborhood cleanup activity. If there are enough people, work in pairs. Using biodegradable trash bags, pick up any litter or debris that is found in a reasonable area around your home. Set a time limit for this activity. Following the event, talk about the experience, the work you did, and why you did it. End the day by holding hands and praying for a deeper sense of responsibility for the earth and all of God’s creation. Be sure to dispose of the trash properly.