Walking with God is a series of footsteps walking side by side. What is your next step going to be in getting to know God?
Each week, beginning on the First Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2020) we will explore step by step ways to grow in relationship with each other, especially our family members, and with the Lord. Just as a baby learns to walk and the steps are small, so will our steps be in learning how to form a relationship with God. Each liturgical season, we will share new practices, known as Next Steps, to grow in habits of discipleship. Click on the blue headers below to watch short videos to learn how you can practice these Next Steps in your daily life!
Step Five: Get More out of Mass
When: Easter 2021
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The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, but we don't always experience that reality. The Mass can seem confusing. We sometimes feel bored and distracted. That's normal. But there's also more. You can have a rich, engaging encounter with Jesus in the Mass.
Click on the link above to learn different ways to pray and different tips to begin understanding the Mass more deeply. |
Dive deeper into your understanding of the Mass by watching this inspiring video by Father Mike Schmitz, Chaplain for the University of Minnesota-Duluth entitled "The Hour that will Change your Life".
(May 2) This week some of our second grade students will celebrate their First Eucharist and be welcomed at the Lord's table. As we have been reflecting and diving into the Holy Mass the past few weeks, reflect this week on your own experience of First Eucharist and discuss as a family the following questions:
(May 8) This Sunday's gospel, from John 15:9-17 shares about the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us by laying down His own life for ours. We know he not only offered his life for us over 2,000 years ago, but offers it each week when we come together around the altar and celebrate the Eucharist. In reflecting this week, ponder and discuss the following questions as a family:
(May 2) This week some of our second grade students will celebrate their First Eucharist and be welcomed at the Lord's table. As we have been reflecting and diving into the Holy Mass the past few weeks, reflect this week on your own experience of First Eucharist and discuss as a family the following questions:
- What were you most excited for about this sacrament?
- What do you remember from that day?
- Who all attended the Mass?
- How has receiving the Eucharist (and continuing to receive as an adult) changed you?
(May 8) This Sunday's gospel, from John 15:9-17 shares about the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us by laying down His own life for ours. We know he not only offered his life for us over 2,000 years ago, but offers it each week when we come together around the altar and celebrate the Eucharist. In reflecting this week, ponder and discuss the following questions as a family:
- What is the largest sacrifice you have ever made?
- Why was that sacrifice important to make? Who/what was it for?
- What motivated you to make that sacrifice? Would you do it again if placed in that position?
- Who would you be willing to lay your own life down for? Why?
- When you approach the altar and receive Holy Communion, what sacrifices and offerings can you make to the Lord this coming week?
Step Four: Meditate on God's Word
When: Lent 2021
Each week we encourage and invite you as an individual and as a family to participate in the Lenten practice of increasing prayer time with God. One way to do this is through reading the Bible. However, just sitting down and reading the bible can be intimidating and overwhelming. During Lent, we will take our Next Step and focus on learning to meditate on God's word through an ancient practice called Lectio Divina (click on the header above to learn more from EC about this practice)!
Week One: This week we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday.
Choose one of the readings from Ash Wednesday and take some time (10-15 minutes) to dive deeper into these familiar passages:
- Joel 2:12-18
- 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Reflection Questions:
- What reading did you choose? Why did you want to dive deeper into this particular passage?
- What word or phrase stood out to you?
- What do you think God is trying to tell you through this word or phrase?
- How does this word or phrase impact your daily life?
- What can you do to share this message with others?
Week Two
As we begin our second week of Lent, we continue to dive deeper into God's word and practice Lectio Divina. If you are unfamiliar with Lectio or could use some refreshers, this video is a great resource to help guide your prayer time.
Take some time (10-15 minutes) to dive deeper into this weekend's readings:
- First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18
- Psalm 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18, 19
- Second Reading: Romans 8:31-34
- Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
Reflection Questions:
- What word or phrase stood out to you from the reading you chose?
- What do you think that word or phrase means for you in your daily life?
- What is God calling you to do/to be?
Week Three:
We are halfway through our Lenten journey! How has your Lent been going? Have you held true to your Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and alms giving? If you have stumbled along the way, that is ok! Each day is a new opportunity to renew your practices and grow closer to God!
Read this week's Gospel: John 4:5-42.
This is a familiar passage about the woman at the well. As you practice Lectio, this week, imagine yourself in the story and ponder:
- What do you hear, see, and smell?
- What do you feel when you listen/read the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman?
- What would you say to the Samaritan woman if you encountered her at the well?
- How do you treat people who are different from you (it could be cultural heritage, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, age, race, gender, etc)?
- What do you thirst for?
Week Four:
Read this week's Gospel: John 3:14-21. This passage contains one of the most quoted lines in all of Sacred Scripture.
As you read this passage this week and practice Lectio, reflect on what new meanings and insights this passage holds for you this year. What does it mean to you that Jesus came to sacrifice his life for you? Do you feel worthy? How do you live your life in such a way that honors this tremendous gift and act of sacrifice? What ways can you make sacrifices for others this week?
Week Five:
Last week during the parish mission, Father Don mentioned Sacred Scripture is one of the key ways to discover Jesus. He shared that lectio divina is a time to pause and listen to God. When we read Sacred Scripture, we are listening to what God has to say to us through His word and then listening to what He wants us to do. Keeping those insights in mind this week, choose one of the readings from this Sunday to practice lectio divina for 10-15 minutes.
- Jer. 31:31-34
- Hebrews 5:7-9
- John 12:20-33
Week Six:
This week is the holiest of all weeks in our liturgical (church) year; it is Holy Week! We begin with Palm Sunday and reverence the days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (Triduum). Please follow this link to dive in a very special and meaningful way into Sacred Scripture this week through the practice of Lectio Divina and find God's voice in the most vulnerable and tender ways as we conclude our lenten journey.
Step Three: Believe in the Good News!
When: Ordinary Time (Pre-Lent) 2021
Week One: Reflect on these words, Good and Loved
"God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed—the sixth day." (Genesis 1:31). Since the beginning of time, God created everything very good, including us as humans. "God said: Let us make* human beings in our image, after our likeness. . . God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female* he created them." (Genesis 1:26-27).
God loves us unconditionally. We are all worthy of this love! We were each created for a relationship with God to come to understand what this love means.
Reflection Questions:
"God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed—the sixth day." (Genesis 1:31). Since the beginning of time, God created everything very good, including us as humans. "God said: Let us make* human beings in our image, after our likeness. . . God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female* he created them." (Genesis 1:26-27).
God loves us unconditionally. We are all worthy of this love! We were each created for a relationship with God to come to understand what this love means.
Reflection Questions:
- When you think about love, what do you hunger most for?
- Who in your life has given you an experience of unconditional love?
- Where have you shared unconditional love towards another? What makes loving others challenging? What are some of the joys of unconditional love?
- Do you believe you are worth of this love?
- Genesis 1:26-31
- Begin reading Romans chapter 5-8
Week Two: Reflect on these words, Broken and Restored
Because of Original Sin, we each have a broken relationship with God. We choose our own wants and desires over His desires for us. God is a God of mercy and love. He does not want to be separated from us so He sent His only Son, Jesus, to restore our relationship so we may be together forever!
Reflection Questions:
Scripture Verses to Reflect upon as a family:
Because of Original Sin, we each have a broken relationship with God. We choose our own wants and desires over His desires for us. God is a God of mercy and love. He does not want to be separated from us so He sent His only Son, Jesus, to restore our relationship so we may be together forever!
Reflection Questions:
- What is one thing that keeps you from God? What draws you to this vice and tempts you?
- What do you need to let go of in your life in order to be closer to God?
- Do you believe God can heal what is wounded or broken in your heart? Why or why not?
- What ache or pain do you wish to be freed from?
- Here is a video link "Fallen Plates" to help you visualize this separation from God and how we are restored through Christ.
Scripture Verses to Reflect upon as a family:
- John 3:16-18
- Continue reading through Romans 5-8
Week Three: Reflect on these words, Transformed and Sent
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures….But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. - 1 Corinthians 15:1-14
Jesus restores our relationship with God through His Life, Death, and Resurrection. We call this the Paschal Mystery and are welcomed into this mystery through the waters and graces of our baptism. We are transformed and then called to share this transforming love with others. The graces we receive at baptism are strengthened in the sacrament of Confirmation. Jesus has poured the Holy Spirit into your heart to brings you to new life in His Church and sends His Church on mission so that others can experience that new life.
Reflection Questions:
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures….But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. - 1 Corinthians 15:1-14
Jesus restores our relationship with God through His Life, Death, and Resurrection. We call this the Paschal Mystery and are welcomed into this mystery through the waters and graces of our baptism. We are transformed and then called to share this transforming love with others. The graces we receive at baptism are strengthened in the sacrament of Confirmation. Jesus has poured the Holy Spirit into your heart to brings you to new life in His Church and sends His Church on mission so that others can experience that new life.
Reflection Questions:
- What difference has Jesus made in your life?
- Are you open to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
- In what ways do you feel the Holy Spirit calling you to share your story and advance the mission of the Church?
- How has the life of the Church (celebration of the sacraments, saints, devotions, specific people from my parish community) been present in your story?
- John 14:26
- Continue reading Romans 5-8
Week Four: Reflect on the past three weeks as we focus on the culmination of these key words and phrases.
The collection of these words, Good and Loved, Broken and Restored, Transformed and Sent, are collectively called, the Kerygma. The kerygma is the core message of the Gospel. The kerygma informs the central mission and identity of the Church and is the identity of every baptized Christian. The most basic form of the kerygma contains five elements.
These five elements are Creation, Fall, Redemption, Salvation, and Re-Creation:
1. Creation - God is love and has created me for relationship with Him.
2. Fall - I have broken my relationship with God by my sin.
3. Redemption - Jesus restores my relationship with God through His life, death, and resurrection.
4. Salvation - Jesus invites me to trust him, to turn from sin, and to give my life to Him.
5. Re-Creation - Jesus has poured the Holy Spirit into my heart to bring me to new life in His Church and sends His Church on mission so that others can experience that new life.
Look at the following images as a family: As you scroll through the images ponder "How does my story align with these iconic moments in history?"
The collection of these words, Good and Loved, Broken and Restored, Transformed and Sent, are collectively called, the Kerygma. The kerygma is the core message of the Gospel. The kerygma informs the central mission and identity of the Church and is the identity of every baptized Christian. The most basic form of the kerygma contains five elements.
These five elements are Creation, Fall, Redemption, Salvation, and Re-Creation:
1. Creation - God is love and has created me for relationship with Him.
2. Fall - I have broken my relationship with God by my sin.
3. Redemption - Jesus restores my relationship with God through His life, death, and resurrection.
4. Salvation - Jesus invites me to trust him, to turn from sin, and to give my life to Him.
5. Re-Creation - Jesus has poured the Holy Spirit into my heart to bring me to new life in His Church and sends His Church on mission so that others can experience that new life.
Look at the following images as a family: As you scroll through the images ponder "How does my story align with these iconic moments in history?"
Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam
Rembrandt, The Prodigal Son
Salvador Dali, Christ of Saint John of the Cross.
Yongsung Kim, Save Me - the Hand of God.
El Greco, Pentecost
Reflection Questions:
- What is my relationship with God like right now? How do I view Him? Do I believe I am a beloved child of God? If not, what keeps me from believing I am?
- In what areas of my life do I run away from God? What inhibits me from running to Him?
- What difference has Jesus made in your life?
- How can you share Jesus' love with others?
- Which movement of the kerygma was the hardest for you? Why? • Which movement of the kerygma was the easiest for you to relate to? Why? • What insight came to you through this experience that was new or different for you?
"Reckless Love" by Bethel Music
"Good Good Father" by Chris Tomlin
"How He Loves Us" by David Crowder Band
"Oceans" by Hillsong United
"Holy Spirit" by Francesca Battistelli
Step Two: Pray as a Family
When: Christmas 2020
Each week as a family, discuss the following stories and begin sharing with one another about these memorable events:
Week One : Praying with Mary
Week One : Praying with Mary
- What do you think Mary felt when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and shared she was going to be the Mother of God? How would you react if you were in Mary's place?
- What virtues or characteristics would you use to describe Mary? Why? Do you identify any of those same virtues in yourself? Why or why not?
- What is your favorite Marian prayer? Why do you connect with that prayer the most?
- Luke 1:26-38
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Week Two: Praying with St. Joseph
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Week Three: Praying with Jesus
Scripture verse to reflect on as a family:
- There are many different ways to pray with Jesus. What are some of your favorite ways to pray? Adoration, praise and worship music, lectio divina, viso divina, devotionals, Mass, rosary, etc. Why is this your favorite?
- As a baby and young child, Jesus had to learn faith traditions, rituals, and prayers from Mary and Joseph. How often do you pray as a family? Do you have regular prayer you like to say together? If you don't pray as a family, what is one simple way you can begin this new year?
- What do you picture when someone says the name Jesus? How does this image bring you closer or farther away from Him?
Scripture verse to reflect on as a family:
- Luke 11:1-13
Each week as a family, discuss the following stories and begin sharing with one another about these memorable events:
Week One : Pregnancy Story!
Week Two: What's in a Name?
Week Three: What is your birth narrative?
Week Four: Why Baptism?
Week One : Pregnancy Story!
- What were cravings, what child/birth order, complications during pregnancy if any, etc?!
- How did you tell friends and family?
- Was there a baby shower? If yes, what was the theme, who came, what do you remember most about that day?
- Jeremiah 1:5
- Jeremiah 29:11
- Luke 1:26-38
Week Two: What's in a Name?
- How was your name chosen for you?
- What does your name mean?
- Were you named after anyone special? Why was it important for that person to be honored?
- Genesis 2:18-25
- Genesis 21: 1-7
- Luke 1: 10-19
Week Three: What is your birth narrative?
- Where were you born? City/hospital
- What was happening in the world at that time? What was the weather like that day?
- Were you adopted? If so, what was that journey like?
- Are you the oldest, middle, youngest child? How did family react/feel when you were born?
- Who came to visit you first in the hospital?
- Exodus 2:1-10
- Matthew 1:18-25
Week Four: Why Baptism?
- Becoming a child of God and entering into the Catholic Church is a big deal! What was that celebration like?
- Who was there? Was the baptism during Mass or privately afterwards? Were you baptized besides other babies or individually?
- Where did the gown come from?
- Who are your godparents?
- Did you enter the Church through the RCIA process? If yes, what inspired you to make this choice?
- Matthew 3:1-12
- Matthew 3: 13-17
- Acts 11:15-16
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
