Faith Alive In The Home
May 2019
St. Gianna’s Music Ministry
“Easter Alleluia”
– by Text by Marty Haugen,
Tune: O Filii et Filiae.
Easter Celebrations
The joy-filled celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord on Easter is the crowning moment that fulfills our Lenten observances. Pressing forward, these 50 days of Easter will culminate with the great feast of Pentecost, by which the Spirit of the Risen Jesus is released upon the world, strengthening and confirming the good works we initiated on Ash Wednesday.
May the days of Lent and these days of Easter be instrumental to true change and transformation in living the Pashcal Mystery. “He is Risen! Alleluia! He is Risen Indeed!”
Click on any of the picture links below to watch short videos about our Easter Season:
The Meaning of Easter
Animated story of Easter
Why eggs on Easter?
Resurrection Butterfly Craft
Ideas to Celebrate Easter as a Family during the 50 Days
An Easter Family Prayer
3 Minute Easter Retreat for Adults
Exploring the Importance of Mary in the Month of May
The Birth of the Church on Pentecost
Animated Story of Pentecost
Praying the Hail Mary
How did you bring the celebration of Easter alive in your home? Post your pictures on Instagram at #stgiannawpgfaith
March 6, 2019
St. Gianna’s Music Ministry
“Turn to the Living God”
– Music by Lori True.
Our Season of Lent
The celebration of Ash Wednesday inaugurates our season of Lent. During the Lenten season, as we turn to prayer, fasting and almsgiving, it is our opportunity to revisit our commitment to the gift of time – our time spent with God. Through our liturgical readings and practices, we will hear the call to Lenten conversion and the opportunity to deepen our life as the baptized. The signing with ashes marks our willingness to “Repent, believe in the Gospel!”.
Click on any of the picture links below to watch short videos about our Season of Lent:
LENT in 2 minutes
Animated story of Jesus in the desert
Song: We rise again from ashes
Ideas on how to celebrate Lent at home as a family
Family Lenten calendar
Guiding your teenager during Lent
Online Stations of the Cross for families
A great website filled with Lenten recipes
A Child’s Guide to Lent
Click on the image to learn where you can get this book.
January 6, 2019
St. Gianna’s Music Ministry
“Jesus, Hope of the World”
– Music by Deanna Light & Paul Tate.
Holy Days of Christmas
We focus our attention this week to the Holy Days of the Christmas season that began with the Nativity of the Lord (December 25), and continue with the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (December 30); the Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God (January 1); the Epiphany of the Lord (January 6); and finally, the Baptism of the Lord (January 13).
Click on any of the picture links below to watch short videos about the Holy Days of Christmas:
Sacred paintings of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Mary teaches us about authentic discipleship
Why do we love Mary so much?
A child’s video on the importance of Mary
What is Epiphany?
3 Teaching points on Epiphany
Celebrate the Epiphany by making this recipe for King Cakes
Why was Jesus Baptized if he was sinless?
Saddleback Kids animation on the Baptism of Jesus
Come celebrate the Holy Days of Christmas – please see our Christmas liturgy schedule. Through our liturgical readings and practices, we hope to clear away all that entangles us and open a space in our hearts, our homes, our relationships and our lives, for Love Incarnate to be born again!
How did you bring Advent and Christmas alive in your home?
Post your pictures on Instagram at #stgiannawpgfaith
December 23, 2018
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Advent Wreath Prayer
(Light all four candles on your Advent wreath).
Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Click on any of the picture links below to watch short videos about our special Season of Advent:
Blessing of the family Christmas Tree
A cute video telling the story about Mary and Joseph and the impending arrival of our Saviour
A favourite Christmas hymn “Wood of the Cradle”
The History of the 12 days of Christmas
Christmas in a Nutshell
A simple nativity scene that families can colour and put together
Do you have room for Jesus?
Click on the image to learn where you can get this book.
A lovely story about Mary’s journey to Bethlehem from the perspective of a lucky donkey
Click on the image to learn where you can get this book.
Come celebrate the Fourth week of Advent at our Sunday liturgy: Saturday 4:30pm and Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am. Through our liturgical readings and practices, we hope to clear away all that entangles us and open a space in our hearts, our homes, our relationships and our lives, for Love Incarnate to be born again!
How did you bring the First week of Advent alive in your home?
Post your pictures on Instagram at #stgiannawpgfaith
December 16, 2018
Third Sunday of Advent
Advent Wreath Prayer
(Light the rose-coloured candle along with the first and second purple candles on your Advent wreath).
Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ, experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Click on any of the picture links below to watch short videos about our special Season of Advent:
What is Gaudete Sunday?
John the Baptist
This week’s Gospel focuses on John the Baptist preparing the people for the coming of the Lord. Watch this kid-friendly video about John the Baptist.
O Antiphons – Dec.17
The “O Antiphons” are ancient words used in anticipation of Jesus dwelling within us. Chant each antiphon every time you pray this week.
O Antiphon Dec.21
O Antiphon Dec.22
O Antiphon Dec.23
Children’s Virtual Advent Calendar
Countdown to Christmas with faith-filled activities for children everyday
Adult’s Virtual Advent Calendar
Go “live” each day of Advent. Behind each door content will aim at assisting people to pray and reflect on how best to put Christ in the centre of our Christmas preparations during this special liturgical season
Come celebrate the Third week of Advent at our Sunday liturgy: Saturday 4:30pm and Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am. Through our liturgical readings and practices, we hope to clear away all that entangles us and open a space in our hearts, our homes, our relationships and our lives, for Love Incarnate to be born again!
How did you bring the First week of Advent alive in your home?
Post your pictures on Instagram at #stgiannawpgfaith
December 9, 2018
Second Sunday of Advent
Advent Wreath Prayer
(Light the second purple candle on your Advent wreath).
God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Click on any of the picture links below to watch short videos about our special Season of Advent:
Advent Playlist
Click here for a playlist of popular Advent songs.
Jesse Tree
It represents the family tree of Jesus. Each ornament represents a story from the Bible. Make your own Jesse Tree!
Waiting for Christmas
Father Mike Schmitz encourages you to prepare your soul for the arrival of Jesus.
Adult’s Virtual Advent Calendar
Go “live” each day of Advent. Behind each door content will aim at assisting people to pray and reflect on how best to put Christ in the centre of our Christmas preparations during this special liturgical season
St. Lucy – Dec. 13
Learn more about St. Lucy whose feast day is December 13.
More than a chocolate calendar
A great video for teens and young adults about Advent.
Pray the Hail Mary
Mary, the mother of Jesus is our model to live by as we await our Saviour during Advent. Check out this guided prayer of the Hail Mary for children.
Sunday’s Gospel Reading
The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Advent.
24 Christmas Stories for Little Ones
Count down to Christmas with these delightful stories for children.
Click here to learn where you can get this book
Advent of the Heart
Father Alfred Delp, a German Jesuit priest who was imprisoned in Nazi Germany, presents a spiritual message to guide you through Advent.
Click here to learn where you can get this book
Holy Goals for Body & Soul
Bishop Thomas Paprocki explores sports related topics to guide your child into a life of holiness.
Click here to learn where you can get this book
Come celebrate the Second week of Advent at our Sunday liturgy: Saturday 4:30pm and Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am. Through our liturgical readings and practices, we hope to clear away all that entangles us and open a space in our hearts, our homes, our relationships and our lives, for Love Incarnate to be born again!
How did you bring the First week of Advent alive in your home?
Post your pictures on Instagram at #stgiannawpgfaith
December 2, 2018
First Sunday of Advent
Advent Wreath Prayer
(Light the first purple candle on your Advent wreath).
All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Click on any of the picture links below to watch short videos about our special Season of Advent:
Advent in 2 Minutes
Everything you need to know about the hopeful anticipation of this special season… in just 2 minutes!
The Meaning of Advent for Kids
Children can learn more about Advent in this fun and colourful video
The Season of Advent for Adults
Deacon Keith Fournier helps you prepare for the coming of the Lord
Adult’s Virtual Advent Calendar
Go “live” each day of Advent. Behind each door content will aim at assisting people to pray and reflect on how best to put Christ in the centre of our Christmas preparations during this special liturgical season
St. Francis Xavier – Dec. 3
Learn a little more about St. Francis Xavier whose feast day is December 3
St. Ambrose – Dec. 7
Learn a little more about St. Ambrose whose feast day is December 7
3 Minute Daily Retreats
A short, daily retreat that provides you with an opportunity to spend some quiet time each day reflecting on a Scripture passage
Sunday’s Gospel Reading
The gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent
Christmas at Mole Run
Click here to learn where you can get this book
The Light of the World
Click here to learn where you can get this book
Destination: Bethlehem
Click here to learn where you can get this book
Come celebrate the First week of Advent at our Sunday liturgy: Saturday 4:30pm and Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am. Through our liturgical readings and practices, we hope to clear away all that entangles us and open a space in our hearts, our homes, our relationships and our lives, for Love Incarnate to be born again!
How did you bring the First week of Advent alive in your home?
Post your pictures on Instagram at #stgiannawpgfaith