Sunday Mass Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8
Before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God sent prophets like Isaiah and John the Baptist to prepare people for his arrival. How we prepare our hearts for Jesus matters! As we walk through Advent, can you think of ways we can get ready for Jesus? Maybe it’s by collecting canned goods for a local food pantry, visiting someone who is sick, or sharing kind words with your sister or brother. We become messengers of God’s peace when we love others, and we prepare the way for Jesus!
In Eddy and Alma’s story, rain floods their home because the roof leaks. This makes it hard to have peace! After you light the Peace Candle on your wreath, remember to pray for kids in Guatemala who are still waiting for a safe place to call home!
Around the world, many families live in unsafe homes with leaky roofs and dirt floors. Learn how storms affect families in villages like Eddy and Alma’s with this “rain in a cup” STEAM activity.
Donate to Bless the Poor Around the World!
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Nicholas on Dec. 6. Click here to learn all about this early Christian bishop known for giving gifts in secret.
In our story, we learn about Eddy and Alma’s house and the troubles they face.
1.Think about your home. How is it different from Eddy and Alma’s house? Get a piece of paper and draw a picture of a safe new home for Eddy and Alma’s family. You can use crayons, markers or colored pencils to add details.
2. Why is your home important to you?
3. What does your home have that would bring peace to the lives of less fortunate children?
Lord, Make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is darkness, let me bring light. Help me share your goodness with others.
Amen.
Adapted from the “Prayer of Saint Francis.”
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Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.