Feast of the Holy Family

Respect for elders

Reading I: Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14 (duties toward parents)
Reading II: Colossians 3:12–21 (the practice of virtues)
Gospel: Luke 2:41–52 (the finding in the temple)

Key Passage: Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. (Luke 2:51a)

Adult: What does your family do to honor and respect its older members?
Child: Why did Jesus leave the temple? How can Jesus be an example for you?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Christmas Day

Reading I Isaiah 52:7–10 (the one who brings glad tidings)
Reading II Hebrews 1:1–6 (God speaks through his Son)
Gospel John 1:1–18 (in the beginning was the Word)

Key Passage: John 1:10–11 (“His own did not accept him”)

Adult: If Jesus were to be born today, do you think you would accept him and follow him? Why or why not?
Child: What could you and your family do for others during the next week to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C

Obedience to God’s will

Reading I: Micah 5:1–4a (restoration through the Messiah)
Reading II: Hebrews 10:5–10 (the second covenant)
Gospel: Luke 1:39–45 (the visit to Elizabeth)

Key Passage: Elizabeth said, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)

Adult: When was it hardest for you to trust in God’s plan for you, as Mary did? What can help you at such times?
Child: When is it hardest for you to obey a parent or teacher? What can help you obey with more trust?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Third Sunday of Advent, Year C

The joy of kindness

Reading I: Zephaniah 3:14–18a (promise of a Savior)
Reading II: Philippians 4:4–7 (joy and peace)
Gospel: Luke 3:10–18 (John calls the people to justice)

Key Passage: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your gentleness be known to everyone. (Philippians 4:4–5)

Adult: To whom have your past acts of kindness brought joy? What act of kindness could you do this week?
Child: What kind thing have you done for someone lately? Whom could you make happy by your kindness this week?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Pope's December Intentions

Universal: Experiencing God’s mercy, that all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving.

Evangelization: Families, that families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C

Prayer of repentance

Reading I: Baruch 5:1–9 (Jerusalem consoled)
Reading II: Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11 (gratitude and hope)
Gospel: Luke 3:1–6 (John the Baptist)

Key Passage: John went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 3:3)

Adult: In what areas of your life do you need God’s forgiveness right now? What Advent practice would assist you in expressing your repentance?
Child: What do you want to ask God to forgive you for? What can you do during Advent to show you are sorry?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)