Announcing the Good News
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A Note from our DRE
Dear Parents,
During this difficult time, I understand that you are under a lot of pressure to help your children keep up academically. Because I do not want you to feel any added pressure as if our faith is just one more burden, I have opted not to require families to do make up work for the weeks when we miss class. I feel strongly that you are already teaching your children about grace and virtue by your example at this time in the Domestic Church, your home. Rather than expect students to memorize the Theological Virtues or Fruits of the Holy Spirit I hope that they will get to witness them in you and get to practice them as a family. I have been sending out Flocknotes the content of which is being posted on this page with ideas of ways that you may bring the faith into your homes. I’ve also added links to additional resources at the bottom of the page. They are only ideas. I urge you to use what fits best into the rhythm of your family’s life. Who knows at the end of this you may find that you have discovered some new traditions that nurture your family’s faith and have grown closer to Christ.
If you have any questions of concerns please feel free to reach out to me through my email: Religioused @annunciationgardner.org .
May you and your loved ones be safe & healthy,
Peace,
Mrs. Marua Sweeney
"Do not fear what may happen tomorrow: The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and will every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings." ~ St. Francis de Sales
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES FOR ALL GRADES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED AS A PERCAUTION DURING THIS COVID-19 OUTBREAK.
MAKE UP SESSIONS FOR SACRAMENTAL PREP WILL BE RESCHEDULED ONCE IT IS DEEMED SAFE TO GATHER.
In the meantime below are some resources that have been being sent home to families via flocknote. -
Bringing Faith Home 3.20.20It is a long standing tradition in the church to pray the Stations of the Cross during Lent particularly on Fridays. Even though we are not able to attend Mass our church doors are open and you and your family are welcome to come in to pray the stations of the cross. You may also consider praying them from home using these resources.
This video reflection on the Stations from Loyola Press are appropriate for school age children. (They are also available in spanish at LoyolaPress.org)
These are a great teen friendly Virtual Stations of the Cross by Busted Halo
You migh also consider doing a family project and downloading these coloring sheets which have the stations. If everyone in you family colors a few over the next few weeks you will have an entire set ready to reflect on for Good Friday.
The Stations of the Cross help us to remember that Christ's cross led to Resurrection and the promise of hope and new life. It is the foundation for our hope in difficult times. -
Bringing Faith Home 3.18.20I will be mailing or e-mailing resources to you 2 or 3 times a week throughout the rest of Lent and into Easter. These will include practical ideas for staying connected to Mass and the liturgical season. They are not meant to be an added burden but rather things that you can add to the ordinary rhythm of life at this extraordinary time. They will include ideas for prayer, table discussions, suggestions for movies or videos to watch, or crafts you can do together. To get you started consider using this coloring sheet by Bro. Mickey McGrath. Perhaps you could read the story of Jesus Calming the Sea found here Mark 4:35-41 and discuss as a family how things seem stormy right now but that can trust Jesus to always be with us, while coloring the sheet. (I've asked the folks who handle our parish Facebook page Annunciation Parish Gardner Massachusetts to consider posting a social media challenge of this picture so you can share your completed artwork with the rest of our parish).Please know that your families are in the prayers of our entire staff during this challenging time.Peace,Maura Sweeney.