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Reprinted from Every Sacred Family: A 52 Week Catholic Mass Discussion Guide
One of the greatest joys and tasks God gives us as parents is the opportunity to share the love of Christ with our kids. We are their parents, and they trust us above all other people. Who else in our lives will absorb our words and actions like they will?
One of the best opportunities we have for bringing our children to Jesus is through the Mass! And although many of us struggle with bringing our kids to Mass, it is always a place for you to belong, and it is always a place where your kids belong. With this in mind and guided by the Holy Spirit, we are so excited to share this new resource with you! Ablaze Families and Every Sacred Sunday have created Every Sacred Family: A 52 Week Catholic Mass Discussion Guide intentionally created to help you talk with your kids about faith, because conversation is foundation to catechesis!
Developed by Every Sacred Sunday, creators of the ESS Mass Journal, and Ablaze Families, a ministry dedicated to raising saints, this weekly discussion is designed to help you dive deeper into the Mass as a family, with a focus on fostering Christ-centered conversations. These questions highlight the weekly Gospel readings and were written by Jennifer Stavinoha, Co-Director of Ablaze Families, mom, and theologian.
Mass Readings
Reflecting on the readings before Mass primes our hearts to hear the Word proclaimed. If preparing for Mass is new for you, start by focusing on the Gospel reading! Each week we provide the link to the full readings on the USCCB website, but you can also find the readings in your bible.
Gospel Synopsis
If you didn’t have time or forgot what was in the pre-reading (we get it!) the synopsis is the perfect reminder to jog your memory. You can confidently dive into the discussion questions, for example in the car on the way to Mass!
Family Discussion
This is the meat of the weekly page! These questions were curated by a Catholic mom and theologian to spark conversation and authentic connection. Read on in the “Prepare” section for more tips on using these questions!
Memory Verse
Words we repeat influence who we are! Memorizing or repeating a bible verse throughout the week is a wonderful practice for both adults and kids. Put this page on your fridge for reference throughout the week, or discuss it as a family.
Before Mass: Prepare
Preparing for Mass as a family is the first step! You can start small, even just in the car on the way to Mass, trusting God can multiply any effort for His glory. Start small but make it a goal to read the Gospel together and use at least one question form the weekly discussion pages. Mass preparation can happen at any time during the week and in any place that works for your family! This may mean reading the Gospel at dinner together the night before Mass. Or maybe it looks like reading aloud in the car on the way to Mass. It could be something earlier in the week, scheduled for a specific day. When possible, it helps to connect Mass preparation with routines that are already established.
A Parents Prayer Before Mass
Lord, prepare my heart to receive you today.
Open my heart and ears to hear your word.
Send your Holy Spirit to give me patience
with my family, and show me how to lead
my kids closer to you through the Mass.
Amen.
During Mass: Engage
The most important hour of the week is Mass! Your Mass experience won’t look the same with kids as it was without – and that’s okay! Our kids learn what is important by watching what is important to us. Model engagement during Mass by singing, following along with the readings, and participating fully. Your child might need help engaging.
After Mass: Continue
Immediately after Mass is a wonderful opportunity to continue the conversation with your family! If you didn’t have time to use the discussion guide before Mass, the car ride home can be a great time to revisit this guide. If one question leads to another fruitful topic, go where the Holy Spirit leads you! It’s okay not to do every question in the guide – the point is to grow closer to God and one another!