Domestic Church

Below are ideas to help families stay focused on the season of Advent, a season of waiting and preparing for the birth of Christ. This year more than any year in recent memory challenges us to stay focused even with all of the distractions. I hope these help your family.

Advent ideas

1. The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. Please use the link below to access the family blessing prayer for advent wreath in your home.

2. Set up a special time at the beginning of each week to light the candles of the advent wreath and pray.

3. “Straw for Baby Jesus’ Crib”. Challenge the kids at the beginning of each day that they need to give a gift to Jesus to prepare for his birthday. Each time they do something nice for someone else, are obedient, help without being told, or any other kind act they write it down on a slip of paper and it is placed in a crib to make the soft bed of hay for baby Jesus.

4. Have Mary and Joseph from the Nativity set travel for 24 days around the house. On Christmas they end in the manger with Jesus. The kids enjoy seeing where they traveled during the night when they wake up in the morning. (A Catholic Advent take on the ‘Elf on the Shelf’ idea.)

5. Make a point to read the Bible each night or say a rosary or some other special prayer.

Blessing for the Advent Wreath

nativity trail- 10 minute daily reading of the psalms

catholic telegraph's ultimate guide to advent

Kids craft ideas

Visit the following links for fun, free, faithful craft activities

for families

For kids 5-12 years old

Advent/ Christmas

Advent Coloring page-Color 1 square for each day leading up to Christmas

Resources on formed

1. Pass it On: Video program for Parents – Teaches parents how to share and model the faith

2. Faith Formation Section: The Search (Teens & Adults on the Meaning of life)

3. Faith Movie Nights during Advent – Kids section has dozens of appropriate videos

4. Elements of the Catholic Mass – 31 clips (2-6 minutes long) to watch 1-2 each day of Advent to learn more about the Mass

formed

Community involvement

Sign up to deliver meals for the Troy Soup Kitchen as a family on Christmas. Have the kids ride along and help carry the food.
Have the kids help fill an area “Blessing Box” with food for the needy like the one outside RedBERRY restaurant and other locations in Troy.