Family Rosary Curriculum

Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:1-8

Virtue/Fruit: Desire for Holiness

“For he alone is the way that is worth following, the light that is worth lighting, the life that is worth living, and the love that is worth loving.” ~ St. Teresa of Calcutta

Theme: True Happiness - Living Moral Lives

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren):

Jesus went up the mountain with his closest followers. What they saw amazed them. The Scriptures tell us Jesus’ face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. What they were seeing was Jesus in all his glory. They were seeing Jesus as he really is. They were seeing him perfect. 

There were two men there talking with Jesus. They were Moses and Elijah, two of the most well-known characters in the Old Testament of the Bible. The disciples of Jesus saw them talking even though Moses and Elijah lived a long time ago. The disciple Peter was so amazed by what he had seen, he didn’t want to leave. He told Jesus he would build tents for all of them so that they could stay there. Peter was seeing Jesus in perfect holiness. Peter desired to be holy too. He desired it so much he wanted to stay as long as he could. 

In the midst of all of this, God the Father spoke to them from heaven. He told them “this is my beloved Son... listen to him”. At first, the disciples were afraid, but soon after, Jesus comforted them and told them to not be afraid. They heard God’s voice coming from heaven, and they saw the face of Jesus. The disciples continued to follow Jesus and listen to him. Because they followed him and listened they found true happiness. We can also be truly happy if we seek to be holy; following and listening to Jesus. 

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)
           1. What do you think it means to be holy?
           2. Why does God the Father want us to listen to Jesus?
     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)
           1. What is one thing you can do to become more holy?
           2. In what ways has Jesus led you to happiness?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray one decade of the Rosary reflecting on the mystery of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:14-15

Virtue: Repentance & Trust in God

“Turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.” Isaiah 55:7 

Theme: “Sacrament” & Reconciliation

“The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel”, we hear Jesus say as he begins his public ministry. This is an incredible and new thing! In Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God is here, now! (And fully experienced in heaven.) How do we live our lives here and now in the kingdom of God? Jesus gives us a plan and tools to accomplish the plan. He tells us to “repent and believe in the gospel”. To repent we must first notice and admit that we have sinned. There are times in our lives when we do not love God, our neighbor, or ourselves as God loves us. We then ask for forgiveness, trust in God’s mercy and grace, and commit to living our lives in union with His great love. The Sacrament of Reconciliation helps us with this. 

Jesus gave us the gift of the sacraments and a family we call the Church, to help us “repent and believe in the gospel”. The sacraments are amazing gifts that allow us to experience God’s love in ways that we can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste! In the sacraments, we are able to receive God’s very life into us and be changed to be more like Jesus Christ! This is not a one-time thing. Repentance and conversion are something we are called to experience over and over again. 

Jesus asks us to “repent and believe in the gospel”. The word gospel means “good news”. Remember a few weeks ago we talked about the angel telling the shepherds, “Do not be afraid...I proclaim to you good news of great joy...for all the people” (Luke 2:10). So after we repent we are called to believe and live the Good News of great joy and courageously share it with all people, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. Parents please share what it’s like to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation (even if you don’t remember all the steps or parts).

          2. What are some creative ways we can remind ourselves each day that, because of our baptism, God is living and loving, in and through us? 

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. Why is it important to repent in order to fully believe and live the Good News?

          2. How do we show God’s mercy to one another? Is there someone God is calling you to forgive? 

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be & O My Jesus Prayer. Also one day this week pray one Decade of the Rosary reflecting on this Mystery of Light: The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God. 

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: John 2:1-11

Virtue: To Jesus through Mary

“By means of the Mother of Mercy one reaches Mercy itself.” 
~ St.Odo of Canterbury 

Theme: Have Life More Abundantly

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

In this mystery of the Rosary (and story in Scripture) we hear about the first miracle of Jesus. This miracle happened as a response to a need as well as a request made by his mother Mary. At first, Jesus seems hesitant, telling his mother that his “hour has not yet come”. Mary responds to this by telling the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. Then Jesus decides to perform an amazing miracle! 

In this story, we see two very important things. First, the power of asking those close to Jesus to pray with us and for us. For some reason, God doesn’t want us to live this life on our own. He doesn’t want us to live our faith lives alone either. There have been so many miracles connected to people on earth asking people in heaven (the saints) to pray for us. This is especially true with the Mother of Jesus. As we see in this story, Mary does not force Jesus to do anything. She makes the need known and lets Jesus decide what He wants to do. And the loving request of His mother touches the mind and heart of Jesus.

The second important thing is that we can see how Jesus pours out His superabundant grace upon us. In this story, the families throwing the party were about to be terribly embarrassed because they ran out of wine. However, Jesus didn’t just provide “enough” wine, or a “good enough” wine. He provided an abundance (way more than enough) of a really good wine. God does this for us today as well. God’s grace allows us to participate in the very life of God! As Jesus said in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly”. This is the beautiful and powerful call of being a Christian. Let’s keep asking our Blessed Mother to help us live more abundantly in Jesus!

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. Why does God encourage us to ask the saints to pray for us? 

          2. Share a few little (or big) ways that God provides what we need. 

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. Why does God desire Church? (Why do we need faith communities?) 

          2. What is one change we can make in our family to live more abundantly in Jesus?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Glory Be & O My Jesus Prayer. Also one day this week pray one Decade of the Rosary reflecting on this Mystery of Light: The Wedding at Cana. 

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Mt 3:13-16

Virtue: Openness to the Holy Spirit

“God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.”
~ Romans 5:5 

Theme: Living as the Beloved

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

Today we hear about Jesus getting baptized. This may seem a little odd to us, as it did to John the Baptist. Jesus is free from sin, why would he need to be baptized? Jesus chose to be baptized to become the model for us. When we are baptized, we are baptized INTO the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and this changes everything! 

When Jesus comes up from the water, all three persons of the Trinity make themselves known. The voice of the Father is heard and the Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove, revealing the truth that Jesus is the Son of God. This moment becomes our model for baptism, confirmation, and the Christian life. We too receive the Holy Spirit when we are baptized and when we are confirmed he is stirred up and made even more powerful within us! 

Because we have become the brothers and sisters of Jesus, the words of God the Father spoken to Jesus are also spoken to us. God says to us, “This is my BELOVED [child] with whom I am well PLEASED.” God is pleased with us! We are his beloved! So many people in our world forget this. Each day we should take a moment to receive God’s love. Then respond to that love by loving God and ourselves as God loves us. And as we spend time living in this love we have received, let’s try to truly become that love for the world! 

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. Why is it important that we see ourselves as beloved children of God? 

          2. What one thing can you do tomorrow to live more fully as the beloved? 

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. How can knowing that we are the beloved children of God protect us from fear and anger? 

          2. What does it mean to become the love that we have received?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Hail Mary. Also one day this week pray one Decade of the Rosary reflecting on this Mystery of Light: The Baptism of Our Lord in the Jordan River.

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52

Virtue/Fruit: Piety

By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God.
Begin all your prayers in the presence of God. ~ St. Francis De Sales

Theme: Listening to the Word of God

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren):

In Jesus’ time, it was the custom for each Jewish family to come to the Temple in Jerusalem and offer sacrifice to God. When Jesus was 12 years old, he and his parents Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem from Nazareth. After celebrating the Passover, Mary and Joseph were on their way back to Nazareth, traveling with a large group of people. Jesus was not with the group, when Mary and Joseph realized he wasn’t there they went back to Jerusalem to find him. They found him in the Temple asking questions and talking with the teachers. 

When they found Jesus, Mary asked him where he had been. He answered by saying, “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?”. Jesus is telling Mary and Joseph that the most important thing in this world is to be with God. God is so great, he is the one that created everything, whenever we have the chance we should be spending time with him. We should always put God first in our lives. God deserves a very special kind of respect. We call that respect “piety”. 

When we go to Mass, we stop before going into the pew and genuflect. Genuflecting is when we stop and touch our knee to the ground, and make the sign of the cross. Just like people bow to a king or queen, to show respect. When we genuflect we are showing piety, respect for God, the King of kings. Another form of piety is to be quiet when we are in the Church. When we are in Church we are in God’s house, and we always want to be respectful in God’s house.

Jesus was only 12 when he stayed behind in the Temple to spend time with God the Father, to pray, and to learn. Even as children we can grow closer to God and learn by spending time with him.

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

   Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

     1. What are some ways, in our family, we show respect for God?

     2. What is your favorite part of going to Church?

   Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

     1. Do we give enough time to God each day/week?

     2. What is your favorite way to pray?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Our Father. Also one day this week pray one Decade of the Rosary reflecting on the mystery of the Finding of Our Lord in the Temple.

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:22-38

Virtue: Obedience

“It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey.”
-St. Ignatius of Loyola

Theme: Why we need the Church

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

It was the custom in Jesus’ time for parents to bring their children to the temple and present them to God. In this “presentation”, they were making a commitment to raise their children to know, love and serve God. Today, parents bring their children to the Church to be baptized. As baptized children of God we are also called to know, love, and serve God. The Church instructed Joseph and Mary to do this, just like the Church today instructs parents to bring their children to be baptized. 

Also in this Gospel reading, we hear about two people who loved God very much. The first was Simeon. Simeon was an old man who had been told by the Holy Spirit that before he died he would see Jesus. The second person is Anna. Anna loved the Church very much and prayed always. Because they were both holy and committed to God, they recognized who Jesus really was, even though most people could not.   

Our goal on earth is to love and serve God with our whole heart so that someday we can live forever with Him in heaven. Joseph and Mary followed the customs of the Church. The Church is here to support and guide us as we come to know and live in God’s love. Simeon and Anna were both very obedient to God. Because they were obedient, they were some of the first people to get to see Jesus and know he was the Savior of the World. Being obedient to God does not make us unhappy. Being obedient to God brings us great joy, the kind of joy Simeon had when he met Jesus!

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. When is it hard to obey your parents? Why does God ask us to obey our parents?

          2. How is the Church similar to our family?

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. What does it mean to be obedient to God?

          2. How can we be more like Simeon and Anna?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Glory be. Also, one day this week, as a family, pray together 1 decade of the Rosary while meditating on this fourth Joyful Mystery - “The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple”. Focusing on the image below can be helpful during this prayer.
(1 Decade = 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be & the Fatima (O My Jesus) Prayer - Click Here for help). 

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

Print-Ready Copy

Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-21

Virtue: Detachment

“I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” ~ St. Paul (Phil 4:12-13) 

Theme: You Can Trust God

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

“The third Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary is the birth of our Lord Jesus. As we pray this decade of the rosary we imagine what it must have been like when Jesus was born. When we say “decade of the Rosary” we mean, set of 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be, and 1 O My Jesus prayer. As our mouths are praying these words over and over, our minds are freed up to think about the mystery. 

Joseph and Mary had to leave their home. The government was telling them they had to travel a long way to Bethlehem and at one of the worst times! Mary was very far along in her pregnancy and she had to travel rough, dangerous roads and not in a comfortable car or train! Joseph and Mary were poor travelers. They did not have much to protect or comfort them from the heat and cold of the desert. And when they arrived where they were told to go, there was nowhere to sleep! Finally, someone let them stay in a stable with the animals. Jesus was born safely and there was much rejoicing! 

An angel even told nearby shepherds about this amazing event and told them the words we all need to hear and remember: “Do not be afraid...I proclaim to you good news of great joy…”. Our God always loves and cares for us. Sometimes when we have more than we need, we forget about God. Sometimes when we don’t have enough, we don’t trust God. He blesses us with what we need, even if it is not everything we want. We can do all things through Him who strengthens us! And this truly is Good News of Great Joy!”

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. Share 10 things you want to thank God for, even the ones that seem little or silly. 

          2. When is it hard for you to trust God? What will help you remember to trust Him next time?

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. Share a time when you were afraid. Can you see how God was present in that situation? 

          2. Try to think of how you might share with a friend that Jesus truly is “Good News of Great Joy”.

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray 1 Our Father. Also, please make time this week, as a family, to pray together 1 decade of the Rosary while meditating on this third Joyful Mystery - “The Birth of our Lord”. Focusing on the image below can be helpful during this prayer.
(1 Decade = 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be & the Fatima (O My Jesus) Prayer - Click Here for help). 

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

Print-Ready Copy

Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:39-56

Virtue/Fruit: Joy

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” 
~ Mary (Luke 1:46-47)

Theme: Glory in the Lord’s Presence

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren):

In this Gospel reading both Mary and Elizabeth are pregnant. Mary is carrying Jesus in her womb, and Elizabeth is carrying John the Baptist.

Shortly after Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel, who told her she would carry Jesus in her womb and give birth to him, she left to go visit her cousin Elizabeth. When Mary greets Elizabeth two great things happen. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy and Elizabeth says “Most Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”; words we remember and pray in the Hail Mary.  

Mary also experiences a wonderful joy. The only thing Mary wants to do is give glory to God. Right after Elizabeth greets her, Mary offers a beautiful prayer of praise to God. Mary’s prayer is called the Magnificat and is a prayer we still use today. Just like Jesus taught us the Our Father, Mary teaches us the Magnificat.

Mary, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist in his mother’s womb all found great joy and gave glory to God in this Gospel story. Even though Jesus had not been born yet, they all knew he was present. God wants us to recognize him everywhere in our lives as well, even when he is not easy to see. When we recognize God in our lives we find joy and happiness, and when we find that joy and happiness we should always thank God for it and give him Glory.   

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Younger Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. Where do you see God in your life?

          2. What would you like to thank God for today?

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. Where would you like to see God in your life (where is it sometimes hard to see him)?

          2. God deserves all our glory. Do we sometimes give glory to things that are not from God?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray a Hail Mary and the Magnificat. If you would like, also talk about what you think Mary is saying in the Magnificat.  

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The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him 
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, 
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, 
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, 
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel 
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers, 
to Abraham and his children for ever.

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Virtue: Humility

“Humility means seeing ourselves as God sees us: knowing every good we have
comes from Him as pure gift.” ~ St. Thomas Aquinas 

Theme: Love of God and Free Will

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

The First Joyful Mystery is the Annunciation of the Lord to Mary.  In this mystery, the Angel Gabriel comes to Mary and announces to her that she has been specially chosen by God.  God chose her from the very beginning to be special, to bring his Son, Jesus into the world.  Mary responded to God by saying yes.

In this mystery, we learn that God speaks to us, and that God has a plan for us. Just like God chose Mary, and had a special plan for her, God also has plans for each and every one of us. We are special to God, and God has very special plans for every one of us.  Some of us he has asked to be moms or dads, and others he has called to be priests, or religious sisters (nuns) and religious brothers (monks).  Most importantly God calls all of us to follow him, to be his children, and to trust him.

Mary trusted in God completely, and because she did, Jesus came into the world through her. We can choose to listen to God, and follow his plan.  Just like Mary, when we say yes to God great things can happen. Mary is the perfect example of the virtue of Humility. 

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. How can we be like Mary and trust God?

          2. In what ways do you think God has made you special?

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. Is there anything you feel like God has asked you to do?

          2. Why do you think the Mystery of the Annunciation is a part of the Joyful Mysteries?

Prayer: Please pray one Hail Mary as a Family each day this week. Also, please make time this week, as a family, to pray together 1 decade of the Rosary while meditating on this first Joyful Mystery - “The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary”. (1 Decade = 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Mary’s, 1 Glory Be & the Fatima (Oh My Jesus) Prayer - Click Here for help). Focusing on the image below can be helpful during this prayer.

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

Print-Ready Copy

Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:18-24

Virtue: Openness to Being Guided by Holy People in Your Life

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” ~ Proverbs 19:20

Theme: Contrition (Being truly sorry for our sins and trying to not sin again)

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

“In today’s Scripture reading we hear about a son who disrespected his father in a most serious way. He told his father that, in essence, he wished he were dead. Then he selfishly spent all the money his father gave him trying to please himself. When he was very poor and had no other options he came back to his father feeling very sorry for what he had done. ‘While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.’

This is how God, our Father in Heaven, looks at us and treats us - even when we have sinned in very serious ways. Our Heavenly Father is always seeking us. He always loves us! He longs to be united with us. The word ‘compassion' comes from a word meaning 'suffers with'. When we make bad choices that hurt ourselves and others (sins) God weeps with us. He 'suffers with' us in our suffering. He wants us to always live in Love, Peace and Joy. That is why he gave us Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church so that we will know how to live in ways that will be truly best for us and for all people. 

When we sin we are called to be 'reconciled' - brought back together - with God, our community and our true selves. The 'act of contrition' is our way of telling God that we are truly sorry for disrespecting his love for us by committing sins. And with the help of God’s power living inside of us (grace) we will try our very hardest to not sin again. Living in God’s love is the best way to have a life full of joy!”

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. Who in your life seems to truly know how much God loves them and loves God in return? 

          2. How do they live out that love in their daily lives?

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. What experiences in your life have made it hard to remember God’s great love for you?

          2. What could we do as a family to make it easier to live in God’s love (make good choices)?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray an Act of Contrition (see below, or use another). 

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O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

OR

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: John 17:22-23

Virtue: Seeking Unity

“...One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.” ~ Ephesians 4:5-6 

Theme: The Unity of Church

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

“Our Church is made up of many people, with many different opinions and ways of thinking about things. It’s been this way since the beginning. As you can see from these two scripture quotes, it is very important to Jesus that we try our hardest to be united. Although we are many parts, we are called to be one body. Like the Trinity, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are distinct, yet one. 

After Jesus went to heaven He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us as a Church. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles, and the Bishops who came after them, help keep us together. They help us to understand when a teaching goes against what Jesus taught. The Apostles’ Creed was created to clarify, and help us remember, the truth of who God is and who we are in Him. 

The word Creed comes from the Latin word Credo, which means, I Believe. When we pray the Apostles’ Creed, we are proclaiming what we believe as individuals, and as a Church. As we pray these truths we are united to millions of Catholics around the world. In order to stay united, we must continue to seek Truth in Love. As you pray the Apostles’ Creed each day this week, try to listen carefully and notice what we believe about God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and how we are to live as Christians.”

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. What does the Apostles’ Creed teach us about Jesus Christ?

          2. Why is it important for a team to have the same goal and follow the same rules to the game? 

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. Why is it important that we understand (as best we can) what we say we believe? 

          2. What parts of the Apostles’ Creed are confusing to you? 

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Apostles’ Creed (see below). 

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

Additional Resources: https://watch.formed.org/videos/the-creed 

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting.

Amen.

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 117: 1-2 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/117)

Virtue: Awe and Reverence

“The highest form of prayer is to stand silently in awe before God” ~ St. Isaac the Syrian 

Theme: Eyes on Heaven

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

When we pray the words “Glory be” we are only saying two words.  Those two words are short and simple, but they have an amazing amount of meaning. When we say “Glory be”, we are saying how great God is.  God deserves all the glory we can give and more.  All good things come from God, and he has given them to us.  For that he deserves all of our reverence and praise. 

We give glory to our one God who is three persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  All good things come from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The greatness of God causes us to be in awe of him.  

We conclude the prayer by saying “as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.” God is the one that created everything in the beginning.  He blesses each and every day of our lives, and he will continue to be great for eternity.  Our goal as children of God is to get to Heaven, where we will praise God with the Angels and give him endless glory. Heaven is God’s world that does not end.  God is so incredible, when we think about all the great things he has done, and will do for us, we can only be amazed by him, and give him thanks. 

After the “Glory Be” we pray what is called the Fatima Prayer. God created, so that we could one day join him in Heaven.  To join God in heaven we must first be free from all sin.  In the Fatima Prayer we ask God the Son, Jesus Christ, for his mercy and forgiveness.  With God’s great mercy, we can be forgiven our Sins, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession).  We should always keep our eyes on Heaven, and God will lead us there to his world, without end. 

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. What do you think is the greatest thing God created?

          2. What does it mean to give God glory?

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. What great gift(s) has God given you?

          2. Why do you think God wants us to join him in Heaven?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Glory Be & Fatima Prayer. 

     Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;

     as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

     O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. 

     Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

Additional Resources:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/glory-be-doxology

https://watch.formed.org/walking-with-jesus-the-rosary-prayers-in-song

Printable Copy

Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a few minutes together as a couple, or by yourself, to read and reflect on the “Scripture Reading” and “Discussion Questions”. Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). Then, as a family, discuss a few of the questions. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well. It’s ok to not know everything about our faith. Your parish leadership is happy to help you find answers. 

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:28 & Luke 1:41-42

Virtue/Fruit: Faithful Family

“What a joy to remember that she is our mother!
Since she loves us and knows our weakness, what have we to fear?”
~ St. Therese of Lisieux 

Theme: Mary: Mother of Jesus - Mother of God - Mother of Us All.

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

“Hopefully you recognize the Bible verses we just read. Together they make up the first part of the Hail Mary. Let’s take a deeper look at what a gift this ancient prayer is to us.

'Hail [Mary], full of grace, the Lord is with you.' As we pray the words the Angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, it reminds us that Mary of Nazareth was chosen and blessed by God in a very special way. To prepare Mary to be the mother of Jesus, God gave her a precious gift - the gift of His grace; His very self.

'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! [Jesus].' As we pray the words of Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, we remember how her son, John the Baptist, jumped in Elizabeth’s womb when she heard the voice of Mary. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. By the power of the same Holy Spirit, our hearts leap within us when we pray.   

'Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen.' Mary is the mother of Jesus. Jesus is fully human and fully God. That is why we call Mary the Mother of God. Jesus gives us Mary to be our mother as well. In her love for us, she is willing to pray for us, for the rest of our lives.”  

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. How do moms show their love for their children?

          2. How does our Blessed Mother Mary love us as her children?  

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. Why do we ask Mary and the other Saints in heaven to pray for/with us to God? 

          2. What would you like to ask Mary to pray for?

Prayer: Please pray the Hail Mary, at least once each day this week, as a family. 

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

Additional Resources:

https://watch.formed.org/videos/mary-the-saints-our-spiritual-mother-the-communion-of-saints 

https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p4s1c2a2.htm#2676 

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Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a moment by yourself, or together as a couple, to read the scripture listed below. Take a few minutes to reflect on the passage, and read through the discussion questions.
    Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). When you have finished reading through the lesson, discuss a couple of the questions below. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-15

Virtue: Trust

“Lay all your cares about the future trustingly in God’s hands, and let yourself be guided by the Lord just like a little child.” ~ Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Theme: Calling out to God, and trusting in his love for us.

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

The Our Father, also called the Lord’s Prayer, is the prayer Jesus himself teaches the people to pray.  Because Jesus taught it to us it should be considered one of the most important and powerful prayers we have. It is a short and very powerful prayer.  When we pray the Our Father, we trust in God’s plan and love for us.

When a small child needs their mom or dad they will often call out to them, babies cry loudly to be heard when they are not old enough to speak.  When we say, “Our Father who art in heaven” we are calling out to God our Father in the same way, trusting that he will hear us.

When we say, “Thy Will be done” we are asking God to help us follow him.  He has a plan for us and for our families.  We trust that God’s plan is the best and we want to follow it.

God loves us more than we could possibly know, and when we trust in him he gives us everything we need.  That is what we ask - “Give us this day our daily bread”.  We know he will take care of us.

Sins are the things that God does not want us to do, so in the Our Father we ask God to “Forgive us our trespasses”. Then we promise to be loving and kind, like him, when we say “as we forgive those who trespass against us”. 

To finish the prayer we put all of our trust in God the Father to protect us and keep us close to him as we pray “Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil”.  God is great, when we love him completely there is no temptation we can’t overcome, and no matter what happens in life he will always be there to save us.   

Discussion Questions (to help start the family conversation):

     Young Child(ren) (& 1st Reconciliation/1st Communion Students)

          1. What do you think is the most important part of this prayer? 

          2. How can you trust in God more?

     Older Child(ren) (& Confirmation Students)

          1. We pray that God’s Will be done.  What do you think God wants for you?

          2. How can we be more forgiving like God?

Prayer: Each day this week, as a family, please pray the Our Father. Encourage your children and spouse to pray slowly and intentionally, and to think about what they are saying. Let them know they can trust that our loving God will hear them.

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

https://watch.formed.org/the-lord-s-prayer-praying-as-christ-taught-us

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p4s2.htm

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“The cycles of meditation proposed by the Holy Rosary…bring to mind what is essential and they awaken in the soul a thirst for a knowledge of Christ continually nourished by the pure source of the Gospel”  
~ Pope St. John Paul II.

Parents - Instructions: Before beginning this lesson, please take a moment by yourself, or together as a couple, to read the scripture listed below. Take a few minutes to reflect on the passage, and read through the discussion questions.
    Next, read the Scripture passage and the lesson to/with your child(ren). When you have finished reading through the lesson, discuss a couple of the questions below. Parents, please be sure to share your answers, thoughts, and questions with your child(ren) as well.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:19-20

Virtue: Prayer. 

“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of
recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” ~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Theme: The Holy Trinity 

Parents - Read to/with Child(ren): 

     “As Catholics, we make the Sign of the Cross often. Sometimes we might even forget what it means. The sign of the cross is actually a prayer. This prayer reminds us that we belong to a God who loves us very much. Our God is a Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 3 in 1.” 

     “When we pray, ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’, we enter into a loving family - the never-ending love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our Church community is also our loving family. In the scripture we just read, Jesus tells us to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When we were baptized, we became part of the family of God. Together we became sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We are brothers and sisters of the Son (Jesus). We have the life of the Holy Spirit within us!”

     “The Sign of the Cross is one of our easiest and most powerful prayers. Every time we PRAY it and trace the shape of the cross of Jesus on ourselves, let us remember how we, as a family of God, are being drawn into God’s all-powerful, life-changing love - from now to eternity.”  

Discussion Questions: (To help start the family conversation)

     Young Child(ren) Questions - (& 1st Reconciliation - 1st Communion Students)

          1. What are some prayers you know of - even if you do not have them memorized? 
          2. When you pray the sign of the cross from now on, what are you going to try to think about?

     Older Child(ren) Questions - (& Confirmation Students)

          1. What do you think about the above quote from St. Thérèse of Lisieux?
                   How is this similar or different from the way you normally think about prayer?
          2. What is your favorite way to pray? Would you like to learn about different styles of prayer? 

Prayer: Each day this week, please intentionally & slowly pray together the Sign of the Cross.

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

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Dear Parents,

We are excited that you have chosen to use the Family Rosary Curriculum in your home.  The following information is a brief overview of the program and some instructions for its use each week.  The Family Rosary Curriculum is a great way for families to grow together in their faith, especially for those who have children preparing to receive Sacraments this coming year.  The goal of the program is to increase family prayer and to have family members share their faith with one another.  

“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.” This quote by St. Francis De Sales (the patron saint of the Diocese of Baker) highlights the importance of and power of the Holy Rosary.  With this in mind we have created a simple and profound program for families to use in their homes, centered on the Rosary.  Each week for 26 weeks families will be given insights into one of the specific prayers of the Rosary, or one of the Mysteries.  Through praying the Rosary and reflecting on its mysteries we find in it the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  These mysteries will then help us to understand a different aspect of our faith and help prepare some children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, 1st Holy Communion, and Confirmation.  It is our hope and prayer that all families will be brought closer to Him, through his Mother, and through this beautiful prayer that is such a rich tradition in the Holy Catholic Church.

Important Notes:

THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY- We are instructed to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary.  While we pray each decade it is important to draw our mind and heart deeper into each mystery while we pray.  It takes practice to remain focused on the mystery while reciting the Hail Mary.  Don’t get discouraged, when you or your children become distracted, give a simple reminder to turn back to the mystery.  If it helps, several written meditations are available online.

PRAY TOGETHER- Pray and share as a family each week. You are also encouraged to pray each day.  Be intentional about praying at meals together, and before bed or in the morning.  Pray together the prayer for the week, or a decade of the Rosary.  If you choose, increase your family prayer time as you become more comfortable. At sometime during this year, your family may even want to start praying the whole Rosary as a family once, three times, or even every night of the week.

GOOD RESOURCES- For more information on the Rosary go to these websites.

https://dynamiccatholic.com/rosary/how-to-pray-the-rosary

https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary

https://www.rosarycenter.org/homepage-2/rosary/how-to-pray-the-rosary/

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon

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Family Rosary Curriculum (FRC)
Evangelizing Catechesis - Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation

Overview

“The cycles of meditation proposed by the Holy Rosary…bring to mind what is essential and they awaken in the soul a thirst for a knowledge of Christ continually nourished by the pure source of the Gospel”  
~ Pope St. John Paul II.

Description: In-home faith formation led by parents for young people preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Using the rosary as a guide, parents and children will come to better understand many of the traditional prayers of the Catholic faith, and through discussion and prayer, as a family will enter deeper into the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Property of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker Oregon 

Print-Ready Copy of the Overview for the Year

En Español - Haga Clic Aquí: 
https://dioceseofbaker.org/plan-de-estudios-del-rosario-familiar