Dear Parents and Guardians of our Parish's Middle and High School Teens,
Hello! This is the seventh edition of our "Online Parent Ministry!" This will be the last issue of the year. The next issue will be on January 9th after we return from the Christmas break. I hope and pray that the OPM is useful for you! I encourage you to try one of the "Family Experiences!"
The OPM Emails include a theme, links to articles, conversation starters, videos, and much more to help you know more about your teen's world.
One permanent feature of our Online Parent Ministry is the "Family Experiences." Click on the link below and then click on whatever grade your teen is in this school year. You will find a few downloads including a page called "the Development Guide" that details all the physical, spiritual, and social changes your teen will experience at that particular age. It's full of good information! The other pages will help you plan that year's "Family Experience."
I hope the Online Parent Ministry blesses you and your family!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Do you feel like your teens have lost the true meaning of Christmas? Are they more focused on gifts, parties, and other activities and fail to celebrate the birth of Jesus? actually, that's not just a problem for teens, right? It's easy for any of us to lose focus on the true "reason for the season."
At Christmas, we remember and celebrate the greatest gift of all - the birth of Jesus, our Savior. So how can we teach our teens to be more focused on that gift than the gifts under the tree? Here are a few suggestions...
First, as parents, take a look at yourself and ask “What are my actions showing my children?” Are you consumed with the latest gadgets and accumulating more stuff? If so, you are teaching your teen what to place their focus on too. Practice what you preach! Perhaps it is time to rein in on how much you are spending on your children this Christmas and not overspend. Easier said than done, right?
Most of our teens in our parish have no idea how fortunate they are because luckily, they have never known hunger or not receiving gifts at Christmas. Teaching teens the difference between a need and a want is a big job.While the fundamental difference between a want and a need is an easy enough concept to grasp, if your teen sees their friends with the newest iPhone or wearing a designer hoodie, they may tell you they “need” one too.
Teens tend to live in a bubble - it may be hard for them to imagine that not everyone is as fortunate. One way to help your teen learn the difference between what they want and what they need is to encourage them to volunteer and give back to others. There are so many great service opportunities in our parish and community.
Second, take the time to foster positive memories this Christmas that don’t involve consumer products. Bake Christmas cookies together, drive/walk around your neighborhood and look at lights and decorations, or watch Christmas movies as a family. Do not reward them with money or treats all the time, but with praise and the gift of your time. Doing these things will create memories that they will remember long after that toy is long gone and help set characteristics in them to carry into adulthood.
Third, celebrate the season of Advent and Christmas - not just the day! Look below for some great ideas on how you can fully enter into the great season of Advent! And please remember, Christmas is a season - not just a day! (The Twelve Days of Christmas is not just a song, ya know!)
Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year. So that means you and your family go to Mass twice that weekend! Here is the schedule -
4th Sunday of Advent
Saturday, December 23
5:00 PM
Sunday, December 24
7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM - There is no 5:00 pm Mass. Sunday evening now becomes Christmas Eve.
Nativity of the Lord
Nativity of the Lord
Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM
Monday, December 25 - Christmas Day
10:00 AM
Have a blessed week! I hope you find this week's OPM helpful for you and your teens!
Click HERE to learn all about Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colors, Symbolism, Themes, and even the family prayers each week around the Advent Wreath!
Our parish has been given a generous gift of free access to the Hallow app. Click HERE to learn all about it!
Sunday Alive! is another resource that will help you and your family be more present and prepared to receive the message of the Mass! Read the readings before you come to Church, and take a look at the rest of the "Sunday Alive!" handout. It also contains the Saint of the Week, discussion questions for the family on the message of this Sunday's Gospel, and much more! Enjoy!
Parents - check out Jackie and Bobby Angel talk about the season of Christmas!
Please reach out if you ever have any questions, personal needs, or even suggestions for our Online Parent Ministry! I will send our usual weekly email on Thursday, Have a great week!
