Church of the Home for Saturday, August 20

Back to School Season

As August begins to wind down, the return of school days comes into focus for many of us. Even for those who are not going back to school or sending children into the classroom, the mentality of these days is deeply ingrained in our society. We look at this time as a last hurrah of summer and begin preparing for the routine that autumn brings.

As a parish family, we pray for all returning to school and those beginning a new chapter in their education. Many of our Churches of the Home are experiencing change this time of year. Some are sending their children to school or college for the first time. While some are returning to their school year schedule. Resurrection lifts all in prayer during this 'back-to-school' season.

Resurrection also encourages all Churches of the Home to continue beginning the first school and the first educators of today's children. Whether it is your own children, your grandchildren, neighbor kids, or the children within our parish family, you are a vital part of the growth and education of the future. Let us all be teachers, especially in our faith.

Back to School Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of children in my life. Please watch over them as they begin a new school year. Bless their teachers, school administrators, bus drivers, school support staff, friends and classmates.

Keep them safe every day. I pray they may feel Your presence and know that You are always with them. Help them recall my loving words of support for them. Give them wisdom to make good choices, and an openness to learn new things. Fill them with knowledge and positive thinking. Help them overcome obstacles and shield them from negativity.

Surround them with good friends. Help them treat each other with kindness, fairness, and respect. May they treat each person they encounter as another child of God. Grant them the Grace to place their trust in You so they may know Your peace. Amen

15 Questions to Replace ‘How Was School Today?

Talking to kids after school is a time-honored tradition for many Churches of the Home. These questions will help you draw out important information from the kids in your life from author Elena Aguilar. With slight wording modifications, these questions can work with children of all ages.

Tell me about a moment today when you felt excited about what you were learning.
Tell me about a moment in class when you felt confused.
Think about what you learned and did in school today. What’s something you’d like to know more about? What’s a question you have that came from your learning today?
Were there any moments today when you felt worried? When you felt scared?
Were there any times today when you felt disrespected by anyone? Tell me about those moments.
Were there times today when you felt that one of your classmates demonstrated care for you?
Were there any moments today when you felt proud of yourself?
Tell me about a conversation you had with a classmate or friend that you enjoyed.
What was challenging about your day?
What do you appreciate about your day?
What did you learn about yourself today?
Is there anything that you’d like to talk about that I might be able to help you figure out?
Is there anything you’re worried about?
What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
Is there a question you wish I’d ask you about your day?

Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.

READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES

Sunday Readings

Scripture Reflection by Roger Vanden Busch

Sunday Connection from Loyola Press

VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION

Significant changes in our lives can shape us into something other than who we were created to be. When we become bent out of shape physically, mentally, or spiritually, acting like Christ may become more difficult. But Jesus' healing power can put us back into shape if we are open and willing. Join Rev Bridget as she reflects on the scripture readings for this Sunday.