To Share Faith is to Be Faithful

In this week's gospel, Jesus tells a parable that teaches us about sharing the gift of faith that has been given to us through our baptism. In our baptism, we are entrusted with the gift of faith -- the most wonderful treasure! Our faith is a wealth of goodness that brings us joy, confidence, peace and eternal life. We "invest" in the world around us; we don't "hide" our faith. In faith, we offer the love of God and the Good News of Jesus Christ to those we encounter every day.

Almighty God, you have given us the gift of faith. We are committed to sharing the joy of our faith with others. Amen.

This week I asked you to reflect on the following:

What gifts or talents has God given you? How do you use them? When God gives us these talents and blessings, what do you think he wants us to do with them?

This week's reflection stars are Karl and Zach. Great job! Their responses can be found below.

Karl:
God has given me the talent of music. My talent is really helpful to people that can't afford to buy a radio or television. This way they can have entertainment. It is also helpful at Christmas so families can enjoy Christmas songs like "Jingle Bells." This helps them have the holiday spirit. God has given me a glorious gift of playing the Clarinet.

Zach:
God has given me respect. I use it for being nice and generous. I think God wants me to use it by donating money, praying, and being very nice. God has also given me athletic ability. I use it to include everyone in sports or games. I think God wants me to use my talents to help others become more active.

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This week's group activity helped us identify and better understand the celebration of baptism. We saw real examples of the following:

1.) A Baptismal Candle: You, too, have a baptismal candle! The lit candle symbolizes that Christ has enlightened the newly baptized child. He or she is to be a child of light.

2.) White Garment: This is placed on the newly baptized child and symbolizes the child's new life in Christ.

3.) Baptismal Certificate: A printed certificate helps us remember our special day. It includes important information such as the day we were baptized, where we were baptized, names of our godparents, and so forth. It serves as a memory and reminds us how important this day was to us.

4.) Baptism Gown: During our baptism we wear formal white gowns or perhaps a white suit for a baby boy. White is significant as it represents purity, holiness, peace and innocence. Remember, when we are baptised we are being welcomed into the church and becoming a child of God.

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Kindly note we will not have class next week in observance of the holiday. Let us pray as we gather during this season of Thanksgiving to offer God our thanks.

God, our parent in heaven, we offer our thanks to you. We know that every day of the year is a day when we should remember that you have given us life and are the source of all good things. Give all of us and our families a wonderful holiday during which we will be safe and happy. We ask this is Jesus' name. Amen.

Homework:
1.) Visit this website with a family member!
2.) Our next test will be on Monday, December 8th.

Have a great week!

Many blessings,
Mrs. D.