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Our Goals
Our goals will have staggered start times over the first 6 months
1 Creating a Global Spirit of Welcome
2 Providing Resources for Engagement During Mass
3 Grow Roles for Children and Training for these Roles
4 Encourage Parents as the Primary Catechists with Resources and Direct Supportive Communities
Each goal encompasses several subsets that directly address each of the 5 areas of the grant, as well as, intentional, informed, proactive, and inclusive intergenerational worship.
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How to Help
Introduce yourself to the households you sit by at Mass.
Volunteer at the Mass you attend to distribute resources, Sign Up Here.
Assemble monthly liturgical living resources into baskets, Sign Up Here.
Become a Family Room Ambassador to help keep the space welcoming the next family, Sign Up Here.
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- What is the Children's Participation Program
- Get Involved
- Saintly Scribbles Blog
- The Crosswalk Newsletter
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What is the Children's Participation Program?
Exciting News! Our parish has been chosen along with 12 other parishes to partner
with the Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass initiative of Saint
Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
The Children’s Revival is a transformative initiative funded by Lilly Foundation, Inc.
The partnership is set to enhance and increase children’s involvement in regular
Sunday Masses. Throughout the summer and fall, the Children’s Revival core team
will establish goals and objectives for implementing the initiative. The team will
develop a plan to emphasize the importance of children’s active participation in
worship in five specific areas. At the beginning of Advent 2024, we will implement
our parish plan to increase children’s participation at Sunday Mass.
If you feel called to this ministry, we encourage you to attend our Children’s Revival
meetings. Watch the bulletin for regular announcements informing parents,
grandparents, catechists, parishioners, and volunteers about the project’s goals and
strategies.
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Core Team
A Core Team of interested parishioners are currently developing plans to present to St. Meinrad for funding in August. If you would like to be a part of the conversation please reach out to Claire Phillips.
Volunteer to Distribute Take Home Resources at the Mass you Attend
The next date is March 16th.
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Saintly Scribbles is the official blog of the Children's Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass initiative of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. Stay tuned for articles about what the 13 partner parishes are doing!
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Bridging Generations: the Rosary's Timeless BondThe rosary is more than just a series of prayers; it’s a journey through the lives of Jesus and Mary, reflecting on their joys, sorrows, and triumphs. Imagine the rosary as a crosswalk that guides our children safely through the busy streets of life. Each bead represents a step, helping them navigate their faith journey with confidence and security.
Praying the rosary reminds us of God’s presence in our lives and His unwavering love for us. It offers a chance to meditate on significant events in salvation history, providing hope and inspiration. In a world that often feels uncertain, the rosary is a beacon of hope, grounding us in our faith and reminding us of God’s promises.
As children learn to pray the rosary, they will discover a source of comfort and strength that will support them throughout their lives. We invite you to check out our blog, Saintly Scribbles, for more ideas and examples on how to encourage praying the rosary with children. Let’s journey together in faith, trusting in God’s love and finding hope in His eternal promises.
In our family, the rosary has always been more than just a series of prayers; it’s a cherished tradition that connects us across generations. One of the most beautiful examples of this connection is the bond between my mother and my daughter, Katie, when she was nine years old.
My mother, a devout Catholic, had always found solace and strength in praying the rosary. She often shared stories of how the rosary helped her through difficult times, providing a sense of peace and hope. When Katie was nine, she became curious about why this special prayer meant so much to her grandmother.
One evening, Katie asked if she could join my mother in praying the rosary. My mother was overjoyed and eagerly welcomed her into this sacred practice. They sat together, side by side, with the rosary beads gently slipping through their fingers as they prayed. It was a sight that filled my heart with warmth and gratitude.
As they prayed, my mother explained the significance of each mystery, sharing stories from the Bible and her own life experiences. Katie listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder and curiosity. Through these shared moments, Katie not only learned about her faith but also about her grandmother’s strength and resilience.
Praying the rosary together became a weekly ritual for them. It was a time of connection and reflection, where they could share their hopes, fears, and dreams. My mother would often tell Katie about the power of prayer and how it had guided her through life’s challenges. Katie, in turn, would share her own thoughts and prayers, finding comfort in the knowledge that she was not alone.
This intergenerational bond strengthened their relationship in ways I could never have imagined. The rosary became a bridge that connected them, allowing them to share their faith and love for each other. It was a beautiful reminder of the rosary’s timeless nature and its ability to bring people together, regardless of age.
Watching my mother and Katie pray the rosary together was a profound experience for me. It reminded me of the importance of passing our faith and traditions down to the next generation. It also showed me the power of the rosary to create meaningful connections and provide comfort and strength in our lives.
I hope this story inspires you to share the rosary with your own family, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. The rosary is not just a prayer; it’s a journey of faith, love, and connection that can bring generations together beautifully and meaningfully.
For more reflections and information on how to share the rosary with children, check out the Children’s Revival blog Saintly Scribbles.
Kelly Gallagher
Director of Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday MassDuring the winter months, many children may experience sadness or lethargy, often called the “winter blues.” In these times, prayer can be a powerful source of comfort and strength. As Catholics, we believe that praying to God can help lift our spirits and provide a sense of peace and hope. Encouraging children to pray daily, whether through simple prayers of gratitude or asking for God’s guidance, can help them feel connected to His love and presence.
Prayer can also be a communal activity, bringing families together to support one another. By praying as a family, we can teach our children the importance of faith and reliance on God, especially during challenging times.
Intergenerational prayer holds a special place in the life of a faith community, offering profound benefits for both the young and the old. When different generations come together in prayer, it creates a powerful sense of unity and continuity, bridging the gap between ages and fostering a deeper understanding of faith.
Participating in intergenerational prayer can be particularly impactful for children. It allows them to witness the faith and devotion of their elders, providing them with role models to emulate. This shared experience helps to instill a sense of belonging and reinforces the importance of prayer in their daily lives. Seeing their parents, grandparents, and other family members pray can inspire children to develop their own prayer habits and deepen their relationship with God.
In essence, intergenerational prayer enriches the faith community by combining the energy and enthusiasm of youth with the wisdom and experience of elders. It creates a nurturing environment where faith can flourish and where children can grow in their understanding and love of God. Through this shared practice, we can build a stronger, more connected community that supports and uplifts each member, regardless of age.
Let us remind our children that they are never alone and that through prayer, they can find solace and joy, even in the darkest of winter days. May the light of Christ shine brightly in their hearts, guiding them through every season.
Kelly GallagherDirector of Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass
A Prayer for Taking Children to Holy Mass
We thank You for the gift of our children and the joy they bring into our lives. As we prepare to attend Holy Mass, we ask for Your blessings upon them. Open their hearts and minds to Your love and teachings. Lord, please keep our children close to You as they pray, listen, and participate in the Holy Mass. May they feel Your presence and grow in faith each day. Guide us as parents to lead by example and nurture their spiritual journey. We entrust our family to Your care and protection.
Amen
Prayer written by Kelly Gallagher
Director of Children’s Revival of Participation at Sunday Mass
