What’s in this week

Catholic Heroes of the Faith The story of Saint Augustine offers several valuable lessons for children.   The Power of Transformation: Augustine led a wild and wayward life in his youth, but through reflection and the influence of his mother and friends, he transformed into a devout Christian and an influential theologian. The Importance of Education and Knowledge: Augustine was a highly educated man who valued knowledge. Before converting to Christianity, he studied various philosophies and religions, showing the importance of a thorough and thoughtful approach to understanding life. Perseverance and Patience: Augustine’s journey to faith was long and filled with struggles. His mother, Saint Monica, prayed for him for many years, demonstrating patience and unwavering hope. Listening to One’s Inner Voice: Augustine’s conversion was deeply personal and involved listening to his inner struggles and seeking a deeper understanding of his nature. The Role of Mentorship and Guidance: Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, greatly influenced Augustine, whose guidance helped him find his spiritual path. The Value of Confession and Forgiveness: Augustine’s famous work, “Confessions,” is an open admission of his past mistakes and a reflection on how he found forgiveness and peace. Faith and Reason Can Coexist:  Augustine is known for integrating faith with reason, showing that questioning and thinking deeply about one’s beliefs can strengthen faith. These lessons from Saint Augustine’s story helped our children to understand that personal growth, education, patience, and seeking guidance are all important parts of life.

May 19, 2024 – Theme: Patient This week we pondered deeper into the subject of patients and learned the story of Simeon and Anna from the Bible (Luke 2:25-38), our kids learned several valuable lessons about patience, 1. Waiting with expectation: Simeon and Anna waited years for the Messiah’s arrival, demonstrating patient expectation and trust in God’s promises. 2. Faithful persistence: Despite the long wait, they remained faithful and continued to serve God, showing kids the importance of persistence and dedication. 3. Joy in fulfillment: When Simeon and Anna finally saw the baby Jesus, they were overjoyed, teaching kids that patient waiting can lead to great joy and fulfillment. 4. Trust in God’s timing: The story highlights God’s perfect timing and encourages kids to trust in His plans, even when they seem slow or delayed. 5. Hope and endurance: Simeon and Anna’s patient wait inspires kids to hold onto hope and endure through difficult times, knowing that God is always at work. This passage helped our kids to develop a strong foundation in patience, faith, and trust in God’s goodness. See you all next week with interesting topics.

1 Samuel 1: 9 to 20 This week during our time at kid’s church, we explored the story of Hannah as depicted in 1 Samuel 1:9-20. Despite facing barrenness and ridicule from her husband’s other wife, Hannah demonstrated remarkable patience by turning to God. Through Hannah’s story, children gleaned five key lessons: never let problems distance us from God, trust in God without seeking alternative solutions, maintain unwavering character during tough times, believe in God and his messengers, and fulfill vows made to God. This engaging narrative helped our young ones grasp the importance of patience and wholehearted trust in God.