Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church

Beautiful Rocky Point, NY

Love one another as I have loved you.

Faith Sharing for Next Sunday

In preparation for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 21:

Reading I: Isaiah 43: 16–21

•God makes a new way for us.

Reading II: Philippians 3: 8–14

•Freedom is knowing Christ Jesus.

Gospel: John 8: 1–11

•Who is without sin and can throw the first stone.

Theme: Jesus' love and forgiveness offer true freedom.

Question for Adults:

Against whom do you hold prejudices? Who do you believe is a greater sinner than yourself?

Question for Children:

How does the Sacrament of Reconciliation help us experience God's forgiveness?

HOME ACTIVITIES

5th Sunday of Lent - Week of March 21, 2010

Choose one of the following activities as a way to further reflect on the Sunday readings:

•Gather family members in a circle. Talk about how your Lenten observances help you grow in friendship with Jesus. Serve pretzels as a reminder of the need for fasting and prayer during Lent.

•The message from this Sunday's Gospel is that Jesus doesn't condemn us; rather he wants us to receive his forgiveness and love. Reflect on your family relationships. Write a brief letter to a member of your family that you have not forgiven.

•Jesus wants us to live in the freedom of his love. As a family, plan to spend time with someone who is feeling trapped physically or emotionally. This could be a young mother who needs time alone away from the kids, a homebound elderly neighbor, or a classmate who is trapped by put-downs, prejudice or poverty.

•This week pray together the following Act of Contrition for your family evening or meal prayer: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.