Holiness at Home - Sacred steps

No images? Click here   Holiness at Home     Sacred Steps Sacred Steps is a resource that gives parents suggestions on raising faith-filled children, specifically targeting developmental stages of growth. These practical ideas will help children of the Alpha generation learn the language of faith and ritualize what they believe at a moment in their lives when these processes are naturally being formed. Here are four suggestions in teaching your child from birth to 6 months old about your Catholic faith: If you haven’t already, attend a pre-Baptism class and discuss your responsibilities as your child’s first teachers with your priest and/or deacon.   Make sure you discuss your expectations with the child’s Godparents. What role do you want them to play in the spiritual development of your child?   Spend time in prayer, giving thanks to God for the gift of your child and asking for the strength for the journey ahead.   Grow in your own faith. Attend Mass together as a family. As you plan your child’s Baptism, invite others to celebrate this milestone with you. If possible, have your son or daughter baptized within the context of Mass so the entire community can be a part of your child’s special day. For the next four suggestions, see Formation under Birth To 6 Months at Sacred Steps on First Witnesses. CHECK OUT THE RESOURCES     LIVING YOUR FAITH AT HOME The Little Watchman’s Light In a small hilltop village, everyone was busy getting ready for the King’s visit. The King had promised he would come one day to bless their town, but no one knew exactly when. Each night, a group of watchmen took turns keeping lanterns lit on the village walls. Their job was to stay awake and look for the King’s arrival. Among them was the youngest watchman, a boy named Sean. He wasn’t very big or strong, but he had a bright heart and took his job seriously. “I’ll stay awake,” he told himself each night. “When the King comes, I’ll be ready!” CONTINUE READING DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Catholic Brain Here's a collection of resources designed for children to learn about Catechism, Bible knowledge, and the Saints.   CHECK IT OUT     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Start With Sunday Prepare your Children for Sunday Mass each week with readings, animated videos, and fun activities delivered to your inbox.   CHECK IT OUT               Sign up today for Holiness at Home SUBSCRIBE     Diocese of Bridgeport 100 Beard Sawmill Road, Suite 650 Shelton, CT 06484 You are receiving this email because you signed up for The Institute for Catholic Formation mailing list.  Preferences  |  Unsubscribe

Holiness at Home - God and Art

No images? Click here   Holiness at Home     God and Art Art and Decorations for Advent and Christmas Artistic decorations capture the spirit and significance of the seasons and help believers enter the mystery of the Incarnation. The Advent wreath consists of four candles marking the weeks of preparation for Jesus’ birth and second coming. The Nativity scene represents the humble and miraculous birth of Jesus. A Christmas tree is adorned with lights and ornaments, and a star or angel at the top represents the Star of Bethlehem or the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth. (See Christian 3D Paper Crafts at the bottom of the First Witnesses' God and Art page.) CHECK OUT THE RESOURCES LEARN CHRISTIAN PAPER CRAFTS     LIVING YOUR FAITH AT HOME The Search for Love (A continuation of last week’s story, Jonah and the Wind’s Message) As winter grew near, the wind grew quieter. Jonah still listened every morning, but the whispers were not as loud as before. He began to wonder if he had heard the wind correctly. Had he made a mistake? Was someone truly coming? One day, Jonah felt unsure. A little cloud of worry hung over his heart. So, he decided to ask for help. He went to visit his two good friends, Mira and Dan. They were good listeners, and Jonah trusted them. CONTINUE READING DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day - December 12, 2025 Celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with your kids The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) recalls the appearance in 1531 of the Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego, a native who had recently converted to Catholicism, at a place called Tepeyac in what is now Mexico City.   READ THE STORY WATCH THE VIDEO     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Start With Sunday Prepare your Children for Sunday Mass each week with readings, animated videos, and fun activities delivered to your inbox.   CHECK IT OUT               Sign up today for Holiness at Home SUBSCRIBE     Diocese of Bridgeport 100 Beard Sawmill Road, Suite 650 Shelton, CT 06484 You are receiving this email because you signed up for The Institute for Catholic Formation mailing list.  Preferences  |  Unsubscribe

holiness at home - music and faith

No images? Click here   Holiness at Home     Music and Faith Holiday Music Experience the Seasons of Advent and Lent in a whole new way by hearing the sounds of worship during these holy times of preparation. During the height of Christmas, hear how Christmas carols (vs. trendy Christmas songs) can promote the true meaning of the holiday for your family. CHECK OUT THE RESOURCES ADVENT SONGS & HYMNS     LIVING YOUR FAITH AT HOME Joseph’s Dream of Peace In the small town of Nazareth lived a quiet, hardworking man named Joseph. His hands were strong from shaping wood, and his heart was steady and kind. He was engaged to Mary, a gentle woman who loved God with all her heart. Joseph was excited to build a home for them, but then something happened that he didn’t understand. Mary told Joseph she was going to have a baby—a very special baby given by the Holy Spirit. Joseph cared deeply for Mary, but he struggled to understand what it meant for him not to be the father. He did not want Mary to be hurt or embarrassed, so he thought the kindest thing would be to quietly end the engagement. His heart felt heavy as he fell asleep that night. CONTINUE READING DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Blessing the Family Christmas Tree Before Christianity came to be, trees that remained green all year round warded off evil spirits and were special to people during the winter. It wasn’t until the sixteenth century in Germany that trees were brought inside and decorated. When does the Christmas tree go up in your home or parish? Continue the tradition by gathering together and blessing this special symbol.   READ THE ARTICLE     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Start With Sunday Prepare your Children for Sunday Mass each week with readings, animated videos, and fun activities delivered to your inbox.   CHECK IT OUT               Sign up today for Holiness at Home SUBSCRIBE     Diocese of Bridgeport 100 Beard Sawmill Road, Suite 650 Shelton, CT 06484 You are receiving this email because you signed up for The Institute for Catholic Formation mailing list.  Preferences  |  Unsubscribe

holiness at home - ​Literature and Young People

No images? Click here   Holiness at Home     Literature and Young People Holiday and Seasonal Books Utilize books that explain and celebrate Christian holidays and seasons, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These can help children understand the Christian calendar and see God’s presence in the cycle of the year. CHECK OUT THE RESOURCES CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS BOOKS ON AMAZON     LIVING YOUR FAITH AT HOME A Journey of Love and Protection When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were filled with joy. They cared for Him tenderly, wrapping Him in soft cloths and keeping Him warm. They knew He was God’s Son, and they felt honored to be His family on earth. For a short time, everything was peaceful. But one night, Joseph had another powerful dream. An angel appeared, just as before, and spoke urgently: “Rise, Joseph. Take the child and His mother and flee to Egypt. King Herod is searching for the child to harm Him.” CONTINUE READING DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Christmas Season Coloring Download Advent and Christmas themed coloring sheets to enjoy with the family.   DOWNLOAD THE PAGES     YOU MAY ALSO LIKE   Start With Sunday Prepare your Children for Sunday Mass each week with readings, animated videos, and fun activities delivered to your inbox.   CHECK IT OUT               Sign up today for Holiness at Home SUBSCRIBE     Diocese of Bridgeport 100 Beard Sawmill Road, Suite 650 Shelton, CT 06484 You are receiving this email because you signed up for The Institute for Catholic Formation mailing list.  Preferences  |  Unsubscribe