Reflecting on Faith at the End of the Year

I've found many templates for kids to look back and reflect on this year, but none from a faith perspective.  I want to give my children a chance to look back on their relationships with God, so I've made my own template, and you are welcome to use it with your own family and parish!  I've explained what I had in mind next to each entry below (except for the first 4, they're pretty self-explanatory,) but feel free to use it in a way that works for you.  The square to the right, which is only on the linked page, is for a photo.  You can get to the link for the printable sheet here.

Growing in Faith- 2014  

Name:                                                             

Age:

Favorite Hymn:

Favorite Prayer:

Favorite Bible/Faith Story:  Any favorite story of faith throughout the year.  It could be a true story, something that happened in your family, or something you heard about.  It could also be a story from a book or the Bible.

Religious Milestones:  Any first sacraments received, either by you or another family member.  It could also include a realization about your faith or relationship with God.

Favorite Church Memory:  A memory of a fun time with your church/parish!

A Time When God was There:  A period or event during the year when God was helping you.  Keep in mind, the help might not have been in the way you thought it would come or necessarily wanted, but God was still working in your life nonetheless.

My Goal for Growing in Faith in 2015:  What are your goals for strengthening your faith and your relationship with God in 2015?  For some great ideas, check out this post by Lacy over at Catholic Icing!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Santa looks an awful lot like Saint Nicholas doesn't he?  Some people forget that 'Santa Claus' (Saint Nicholas) was first a bishop!

Today is the feast of St. Nicholas!  Nicholas was a wealthy young man who became the bishop of Myra, in modern day Turkey.  He gave what he had to the poor, and had a special care for the welfare of children. He is the patron saint of children and a model and reminder for us to be generous and giving, just as God is generous in giving us His only Son.

How can you be generous and giving this season?

Slow and Steady!

How did the tortoise not get frustrated in his race with the hare?  He had PATIENCE!  He joyfully kept moving forward, even though it was slow and steady, and he reached his goal.  That is how it is with Advent. We keep joyfully moving forward, patiently, calmly waiting for and working towards Jesus!  How are you patiently waiting for Jesus, and working to welcome him into your heart?