Church of the Home for Saturday, July 26
- Resurrection
- Jul 26
- 2 min read
Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Mary and grandparents of Jesus, hold a special place in the hearts of our Churches of the Home. Though not mentioned in the Bible, their legacy is honored through tradition and devotion, especially on their feast day, July 26 - TODAY!
They exemplify the virtues of faith, perseverance, and love, having raised Mary to be a woman of deep holiness. Their lives remind us of the importance of family roots and the spiritual heritage passed down through generations.
This weekend is also the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis to recognize the vital role older generations play in the life of the Church and society. It’s a beautiful opportunity for families to celebrate grandparents—both living and deceased—through prayer, storytelling, and acts of love. Attending Mass together, offering prayers of thanksgiving, or lighting a candle in memory of a grandparent are all meaningful ways to mark the occasion.
Churches of the Home can plan simple, joyful activities to honor grandparents: sharing a meal, creating a family photo album, or recording stories from their lives. Children might write letters or draw pictures expressing their love and gratitude.
Celebrating Saints Joachim and Anne alongside the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly reminds us that every generation is a gift, and that faith is most powerfully passed on through love, presence, and shared tradition.
Activities for Churches of the Home:
Faith-Based Activities
Attend Mass Together: Celebrate the feast day with a special Mass and offer intentions for grandparents.
Pray as a Family: Use specific grandparent prayers or pray the Rosary together.
Share Faith Stories: Invite grandparents to share how they practiced their faith growing up or stories of spiritual milestones.
Memory-Making Activities
Create a Family Tree: Work together to build a visual family tree, including photos and stories.
Scrapbooking or Photo Albums: Gather old photos and make a scrapbook with captions and memories.
Record Oral Histories: Use a phone or recorder to capture grandparents telling stories from their lives.
Fun and Creative Activities
Cook a Favorite Family Recipe: Let grandparents teach a traditional dish and cook together.
Crafts with Kids: Make cards, bookmarks, or simple crafts themed around Saints Joachim and Anne.
Garden or Walk Together: Spend time outdoors, enjoying nature and conversation.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
How persistent are you? Our world needs light, goodness, and peace through persistent efforts. From the story of Abraham negotiating with God to save Sodom and Gomorrah to Jesus's teaching of importance of persistence in prayer as taught by Jesus, scripture calls us to never give up on bringing forth positivity. Can we all embrace persistence in our lives to build the Kingdom of God? Join Tony Pichler as he reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
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