Welcome to the Guiding Star, a monthly newsletter sharing tips and activities to help build and strengthen your Domestic Church. What is your Domestic Church? “The family, is so to speak, the domestic church.” (Lumen Gentium #11) Visit the USCCB website on the Domestic Church for more practical ways to demonstrate and encourage a rich life of faith at home.
In July, we honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus because it is the "price of our redemption," shed to cleanse humanity from sin, seal the new covenant, and guarantee eternal life. This devotion centers on the immense sacrifice of Jesus’ Passion, recognizing His blood as a source of salvation, divine protection, and sanctifying grace.
From Scripture: (1 Peter 1:18-19)
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
July 12th is St. Zelie and Louis Martin’s feast day. In honor of St. Zelie, who was a lace maker, try making these lace cookies:
Did you know that the pelican is a symbol of Christ? According to medieval legend, a mother pelican, in a time of famine, will pierce her own breast with her beak to feed her dying chicks with her blood, reviving them. This action is seen as an allegory for Jesus sacrificing his life on the cross and feeding followers with his body and blood in the Eucharist. Here is a fun pelican craft for younger children:
If you have an animal lover in your family, check out this live webcam of the pelican sanctuary:
Family Activity
Jesus shed his blood to redeem us from sin. As a family go to confession. Here is a video to help kids better understand the sacrament of confession:
Make time this week to pray a patriotic Rosary as a family.