For grown-ups
Each Sunday, a short reflection on the readings, three questions for the dinner table and one simple practice to try as a family.
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Each evening this week, ask everyone to share one way they loved God and one way they loved someone else that day, then end with a short prayer of thanks.
Solemnity of All Saints
Family practice: At dinner, each person names a saint (a patron, a favourite, or a grandparent in heaven) and one kind thing that saint might do. Then say a short prayer asking for their help.
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Before bed each night, light a small candle or torch, say one thing you did today to love someone, and pray together: “Jesus, help us be ready for you.”
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: At dinner, each person names one gift they see in someone else at the table. Then choose one small way to share a gift this week, such as a card, a song or a donation.
Christ the King
Family practice: This week, do one hidden act of kindness together as a family, such as baking for a neighbour or giving a toy to someone in need, and say a short prayer for that person at dinner.
1st Sunday of Advent
Family practice: Light the Advent wreath candle at dinner each night this week. Sit quietly for a moment, then each say one way you will get ready for Jesus, and pray together.
2nd Sunday of Advent
Family practice: Before bed each night, say sorry and “I forgive you” to one another as a family, then give each other a hug. Make it a gentle Advent habit.
3rd Sunday of Advent
Family practice: Light the pink candle at dinner and sing or say a thank-you together. Each person names one thing they are happy about, then share a smile or a hug.
4th Sunday of Advent
Family practice: Each evening this week, light one candle together at dinner. Take turns finishing the sentence “This week I said yes to…”, then pray together: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
The Holy Family
Family practice: At bedtime this week, each person says one thing they are thankful for about someone else in the family. End by saying sorry to anyone you upset that day, and give a hug.
The Epiphany of the Lord
Family practice: Put a star somewhere you will see it every day. Each night, ask “Who is far away that we can pray for?” and say a short prayer for them. Call or send a card to one of them.
The Baptism of the Lord
Family practice: Take out your child’s baptism candle, photos or certificate and tell the story of that day. Light the candle at dinner and say together: “We are God’s beloved children.”
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Before bed this week, sit quietly together for one minute and let each person say, “Here I am, Lord,” then name one person they would like to bring closer to Jesus.
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Before each meal this week, pause to pray together. Then each person names one way they will follow Jesus tomorrow, such as sharing a toy, helping at home, or saying sorry first.
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Before bedtime this week, turn off the screens and sit together for one quiet minute. Then each say, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening,” and share one thing you heard or noticed that day.
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Make a “care package” together this week, such as a drawing, a card or a snack, and take it or send it to someone who is sick, tired or lonely. Pray for them as you go.
1st Sunday of Lent
Family practice: Choose one small Lenten act together, such as a coin box for the poor. At bedtime, say sorry for the day and give each other a hug of forgiveness.
2nd Sunday of Lent
Family practice: Have a ten-minute listening time each day: phones away, and each person shares something from their day while everyone else listens without interrupting. Close by saying, “Thank you, Jesus, for listening to us.”
3rd Sunday of Lent
Family practice: Choose a screen-free half hour this week. Use it to tidy a shelf or toy box together, and then say a short prayer: “Jesus, make room in our hearts for you.”
4th Sunday of Lent
Family practice: Do one secret act of kindness each day this week, such as a drawing, a made bed or a kind note. Notice it at dinner and thank God for his love.
5th Sunday of Lent
Family practice: Plant a few seeds (beans or cress on damp tissue work well) and check on them together each day this week. Each evening, name one small thing someone in the family gave or shared.
Palm Sunday
Family practice: Keep your palm branch where everyone can see it. At bedtime this week, each person says one thing they are thankful to Jesus for, and the family finishes together with “Hosanna!”
Easter Sunday
Family practice: At dinner, light a candle and say “Alleluia, Jesus is alive!” together. Then each person shares one happy surprise from their day. Keep it going through the Easter season.
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Before bed this week, look at each child and say, “You are made in God’s image, and you belong to Him.” Then let everyone name one thing they will give God tomorrow.
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Family practice: Start a family thank-you jar: each day this week, everyone writes or draws one thing they are grateful for and pops it in, then read them together on Sunday.