Mass Family Resources
Here are some online family resources for Sunday December 6th Mass readings:
December 6th Readings - Click Here
Catholic Kids Media on YouTube has videos on the upcoming Mass readings and other Catholic videos:
December Craft Ideas from Catholic Icing.com - https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-saints-feasts-days-to-celebrate-during-advent-with-catholic-kids/
Here are some online family resources for December 8th Mass readings:
December 8th Readings - Click Here
Kids Bulletin - December 8th - Immaculate Conception
December Craft Ideas from Catholic Icing.com - https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-saints-feasts-days-to-celebrate-during-advent-with-catholic-kids/
Here are some online family resources for Sunday December 13th Mass readings:
December 13th Readings - Click Here
Catholic Kids Media on YouTube has videos on the upcoming Mass readings and other Catholic videos:
December Craft Ideas from Catholic Icing.com - https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-saints-feasts-days-to-celebrate-during-advent-with-catholic-kids/
Here are some online family resources for Sunday December 20th Mass readings:
December 20th Readings - Click Here
Catholic Kids Media on YouTube has videos on the upcoming Mass readings and other Catholic videos: *Video normally comes out the Thursday right before the Sunday
December Craft Ideas from Catholic Icing.com - https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-saints-feasts-days-to-celebrate-during-advent-with-catholic-kids/
Here are some online family resources for Sunday December 25th Mass readings:
December 25th Readings - Click Here
Catholic Kids Media on YouTube has videos on the upcoming Mass readings and other Catholic videos:
December Craft Ideas from Catholic Icing.com - https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-saints-feasts-days-to-celebrate-during-advent-with-catholic-kids/
Here are some online family resources for Sunday December 27th Mass readings:
December 27th Readings - Click Here
December Craft Ideas from Catholic Icing.com - https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-saints-feasts-days-to-celebrate-during-advent-with-catholic-kids/
Family Connection Ideas
Christian Songs
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Traditional Choir
Joy by King & Country
Your Love Defends Me - Matt Maher
Hello My Name Is - Matthew West
Catholic Learning Resources
Podcasts
More 2 Life is a radio program that brings the Theology of the Body teachings of John Paul II into the practical, everyday experience of life. Dr. Greg and Lisa will help you solve your problems with relevant, relatable and achievable tools and solutions straight from the genius of the Theology of the Body.
More 2 Life Podcast
- More2Life - 4/19/24 - Exasperation Detonation April 19, 2024Is someone (or something) making you ready to explode? Let us help defuse the situation, reclaim your calm and find grace-filled solutions. . Dr. Greg and Lisa will help you solve your problems with relevant, relatable and achievable tools and solutions straight from the genius of the Theology of the Body. It is the life […]Greg & Lisa Popcak - Hosts
- More2Life - 4/18/24 - Love Lost April 18, 2024Are you having a hard time loving someone—or feeling loved by them? Are you dealing with someone who’s difficult to love? Let us help!Dr. Greg and Lisa will help you solve your problems with relevant, relatable and achievable tools and solutions straight from the genius of the Theology of the Body. It is the life […]Greg & Lisa Popcak - Hosts
- More2Life - 4/17/24 - Lord, Give Me Patience! April 17, 2024Is someone– or something–in your life trying your patience or getting on your last nerve? Not sure how to respond? We’re here to help! Dr. Greg and Lisa will help you solve your problems with relevant, relatable and achievable tools and solutions straight from the genius of the Theology of the Body. It is the […]Greg & Lisa Popcak - Hosts
- More2Life - 04/16/24 - Home Improvement Project April 16, 2024What needs fixing up in your family relationships? Whatever the project, we’ll help you draw up the plans and make sure you have all the tools you need. Dr. Greg and Lisa will help you solve your problems with relevant, relatable and achievable tools and solutions straight from the genius of the Theology of the […]Greg & Lisa Popcak - Hosts
The Catholic Sprouts Podcast is a daily podcast for Catholic kids. The short episodes are designed to plant one seed of faith each day. Topics covered include Catholic Feast Days, Morality, Catholic Theology, the saints and the sacraments.
Catholic Sprouts Podcast
- CS 1547: Saturdays with Sir Roland April 20, 2024Training Guild link: https://www.extraordinarymission.com/dragonslayers contact email: john@extraordinarymission.comNancy Bandzuch
- CS 1546: The Eucharist with Sr. Alicia: Friday April 19, 2024This week on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast we are joined by guest host Sr. Alicia Torres. Sr. Alicia Torres is the nun from the Westside of Chicago who won CHOPPED a few years ago! Far more important than that, she is playing a major role in this summer's Eucharistic Revival. This week on the podcast […]Nancy Bandzuch
- CS 1545: The Eucharist with Sr. Alicia: Thursday April 18, 2024This week on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast we are joined by guest host Sr. Alicia Torres. Sr. Alicia Torres is the nun from the Westside of Chicago who won CHOPPED a few years ago! Far more important than that, she is playing a major role in this summer's Eucharistic Revival. This week on the podcast […]Nancy Bandzuch
- CS 1544: The Eucharist with Sr. Alicia: Wednesday April 17, 2024This week on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast we are joined by guest host Sr. Alicia Torres. Sr. Alicia Torres is the nun from the Westside of Chicago who won CHOPPED a few years ago! Far more important than that, she is playing a major role in this summer's Eucharistic Revival. This week on the podcast […]Nancy Bandzuch
- CS 1543: The Eucharist with Sr. Alicia: Tuesday April 16, 2024This week on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast we are joined by guest host Sr. Alicia Torres. Sr. Alicia Torres is the nun from the Westside of Chicago who won CHOPPED a few years ago! Far more important than that, she is playing a major role in this summer's Eucharistic Revival. This week on the podcast […]Nancy Bandzuch
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
CLICK HERE to view the Fr. Mike Schmitz podcast episodes on the Ascension Presents website.
Ask Fr. Josh is the podcast where I hear you out and do my best to help you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy “fill-in-the blank” answer. On this show, we’ll listen to one another, problem solve together, and ultimately entrust everything to our Lord.
CLICK HERE to view the Ask Fr. Josh podcast episodes on the Ascension Presents website.
Catholic Answers Life podcast is a radio show where people call in with questions about Catholicism and morality. The radio show hosts answer those questions.
Catholic Answers Live
- #11640 Ask Me Anything - Jimmy Akin April 20, 2024 Catholic Answers
- #11639 Ask Me Anything - Jimmy Akin April 19, 2024 Catholic Answers
- #11638 Ask Me Anything: Catholicism - Jimmy Akin April 19, 2024Questions Covered: 03:06 – How do you rebut James Sterba’s new logical argument from evil? 07:49 – Do you have any resources I could use when returning to the Catholic faith? I feel like I have a heart of stone? 14:19 – How would we prove apostolic succession? 21:22 – What is a good approach […]Catholic Answers
- #11637 Remedies Against Sadness of the Soul - Joe Wurtz April 18, 2024Questions Covered: 24:44 – I’m a doctor and want to give some insight as well. 32:12 – Could you explain more what you mean by sadness if the soul? 47:30 – Could you offer more resources? …Catholic Answers
- #11636 Flannel Panel - Christopher Check April 18, 2024Topics Covered: 3:00 – Mar Mari Emmanuel attacked 19:30 – Dignitas Infinita document released by the Vatican written by Cardinal Fernandez. Plus, CNN’s comments. …Catholic Answers
Join Bishop Robert Barron for a podcast on faith and culture.
Find more podcast episodes at https://www.wordonfireshow.com/
Word on Fire Podcast with Bishop Barron
- WOF 433: Healing Antisocial America April 15, 2024A recent article in The Atlantic magazine highlights the crisis of isolation befalling the United States. Americans have never been—or felt—more solitary, especially the younger generations. And the consequences are often fatal: loneliness is a major cause of the recent spikes in depression, anxiety, and suicide, which are at unprecedented levels. Today, we discuss the loss […]Bishop Robert Barron
- WOF 432: Who is Dante Alighieri? April 8, 2024Today we are excited to bring you the first lecture from Bishop Barron’s popular course, “Dante’s Catholic Imagination,” which is available in its entirety inside the Word on Fire Institute. We hope you enjoy this deep dive into Dante’s evergreen, always-relevant poetic, moral, and theological genius. NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word […]Bishop Robert Barron
- WOF 431: Euthanasia & the Culture of Death April 1, 2024Pope St. John Paul II used the term “culture of death'' in his 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae to capture the secular world’s dark confluence of poisonous ideas and practices that lead—directly and indirectly—to spiritual and physical ruin. Sadly, we’ve seen the the culture of death advance on many fronts. Today, we focus on the increasing […]Bishop Robert Barron
- WOF 430: A Full Witness to Jesus Christ March 25, 2024Today we bring you Bishop Barron's keynote address from the recent Good News Conference. In it, he speaks in depth about what it means to be a full witness to Jesus Christ. Enjoy! NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends […]Bishop Robert Barron
- WOF 429: Is There a Catholic Antidote to the Crisis in Higher Education? March 18, 2024According to Fortune magazine, overall undergraduate enrollment experienced the steepest rate of decline on record from 2019 to 2022, and it has only worsened since then. There are several explanations, but one cause is entirely self-imposed: most universities and colleges have now replaced education with ideology, subverting the search for truth with political indoctrination. Today, we […]Bishop Robert Barron
Books & Articles
Talking to Kids about Death
Gina’s father just passed away having lost his long battle with cancer. She is devastated but even harder is trying to decide what to do about her children, ages 8, 5 and 2. Some of her friends are telling her to keep the children away from the funeral while others are insisting that it is important to include them in some way. Gina, reeling from her loss, doesn’t know what to do and doesn’t have a great deal of energy to figure it out. She feels confused and overwhelmed by everything that’s happening around her.
No one wants to talk about issues related to death and dying. We especially don’t want to have to talk about it with our children. As Christians, however, the month of November, with the Feasts of All Saint’s and All Soul’s Days, gives us a wonderful opportunity to take charge of our fears and teach our children some important lessons about life, loss, and God’s abundant love.
What is Death?
We were not created to die. The Catechism states that it was not God’s intention that we would experience bodily death.
“Even though man’s nature is mortal, God had destined him not to die. Death was therefore contrary to the plans of God the Creator and entered the world as a consequence of sin. ‘Bodily death, from which man would have been immune had he not sinned’ is thus ‘the last enemy’ of man left to be conquered” (CCC#1008).
As human beings, we are said to be “ensouled.” That is, the body and soul were meant to be integral and complimentary to each other. It isn’t entirely correct to say that we “have” a soul. The soul and the body are one and weren’t designed to be separated.
Metaphorically speaking, what parts of ice cream are ice? What parts are cream? The ‘ice’ and the ‘cream’ are integral and complimentary to one another. Together, they make ice cream what it is. Of course, a soul is much more to a body than this, but my point is that it should seem even more absurd to think of them as separate things. St. Thomas Aquinas taught that death represented the unnatural separation of the body and soul. They were never meant to be apart from one another. Both, together, make us what we are.
That’s why Christians are sad when someone dies. Even though it is a wonderful thing to be able to hope that the person who has passed has, through God’s love, gone to Heaven, we recognize that we were never meant to be separated from our bodies even for a second, and we ache for the resurrection of the body which will occur when Christ comes again.
Parents should not be afraid to talk to children about death. Although we must approach the topic sensitively, the Christian understanding of death is characterized by a profound sense of hope and a deep connection with God’s love. As the Catechism puts it…
“the obedience of Jesus has transformed the curse of death into a blessing. Because of Christ, Christian death has a positive meaning… In death, God calls man to himself” (CCC #1008-1011).
Here are some things to keep in mind when sharing these deep truths with your children.
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Be Sensitive
Whether your child’s first experience of death is a pet or a loved one or even just a topic of discussion that arises because of All Saints or All Souls, avoid any tendency to launch into lectures or even well-intentioned attempts to take away your child’s feelings. As parents, seeing our children hurt is unbearable, but children don’t want moms and dads to deny their pain. They want them to understand it and love them through it.
Ask your children how they feel about their loss. Let them lead the discussion as much as possible. If they share something, ask where they learned to think what they do and how those thoughts make them feel. Be sure to understand as much of the child’s experience before you offer your own thoughts, and begin by answering questions or filling in any gaps.
If your child doesn’t know what to think, you can share how losing someone you love makes you feel. Explain that people sometimes feel lots of other things too. Some people feel sad, and others feel angry, and others feel scared and others feel something else- even nothing. Let your child know that whatever he or she feels is OK. Hold your child in your arms. When your child has shared whatever he or she can, tell your child you understand how he or she is feeling and that you are proud of your child for telling you.
Without trying to talk your children out of what they are feeling, remind your children that even though death is a sad thing, God loves us so much that he promises us that anyone who loves him will get to live with him forever in Heaven and that he loves us so much that one day, he will fix things so that we can even be reunited with our bodies. In fact, he’ll make our bodies even better than before.
You may wish to read John 20:15, John 21:4, and/or Luke 24:13-35.
In each of these passages, the disciples did not recognize the resurrected Jesus at first because he was in his glorified body. Someday, we too will receive our glorified body. Even though we will be perfect in our appearance, everyone who loved us and knew us on earth will be able to recognize us, just like those who knew and loved Jesus recognized him.
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Should Children Attend the Funeral?
There is not one, good answer to this question, as it depends a great deal upon your child’s temperament.
In general, however, I recommend allowing children to participate, as much as you reasonably think they can handle, in the funeral rituals that attend the loss of a loved one.
Children need transitions to feel secure. Having someone simply disappear from their lives-especially someone they saw often- can be deeply upsetting. Letting even your smallest children participate in at least a limited way in the viewing, and/or the funeral liturgy and/or the wake can allow them to understand, on an experiential level, what is going on. Don’t force them to do more than they want to, but, in general, don’t exclude them entirely.
If you feel your child cannot handle some or all aspects of the funeral, consider giving your child some way to say “goodbye” to the person who has passed. Perhaps your child can draw a picture, make a card, or write a letter to the deceased. For younger children, simply hanging the picture in the refrigerator may be a sufficient memorial. Let your child know that his or her loved one is with God now and can see everything your child does and, as such, is right here with your child.
For older children, you may wish to take the letter (or other project) to the cemetery, or burn it and let the smoke rise to Heaven, or tie it to a helium balloon. Work with your child to create a ceremony that will be meaningful for him or her. Be sure to include at least a brief prayer reminding them that God is with their loved one and that he loves all of you very much and is taking care of you through this time and always.
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Grieving Means Connecting.
One thing people often get wrong about grieving is that they believe it means letting go of the person that passed on. In reality, the real challenge of healthy grieving is finding a way to stay connected tothe person even though he or she has passed on. Talk with your child about how he or she can stay connected to the person who has passed away.
Some people like to have material reminders of the person who has passed. Did your loved one give your child a particular toy? Is there some knicknack that belonged to your loved one that may have special meaning to your child?
Physical reminders of our loved ones can be very important. That’s why Catholics value relics so much. They are physical reminders of the saints, our brothers and sisters in the Lord who have gone on before us.
Of course, you can remind your children that they can talk to their deceased loved one any time. Let your child know that your loved one is with God and can hear anything your child would like to tell him or her. And, since your loved one is with God, they can pray for your child in an even more special way he or she did when he or she was alive.
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Does Your Child Need Special Attention?
Children rarely sit parents down and say, “Mom? Dad? I’m having a tough time with this.” Instead, their behavior changes. Remember, as a rule, children behave well when they feel well.
If your child isn’t behaving well, is more intense, disobedient, harder to get under control, or just extra rambunctious, don’t see that as a discipline problem as much as a cry for your loving attention.
Certainly, offer whatever gentle corrections you must, but make sure to provide extra affection and time together with you. Encourage the unusually overactive child to engage in quieter pursuits with you. Do a craft project together. Read a book together. Pray together. Just cuddle. Anchor the child in the safety and security of your arms.
When they encounter death, some children worry about your possible passing. The best way to reassure a child that they are safe and that you are not going away too is to simply be as physically present as you can.
If your child’s behavior doesn’t improve or worsens, seek professional assistance. Likewise, if, after a couple of weeks, you’re seeing something about your child’s behavior that makes you wonder if you should talk to a professional, that’s probably a good sign that you should at least seek an evaluation.
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What About Pets?
The loss of a pet is often the first experience a child has with death. Following all the recommendations I’ve made so far will help your child in dealing with this loss as well. Young children, especially, tend to think of their pets very much the same as human beings and will mourn the pet’s loss in a similar way. Having some kind of funeral to say goodbye, discussing ways to remember the pet, and providing ample comfort and presence will be important here too.
One question children often ask is whether their pet has gone to Heaven.
Although, as Christians, we believe that human beings are the only creatures God willed for himself, the truth is, we don’t know with absolute certainty what Heaven will be like. I recommend simply saying to your child that God loves us so much that he will make sure that whatever we need to be happy with him in Heaven will be there with us.
Be Not Afraid!
Although talking about death with our children is never something parents look forward to, we don’t have to be afraid. God is with us. The more sensitive, understanding, gentle, and forthright we can be, the more our children will come to see us as a reliable and credible source for all the questions they have about living life to the full.
About The Author
Dr. Greg Popcak is a therapist, radio host, and author of many books. The director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, he and his staff provide Catholic counseling by telephone to clients around the world. He is devoted husband to Lisa and father of three.
CatholicCounselors.com , Faith on the Couch
By Dr Gregory Popcak|January 8th, 2018
Feeding Your Teenager’s Faith
OCTOBER 14, 2019 BY RACHAEL POPCAK AND DR. GREGORY POPCAK – From Faith on the couch by Dr. Gregory Popcak online
Faith evolves in stages. Knowing how to foster your teenager’s faith begins with understanding the unique spiritual food that nourishes an adolescent’s faith-development.
Teens occupy what’s called the “Synthetic-Conventional” stage of faith, but we like to call it the “Relationship & Mission Stage”
Teens are focused on figuring out their place in the world. So, they tend to believe something is “true” if it facilitates their relationships and helps them feel like they can make a difference. In the same way, they believe something’s “false” if it complicates their relationships or seems to be a source of conflict and division in their lives.
When parents focus too much on what our faith doesn’t allow us to do, or who our faith doesn’t allow us to hang out with, teens get the message that faith is an obstacle to either having relationships or discovering their purpose. The stronger they feel that way, the more likely it is that they’ll fight against the faith–or reject it altogether.
Instead of becoming too focused on the “Thou Shalt Not’s,” concentrate on giving your teens experiences that prove their faith can help them have fulfilling relationships AND make a positive difference in some way.
The most important way to do that is to make sure your teens see how your Catholic faith is having a positive impact in your home and family life. They need to see that your faith is helping you get along better–and care for each other more–than other families that don’t live the faith the way you do. Additionally, it’s important to help teens find faithful peers they can associate with, and causes they can put their faith and energy behind.
The more you can help your teen discover how their faith can enable them to build strong relationships and a healthy sense of mission, the more you’ll be giving your teens the spiritual food they need to grow into a faithful adulthood.
Want more ways to help your kids fall in love with the faith? Check out Discovering God Together: The Catholic Guide to Raising Faithful Kids.
About The Author
Dr. Greg Popcak is a therapist, radio host, and author of many books. The director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, he and his staff provide Catholic counseling by telephone to clients around the world. He is devoted husband to Lisa and father of three.
CatholicCounselors.com , Faith on the Couch
By Dr Gregory Popcak|January 8th, 2018
Talking to Children About Racism
Dear Parents,
I wanted to share an email from Mrs. Okula, the Principal of St. Jane School:
Dear Parents,
The tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and subsequent events that have unfolded in recent weeks have deeply affected our nation and no doubt have touched the hearts of our school/parish community. I personally have been at a loss - I am saddened by the disregard for human life, have been confused on how to best engage in conversations about racism, and as I often do, have turned to prayer for guidance.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Okula
I agree completely with the principal.
As a parent of four children, our conversations at home have been both difficult and grace-filled talking about these topics.
Please know that my family is praying for your family, peace from God, and the end to racism of any kind.
Here are some online resources that maybe helpful:
Bishop Alfred Schlert Homily – June 7th:
Bishop Alfred Schlert Homily - ‘There are No Valid Reasons for Racism, which is evil. None.’
Ascension Presents Podcasts:
Healing the Racial Divide – Ask Fr. Josh Johnson Podcast
Reconciling the Body of Christ (with Fr. Josh Johnson) – Fr. Mike Schmitz
Other Podcasts:
Racism, Riots, & a Catholic Response – Counsel of Trent
Talking to your kids about Racism, Riots, and Real Reparation – Messy Family Podcast
PBS:
https://www.pbs.org/parents/talking-about-racism
Healthy Children:
NAECY:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2018/teaching-learning-race-and-racism
God bless,
Kevin Kimmel
Parenting & Family Articles
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General Family Information
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About Us
St. Jane Parish is a family rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ and our devotion to his Church. We strive always to be a welcoming community, with our doors open to all who seek the Lord.
Address: 4049 Hartley Avenue
Easton, PA 18045
Phone: 610-253-3553
Fax: 610-253-5711
Email: info@stjanesofeastonpa.com
Mass Times
Daily:
6:30 a.m., 8:15 a.m. (Mon-Fri)
Saturday:
9:00 a.m.
Sunday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday:
8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., Noon
Holy Day: Consult Bulletin
Reconciliation:
Wednesday: 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:45 - 4:45 p.m., or by appointment
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