Leaders Guide January 2008

Seven Conversations that Matter Focus Article

Take Out “Seven Secrets of Successful Children” by Joseph White, Ph.D., page 7

Small Group Questions

1. How do you define success?

2. How does today’s modern culture define success? How does Christ define success in the scriptures? What is the difference?

3. Why is it difficult to sing your own praises or “toot your own horn?” Is it okay to name what we are good at?

4. What are some ways that Dr. White talks about that help us encourage our kids to try new things? Are we risk averse as parents? Do we try new things?

Child Care

Ideally, your parish will offer childcare for parents of young children on these evenings. If that is not possible, try coordinating these evenings with your Child Faith Formation staff person. While parents are engaged in small faith sharing groups, offer children a craft, activity or even a Christian movie at the same time.

For February 2008

Because Take Out magazine is often shipped early, you can plan ahead for each month’s discussion article. Check this website for monthly discussion questions, tips for successful family faith formation and new ways that Take Out can be a ministry resource.

Make sure to let participants know that they can bring a friend or another couple to next month’s discussion – numbers often grow as the series continues.

Closing Prayer

I am the New Year

I am the New Year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned
during the last twelve months about life.

All that you sought the past year and failed to find is hidden in me;
I am waiting for you to search it out again with more determination.

All the good that you tried to do for others and didn’t achieve last year is mine to grant - providing you have fewer selfish and
conflicting desires.

In me lies the potential of all that you have dreamed
but didn’t dare to do,
all that you hoped but did not perform,
all you prayed for but did not yet experience.
These dreams slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened
by the touch of an enduring purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Christ who said,
“Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).
I am the New Year.

--Author Unknown

January’s Sunday Gospels

Sister Janet Schaeffler, O.P.

JAN. 6 — MATTHEW 2:1-12: EPIPHANY OF THE LORD. The wise men found Jesus in the manger. Where do we find Jesus? Who/what/where are the “stars” in our lives that reveal God’s presence to us? How can we be a light for others? What gifts do we give to Jesus? This week look for (and talk together about) all the signs/epiphanies of God’s presence. (Don’t forget about nature, silence, good books, films, TV shows, music, the poor and sick, those who love you, life of the Church.) How can we reach out beyond ourselves, to people of all nations?

JAN. 13 — LUKE 3:15-16,21-22: JESUS IS BAPTIZED BY JOHN. How do you feel when God says to you, “This is my beloved. My favor rests on you?” Look at pictures of each family member’s baptism. Talk about the words, symbols, rituals that were used. Renew your baptismal promises. At baptism, representatives of the Church, your parents and relatives made the Sign of the Cross on your forehead. This week, at prayer, sign one another with the cross. How is your baptism alive in you each day? Jesus’ baptism prepared Him to begin His Father’s work. What is your work for God?

JAN. 20 — JOHN 1:29-34: JOHN THE BAPTIST PROCLAIMS CHRIST’S COMING. Sometimes our days are so busy. What can we do to listen more closely/to recognize God? What do you believe about God? What have you experienced about God? Jesus challenges us to be a light for others; how can we do that this week?

JAN. 27 — MATTHEW 4:12-23: JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY BEGINS. Are there people in our lives who walk with us and bring us hope and light? Are there ways Jesus wants us to change our lives (how we care for others, in appreciating and using our gifts, in our lives of prayer, in our relationships, etc.) If you had been with the fisherman and Jesus had said to you, “Come follow me,” what would you have done? Jesus called the fishermen in their ordinary lives. How does Jesus want us to use our ordinary lives for him? Jesus asked the fishermen to use their gifts (fishers) in a new way. What gifts do you have to use for others?