#tuesdaytoolbox
Easter Blessings
Come Holy Spirit, Come...
“Pentecost is the moment when a heart of stone is shattered and a heart of flesh takes its place.”
~Fr. Raneiro Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household
Pentecost

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and the "official" end to the Easter season. While it's one of the most important feasts, it oftentimes gets overlooked. Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles 50 days after Jesus' resurrection. On that first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them and empowered them to proclaim before the entire city and in many different languages the resurrection of Jesus, and 3,000 people came to faith in Jesus Christ that day. Thus, the Church was born. 
Next week we'll head back into the Ordinary Time of the church. Now you might be thinking, it's going to be anything but Ordinary. You're right. However this is the time as Archbishop Naumann says to "open up a space in your heart Heart for God." With Masses gradually opening up, what are you going to do to make sure to have Ordinary Time be anything but Ordinary ? Our hope is that we have an even greater emphasis on making sure our family stays connected to the Eucharist, whether it be in a parking lot Mass, in a church while wearing a mask, live streaming Mass or just using the Sunday Supplication worship aid. As Archbishop said in his article last week: "Our hope rests in the promise of Jesus: “I will not leave you orphans.” Our hope is anchored in the assurance of Our Lord to his disciples: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Pentecost is the fulfillment of this promise and is considered to the birthday of the Church. This Sunday, celebrate Pentecost like you would any family member's birthday...bust out red streamers (red is the liturgical color of Pentecost), make a cake, and pray a prayer to the Holy Spirit . It's not an ordinary year, so do something out of the ordinary for your domestic church. May the Holy Spirit empower you with many graces as we continue this journey.

Congratulations!
Congratulations to Fr. Travis Mecum & Fr. Anthony Mersmann who were ordained to the priesthood this past Saturday by Archbishop Naumann. Want to know what happens during an ordination? Check out the recorded Mass... click here
As the school year comes to a close and summer officially begins, it's important to maintain a schedule for your family. Creating a schedule can also ensure you are making the most of the time you have. What do you need to make sure to put on your schedule?
Customize your own schedule here .
 
Give your kids a chance to weigh in on what they think should be included in the schedule...who knows what they will say? ( And as always, parents always have veto power! ) 
Our Sunday Supplication
Our Sunday Supplication is a great tool to help families participate in the Liturgy of the Word while at home. It's also a great tool to help prepare you for Mass. Now is a great time to start getting in the habit of reading the Sunday readings before you go to Mass so that you can more fully participate in the celebration.
Summer Blessing for Families
May we make our homes places of relaxation,
joy, love, peace and safety.
May we be generous and considerate,
not thinking only about ourselves,
but helping others enjoy the blessings of the summertime.
Lord God, Creator of all things,
guide our steps and strengthen our hearts
during these months of summer and vacation days.
Grant us refreshment of mind and body.
May we constantly strive to make a meaningful difference
in the lives of our loved ones and in the world around us
as we enjoy the warm days of summertime.
- The Catholic Review