"Summer" has either started or is just around the corner... and you know what that means - your little angels are playing quietly together or busy at work writing a thesis on achieving world peace! Didn't think so ;-)
If you want to get the kids out of the house, AND help them learn about their faith and Catholic heritage, here are several fun, family-friendly activities St. Josaphat recommends for kids AND parents throughout the summer:
· Bike or Walk down to the Mother Cabrini Shrine. The shrine is located at 2520 North Lakeview Avenue, and has parking available one block north. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 am-3 pm, Saturday from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 9 am-3 pm. While you are there, take a moment to consider not just the remarkable beauty of the art and architecture of the shrine but also the story of the woman for whom it is named.Mother Cabrini was the first canonized citizen-saint of the United States. During her life, she founded 67 institutions of care worldwide, and became known as the Patron Saint of Immigrants for her work with immigrant communities in Chicago. This woman's great strength, guided by her Catholic faith, is certainly worth sharing with your children! Guided tours are available, and they cater to kids! For more information about the shrine, visit www.cabrinishrinechicago.com or call 773-360-5115.
· Walk a labyrinth. It can sometimes be hard to find any peace and quiet when there are kids around. If you want some time in solitude, consider a visit to a labyrinth. Walking a labyrinth will allow both you and your child(ren) to relax, quiet down, and in the silence, grow in their spirituality and faith. There is no substitute for the meditative experience of walking a labyrinth. There are several labyrinths throughout the Chicagoland area, including one at St. Scholastica at 7430 N. Ridge. Visit www.labyrinthlocator.com to find a labyrinth near you.
· Keep in mind that St. Josaphat's annual Vacation Bible School will be held next Monday-Friday, June 15th-19th from 8:45 - 11:30 am. This year's theme is "Everest: Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power." You can still sign up! We promise your kids will be begging to come back every day, just ask some of our VBS alumni! Sign up here!
· Chicago is home to a great number of free concerts each summer. Some of these concerts feature beautiful masses by any number of different composers. Specifically, Brahm's Requiem will be performed at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park at 6:30 pm on Friday, July 17th and 7:30 pm on Saturday, July 18th. Haydn's Harmony Mass will be performed at the Pritzker Pavilion on Friday, August 7th at 6:30 pm and on Saturday, August 8th, at 7:30 pm.
Read! St. Josaphat School students have a goal of reading a joint 2500 books this summer. And students from all schools have been encouraged to keep reading while school is out. (Maybe you should join them!) Introduce your children to the saints by picking up a book at their level on St. Francis of Assisi or St. Teresa of Avila (or saint of your choice...there are thousands to pick from!)
Most importantly, remember that God's creation is everywhere in nature! We live in a beautiful city with lots of scenic natural spots. Whether you are staying in Chicago or traveling this summer, always remember the beauty of God's creation. Sharing this beauty with your child or children is the greatest way to grow their faith.
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Save the Date!
Vacation Bible School
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June 15 - 19, 2015
8:45 - 11:30 am
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St. Josaphat
New Parents' Group
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Saturday, June 20
after 5 pm Mass
Come join us for the St. Josaphat New Parents' Group in the back of the church. We know it can be hard to get out of the house for adult interaction with little ones in tow but we are trying to make that a little bit easier! We will have wine and hors d'oeuvres to snack on and (hopefully) some conversation between diaper changes. Please feel free to invite friends whether or not they are parishioners. Looking forward to meeting you and your little ones!
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St. Josaphat Tots Playgroup
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Wednesday, June 24
11 - 12 pm
Lower Meeting Room
We will have toys for the little ones and caffeine for you! Parents/caretakers of babies & little ones, we know you need to get out of the house. Join us for some adult conversation and playtime for the kids! Bring a friend!
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