May 2016

Take the “Chore” Out of Household Duties

In a recent national survey, only 28% of parents said they require their children to do chores—even though those parents realize the importance of having household responsibilities. “Parents today want their kids spending time on things that can bring them success,” says Richard Rende, co-author of Raising Can-Do Kids, “but ironically, we’ve stopped doing one thing that’s actually been a proven predictor of success—and that’s household chores.” Chores also help children develop much-needed life skills and instill in them a sense of self-worth and belonging. Most child-development experts say kids shouldn’t be paid for household chores, which are part of contributing to family life.

Summer—when homework isn’t in the picture—is an ideal time to rev up your family’s chore assignments. Here are some examples of age-appropriate tasks your kids can perform: Ages 3 to 5: They can work alongside you to put away toys, place dirty clothes in a hamper, sort laundry, make their beds, and feed pets. Ages 6 to 8: Children can dust and vacuum, put away their clothes, empty wastebaskets, set and clear the table, and help with some yardwork. Ages 9 to 12: Kids can load and unload the dishwasher, unpack groceries, mop the floor, fold laundry, wash the car, and help prepare meals.

POWERSOURCE ASK GOD:

1. To help your children be willing,

eager contributors to your family.

2. To give your kids—and you—a

good attitude about doing

chores.

3. To develop in your family mem-

bers a heart for service.

St. Margaret Mary Religious Education News & Views

The end of another school year is in sight and you’re probably already busy making summer plans. But don’t just think about the fun trips you’ll take or the summer school schedule or sports and other activities schedules. Summer is a good time to take stock of your every-day home life and how each family member contributes to that. It’s also a good time to consider how ALL your family mem-bers can be of service to the community at large. You’ll find some suggestions included in this issue of “Parenting Christian Kids”. Enjoy!

SERVE ONE ANOTHER!

The following is a quote taken from an article in “Catechist Magazine”. The arti-cle, entitled “How Do We Learn the Catholic Faith?”, was written by Jennifer Fitz who has written several books on Catholic Faith Formation.

“I am prone to making fun of mandatory ‘volunteering schemes’, but the reality is that students do need practice in performing the works of mercy. It’s not a fully-formed faith if I only go feed the hungry because I want my Confirma-tion certificate, but I’ll never get good at feeding the hungry unless I practice it a few times.”

While we all know that volunteering is admirable for adults and kids alike, many busy parents with busy children find it difficult to make the time and to find age-appropriate service opportunities. But some of the most meaningful things kids

can do are really quite simple. Each year, before receiving their 1st Holy Communion, we ask our 2nd graders to complete a “Jesus Project” - to choose and perform a service and write a letter to Jesus about it. Here’s what some of our 2nd graders have done for their Jesus Project: *Picked up trash around their neighborhoods or local parks *Shoveled snow or raked leaves for elderly or handicapped people in their neighborhood *Took hand-drawn cards to a nursing home *Had a bake sale or lemonade stand, with proceeds going to charities *Helped collect small, unusable electronics or hazardous waste from home and neighbors and went along on a trip to the disposal or recycling center *Cut flowers growing in mom’s garden, put them in small vases, tied a bow around the top and presented them to nursing home residents

“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

REGISTER YOUR FAMILY FOR OUR PARISH CHARITY WALK!

On Saturday, May 21st, our parish is hosting a community-wide charity walk to benefit Naperville CARES. (Visit www.napervillecares.org for more information on this terrific organization.) Our family-friendly event will start at 9:30 am outside of the parish center (on-site registration begins at 9:00 am) and will include a 2.5 mile walk around the neighborhood ending back at the church for refreshments. The cost is $40/family, $20/adult and $10/child. You can pre-register and/or make a donation by going on-line at: www.smmp.com . For more information, email our Justice & Outreach Minister, Tom Cordaro, at cordarotom@gmail.com .

Please encourage your neighbors, co-workers and friends to join us. All are welcome!

Help Your Kids Understand the May Sunday Gospels

May 1, 2016—John 14:23-29 Sixth Sunday of Easter Today, Jesus is preparing his disciples in advance for his absence so that they will continue to believe in him and not feel all alone after his return to the Father. After the initial excitement of his Easter appearances, Jesus will remain with his followers in a very different way. Jesus promises his disciples that the Father will send an Advo-cate, the Holy Spirit . May 8, 2016—Luke 24:46-53 Ascension of the Lord

Jesus tells his disciples that they will be empow-ered to preach in his name to all the nations of the earth. Then he leads his disciples out of Jeru-salem. As he blesses them, he is parted from them and taken up into heaven. The disciples

return to Jerusalem and joyously praise God. May 15, 2016—John 20:19-23 Pentecost Jesus is with his disciples after his resurrection. “Peace be with you,” is his greeting. “As the Father has sent me, now I send you.” Then he breathes on them and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit. May 22, 2016—John 16:12-15 The Most Holy Trinity Jesus tells his disciples that the Holy Spirit will be their guide, and that the Spirit is one with the Father and the Son. May 29, 2016—Luke 9:11b-17 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Today’s Gospel recounts the mir-acle of the Loaves and Fish-es. Jesus is preaching to a very large crowd of about 5,000 people out in the countryside. The people are hun-

gry, but among them, they only have 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Jesus blesses and breaks the loaves and fish and instructs the disciples to distribute the food to the crowd. All were fed and were satisfied.

Dear Pope Francis

We are very excited to have Tom McGrath of

Loyola Press here at St. Margaret Mary on

Wednesday evening, June 1st, to talk about the

publishing of the book:

Dear Pope Francis

. . . a collection of letters written to the Pope by

children from all over the world, and the Pope’s

replies.

On Wednesday, June 1st, at 7:00 PM in the Upper Room, Tom McGrath, Director of Trade Books at Loyo-la Press, will tell the fascinating “story behind the story-book” about the publishing of the best-selling “Dear Pope Francis; the Pope Answers Letters from Chil-dren Around the World”. Tom will guide us through the story from the initial idea for the book, how he found a way to get the idea before Pope Francis (who offered a quick and enthusiastic “SI!”), and how his team enlisted the help of dozens of Jesuits and their lay associates in countries from Australia to Zimbabwe to gather unaltered questions from children ages 6 to 13. Tom will tell the details of the excruciatingly diffi-cult task of deciding which letters would be chosen from among the hundreds gathered to be presented to the Pope — each in three languages (Italian, Spanish and English). In addition, Loyola Press was able to bring 12 of the children who wrote letters to Rome to have a 1-hour meeting with Pope Francis. Tom's presentation will include footage of the Pope speaking with the children and a special message for parents and grandparents.

The book will be available for pur-chase at a dis-counted price of $15.00. All are invited to attend Tom’s presentation—from the young to the young at heart.

MEDIA MADNESS

MOVIE Title: X-Men Apocalypse Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Rating: not yet rated (likely PG-13) Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne Synopsis: Apocalypse, the original mutant, has wakened from his slumber to find a world he despises. He recruits a group of powerful mutants to cleanse the world of humans so he can reign as a god. Our Take: Although Marvel movies have often been innocuous, fun, and action-packed, this one introduces something more sinister. In one trailer, Apocalypse says, “I’ve been called many things over many lifetimes.” One name he lists is Yahweh. So be wary about this movie. If your kids do see it, have a meaningful discussion about who is the one true God.

MUSIC Title: Faster Artist: Group 1 Crew Synopsis: The Christian hip-hop group’s new EP trilogy includes the digital mini-albums Faster, Stronger and Power. The five-member group, which has been around for almost a decade, had a radio single with the song “Forgive Me.” Our Take: This pop-infused band offers upbeat lyrics and melodies that make listeners want to get up and dance. The song “Everyday Is a Miracle,” which features Christian singer Rachel Lampa, emphasizes the beauty of life. “Time flies. Yeah, we only get one life. What you gonna do with it?” the chorus asks. Older kids and preteens will enjoy this positive alternative to secular hip-hop groups.

Games, Sites & Apps

Star Fox Zero This 3D scrolling shoot-er video game features animals that engage in aerial combat. Players can see the view from the cockpit of the Arwing spaceship. The rating is still pending, though previous install-ments in the franchise have ranged from E to E10+.

TuxPaint.org This site offers free open-source drawing software for kids ages 3 to 12. As users access a range of drawing tools, their com-puter literacy improves as well. The software, which is available on multiple platforms, is also being used in elementary-school art classes.

Kids Trade With this free app, school-age kids can trade toys, clothes, and other items without money. Registra-tion is required, and parents must approve trades. Users post a pho-to and description of each item. The app helps kids learn about trade-offs and decision-making.

CULTURE & TRENDS

Tablet Takeover More than 80% of U.S. children now have access to a computer tablet, and the number continues to grow. Experts predict that toddlers’ tablet capabilities may become one way to gauge their developmental stage. (huffingtonpost.com)

TMI? In an effort to make the subject of menstruation relatable to young girls, a new doll from Lammily comes with “Period Party” accessories. The doll also includes an informational pamphlet so parents can launch discussions about the topic. (people.com)

QUICK STATS

Bookworms Keep these stats in mind for summer reading: 90% of kids ages 6 to 17 say they’re more likely to finish a book that they picked out themselves. And 70% of kids say when reading for fun, they want books that make them laugh. (The Kids and Family Reading Report) Tech Timeout When asked which of their kids’ behaviors is most difficult to control, 23% of parents said “limiting technology-based activities.” Parents struggle more in that area than in getting kids to eat healthfully, go to bed, or do homework. (actionforchildren.org.uk)

This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our goal is to help

you make informed decisions about what your children watch, read, listen to, and play.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 Last class for Monday stu-dents; Grades K-5

3 Last class for Tuesday stu-dents; Grades K-5

4 Last class for Wednesday students; Grades K-5

5

6

7 Last class for Saturday stu-dents; Grades 1-5

8 Ascension

Mother’s Day

9 10 11 12 13 14

15 Pentecost

16

17 18 19 20

21 Parish Charity Walk!

22

Holy Trinity

23 24 25 26 27

28 Last Children’s Liturgy of the Word

29 Body and Blood of

Christ

Last Chil-dren’s Liturgy of the Word

30 Memorial Day

31

May