Today’s first reading, Isaiah 58: 7-10, instructs us to “share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own” (Isaiah 58:7). In an earlier prophecy, Isaiah also predicted that “a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). In these past weeks of turmoil and tragedy, when we may have felt surrounded by “oppression, false accusation, and malicious speech” (Isaiah 58:9), working with our students in The Basilica’s faith formation program helped provide clarity and peace amidst so much pain around us.
When classes returned on January 11 after our Christmas break, we added prayer intention boxes for our students, families, and catechists to give voice to all that was on their hearts, and so that we could pray together for each other’s intentions. If you’d like to pray for the intentions of our students, you can find them at mary.org/ffprayers, and the password for the page is mary. The page is updated weekly. Here are just a few of the intentions that were shared:
- For peace in our city, state, and country, and for the light to grow stronger.
- I want to pray for the homeless people who are affected by the cold.
- I want ICE to leave Minneapolis.
- My family. My class. My dog. Nature. The homeless. Starving people. Minnesota. My home.
- Give food to the homeless.
- For my friends to feel free to come to school.
- For my sister, who is traveling by herself, that she may be safe.
- For people who are scared during these times, may they have peace.
- For everyone stuck in the cold without shelter, that they have warmth.
On January 18, with no faith formation classes due to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday, we also held Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Children in approximately preschool through fifth grade were dismissed from 9:30 am Mass at the start of the Liturgy of the Word. We gathered with volunteer catechists in the Saint Joseph Chapel to hear the same scripture readings in simpler, age-appropriate language, and then share reflections, prayers, and faith concepts before rejoining the congregation in church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. One second grader shared how much he liked what he called “kids’ church,” and “reading bible stories in words that he could understand.”
In February, as we move toward Lent, faith formation students and families also gathered items and assisted our neighbors in need. On February 1, families collected care package items for the ICU staff at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. The care package included treats, coffee, tea, health/wellness items, journals, homemade cards, and other comfort items to express support and gratitude as they mourn the loss of a beloved colleague.
Then, through February 22, students and families are invited to gather specific grocery items to share with a community partner assisting neighbors concerned in these unsettling times about food insecurity. If you also want to help with this grocery drive, the very specific items we’re collecting include: pasta sauces (32oz size), refried bean cans/pouches (pop-top cans preferred), dried oatmeal canisters (18oz size), strawberry jam (18oz size), macaroni and cheese boxes, toilet tissue, facial tissue (i.e. Kleenex). Please look for the collection bins in the narthex to share your new, unopened food items listed above. Please note that this is not a general drive for any food items—we are only collecting the specific items listed.
Isaiah tells us of a future time of peace and innocence, often represented by children’s inherent purity and hope, that can steer humanity back to God’s ways. May our faith formation students and the unique wisdom, innocence, and open faith of all children guide us to a more peaceful and harmonious world, when “light shall rise for you in the darkness” (Isaiah 58:10).
Melissa Streit
Director of Engagement and Family Life
