The Family of St. Thomas More by Rowland Lockey (Wikipedia).
Here are 10 activities you can do as a family to support religious freedom and true marriage in the two weeks between June 21 and July 4. You can do all these even in a diocese with no scheduled events.
1. Pray the family Rosary.
Pray the Luminous Mysteries together for the recognition of marriage as one man and one woman. Pray the glorious mysteries for the protection of our God-given right to religious freedom.
2. Make an extra visit to the Adoration chapel.
This is a great opportunity to introduce your children to Eucharistic Adoration, or bring them back if they haven’t gone for a long time. Make this a special trip for the intentions of the Fortnight for Freedom. Don’t worry if you can only stay ten minutes with all the little ones.
3. Watch and discuss A Man for All Seasons.
June 22 is the feast of Saints Thomas More and John Fischer (also Corpus Christi this year). Learn about the saint who died for his defense of marriage. Here is a holy card and prayer to St. Thomas More for religious freedom.
4. Spend time in together public.
Let the world see how beautiful family life can be, as you go to the zoo, take a walk, have a picnic, or eat out together. Strengthen your family bonds at the same time.
5. Fast on Friday, June 27.
Invite each family member of school age or older to fast or make another sacrifice on the Friday within the fortnight.
6. Look at wedding photos and movies.
Dust off those photo albums and share your memories with your children. Make sure they see pictures of you in the Church if possible.
7. Pray the Litany for Liberty.
Download a copy of the Litany here.
8. Watch First Freedom: Fight for Religious Liberty.
The USCCB recommends this PBS video you can watch online. The 87-minute production tells how America’s Founding Father’s enshrined freedom of religion in our Constitution.
9. Discuss the importance of traditional marriage.
Depending on your children’s ages and readiness, discuss some of these topics: How are Mom and Dad different? Why do kids need both a mom and dad? Why did God make families? With older children, you could discuss the creation of Eve; the Wedding at Cana; Jesus’ words about marriage and divorce; why matrimony is a sacrament (and why it’s called matrimony).
10. Attend Mass on Friday, July 4.
If your diocese has a closing Mass for the Fortnight for Freedom, attend together. If there is not special Mass, attend your parish Mass that day. Pray that God protects our right to practice our Catholic faith without persecution.
For more articles on the Fortnight for Freedom, visit the blog of the Catholic Writers Guild.
Click here to find the activities schedule in your diocese.
Connie Rossini
Share with us: If you have more ideas about how to celebrate the Fortnight for Freedom with children, please share them in the Comments Box. Thanks!