Catholic Activity: Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album

Recording the "memories" of Jesus' life with His friends and family is a wonderful way to gain more knowledge of Christ and enter more closely into the Paschal Mystery. Mrs. Miller suggests making an ongoing scrapbook project that can be started anytime of the year, and can be done individually or as a group project for all ages.

DIRECTIONS

"The Church thus confesses that Jesus is inseparably true God and true man. He is truly the Son of God who, without ceasing to be God and Lord, became a man and our brother" (CCC, 469).

Many people want to deny the actual historical existence of Jesus Christ. It helps to see Jesus as our brother and as man, with friends and family just like everyone else. With the popularity of scrapbooking, why not make a scrapbook album of Family and Friends of Jesus? This album would contain memories of His friends and special events of His life. One can pretend that the album will be given as a present to Jesus.

The album would include saints that knew Christ personally (like the Apostles, St. Martha, Mary Magdalen), or were part of His family (Mary, Joseph, Sts. Joachim and Ann, St. Elizabeth, St. John the Baptist), or who wrote about His life in the Gospels (Luke and Mark). St. Paul is also included on the list as the Church considers him an Apostle. The scrapbook can also contain "memories" of special feast days related to the life of Mary and Jesus (Annunciation, Presentation, Christmas, Birth of Mary, etc.). The feast days are similar to family events that one records with pictures and memories in albums (Christmas, birthdays, baptisms, etc.).

The Directory of Popular Piety and the Liturgy encourages us to highlight these saints:

it is always useful to teach the faithful to realize the importance and significance of the feasts of those Saints who have had a particular mission in the history of Salvation, or a singular relationship with Christ such as St. John the Baptist (24 June), St. Joseph (19 March), Sts. Peter and Paul (29 June), the Apostles and Evangelists, St. Mary Magdalen (22 July), St. Martha (29 July) and St. Stephen (26 December);

By learning more about these saints who knew Jesus in person helps us gain more knowledge of Christ. By celebrating these feasts, we are brought to the Paschal mysteries (Christ's passion, death, resurrection and ascension), which are the center and priority of the celebration of the Liturgical Year.

A list of suggested saints and feast days have been provided, along with the Bible citations of the Mass readings. Included is the rank of the feast, and the liturgical color. The feasts of the Guardian Angels and the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are included, as they are part of the "family" – St. Gabriel appeared to Mary at the Annunciation, and all of us, including all these saints had Guardian Angels. This list is by no way complete. Some days could be added, such as Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Immaculate Conception, Chair of St. Peter, Conversion of St. Paul, or removed as desired.

This is an ongoing project, and ideal for all ages. The amount of work, caliber of supplies and what type of information you use depends on your time, talent and age level. It can be used to develop art skills, copywork practice, calligraphy practice, and other applied skills. Scrapbooks and photo albums can be found almost anywhere, ranging from inexpensive to elaborate and archival quality. Find something suitable both in price range, durability and flexibility. At minimum, it should have the capability to add and/or subtract pages and to move them around. If you intend on using just magazine cutouts and inexpensive pictures, it's not important to use acid free paper. But if you want to keep this from year to year, definitely refrain from using construction paper and newspaper.

Decide initially what purpose the album will have. Will it just contain pictures, either hand-drawn, or cut from magazines, printed from the computer or actual holycards or reproductions of famous artwork? Will it include symbols of the saints and feast days? Will it be a reference for the family, including biblical quotes, prayers, novenas, meditations, activities and recipes? Will it contain photographs of various projects and celebrations of your family on these days? Or perhaps a combination? This could be a family project, with each member contributing, or it could be an individual project, that helps with spiritual growth. The best plan is to start simply and then add on every year. Use the calendar on CatholicCulture.org for each feast day to find information on the feast, biographies, patrons, symbols, prayers, recipes and other ideas.

This project can be started during any part of the year. Since in the summer there is usually a lull in outside commitments and the Church's season is Ordinary Time, this is a good time to start this project. In July alone there are five saints' days that directly relate to the life of Christ.

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Index Page For the Index page, have a picture of Jesus or His Sacred Heart in the center of the page. Surround the heart with one symbol of each saint or feast that is included in the album. The names of the saints and the page numbers could be included underneath the symbol.

Scrapbook Pages St. Martha, July 29, is the example page presented, but remember that this is only a suggestion; use the ideas as a springboard for the scrapbook.

Read the Gospel texts related to St. Martha: John 11: 1045; John 12: 1-9; Luke 10: 38-42. The Office of Readings has a sermon from St. Augustine, Sermo 103, 1-2. 6: PL 38, 613, 615. Discuss (or if this is an individual project, meditate on) the texts. Ask questions such as: What kind of friendship did Jesus have with Martha, Mary and Lazarus? What lessons did Jesus teach Martha during these events? What virtues or lesson do we learn to emulate?

Find other commentaries, such as the Navarre Bible to see the explanation of these readings.

From St. Martha one basic lesson learned is that there is both active and contemplative work. Some vocations require more of one, but we all need to stop and experience quiet to pray, meditate, contemplate. Parents' time allotted for prayer is shorter than unmarried singles or religious, but time should be set aside. Children need to learn to start putting time aside for personal prayer and spiritual reading. This will help to develop good life-long prayer habits.

Another lesson to learn is that we serve Christ our Brother when we serve others through our work, whether it be the daily duty of household chores or other charitable work outside the home. In serving others we serve our Brother Christ.

After discussing or meditating on these lessons, it is time to put the scrapbook page together. Start with a page with a white background. Use borders or decorations with a kitchen, cooking or food theme.

Title St. Martha, July 29

Pictures or drawings or holycards of St. Martha. Sources can be from the Internet, magazines, or reproductions from sacred art. Or have child recreate the scenes with Jesus in drawing or crayons or paint. Perhaps the picture could be Mary meeting Jesus at the door, and Martha in the kitchen, wearing an apron.

Symbols: Water pot and asperge; cooking utensils; ladle or skimmer; broom; bunk of keys at her girdle; two asperges; dragon bound with a girdle (symbolizing temptation resisted); torch (symbolizing enlightenment and zeal); censer (symbolizing prayer and worship); boat.

Patronage: Cooks; housewives; maids; servants; servers; single laywomen; travellers.

Quotes along page: (Print out from the computer, write in calligraphy or with fancy markers) "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." (Lk 10: 41-42).

"Jesus loved Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus" (Antiphon, Canticle of Mary)

"Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world" (Jn 11:27)

Foods: Ratatouille; foods that Jesus would have eaten that Martha prepared.

Geography notes, customs of New Testament times.

Prayer: Father, your Son honored St. Martha by coming to her home as a guest. By her prayers may we serve Christ in our brothers and sisters and be welcomed by you into heaven, our true home. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen This prayer is from the Collect (Opening Prayer) of Mass; the same prayer is used as the Closing Prayer for Morning and Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.

Other illustrations: people serving others; people cooking, serving food, pictures of Lazarus rising from dead; pictures or map of Bethany, during the time of Christ; type of house that Martha would have resided, etc.

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Feasts of Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary:

1. January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Color: White First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

2. March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Color: White First Reading: Second Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 Second Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24, or Luke 2:41-51

3. April 25: Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist Color: Red First Reading: First Peter 5:5-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17 Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

4. May 1: Optional Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker Color: White First Reading: Genesis 1:26--2:3, or Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90:2, 3-4, 12-13, 14, 16 Gospel: Matthew 13:54-58

5. May 3: Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles Color: Red First Reading: First Corinthians 15:1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5 Gospel: John 14:6-14

6. May 14: Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle Color: Red First Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Gospel: John 15:9-17

7. June 24: Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist Color: White First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 139:1-3, 13-14, 14-15 Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26 Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

8. June 29: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles Color: Red First Reading: Acts 12:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Second Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

9. July 3: Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle Color: Red First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 117:1, 2 Gospel: John 20:24-29

10. July 22: Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene Color: White First Reading: Song of Songs 3:1-4, or Second Corinthians 5:14-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18

11. July 25: Feast of St. James, Apostle Color: Red First Reading: Second Corinthians 4:7-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28

12. July 26: Memorial of Saints Joachim and Ann, parents of Mary It is only through tradition that we find the story of Ann and Joachim. Read the Protoevangelium of James for the Birth of Mary. This source is known as apocryphal , but can help give some visual effects for the children. Color: White First Reading: Sirach 44:1, 10-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 132:11, 13-14, 17-18 Gospel: Matthew 13:16-17

13. July 29: Memorial of St. Martha Color: White From the Common of holy men and women except for this reading Gospel: John 11:19-27, or Luke 10:38-42

14. August 24: Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle Color: Red First Reading: Revelation 21:9-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18 Gospel: John 1:45-51

15. August 29: Memorial of Beheading of St. John Baptist Color: Red First Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17 Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

16. September 21: Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Color: Red First Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5 Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

17. September 29: Feast of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels Color: White First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, or Revelation 12:7-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5 Gospel: John 1:47-51

18. October 2: Memorial of Guardian Angels Color: White First Reading: Exodus 23:20-23 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 91:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 10-11 Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

19. October 18: Feast of St. Luke, evangelist Color: Red First Reading: Second Timothy 4:9-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18 Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

20. October 28: Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles Color: Red First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5 Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

21. November 30: Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle Color: Red First Reading: Romans 10:9-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5 Gospel: Matthew 4:18-22

22. December 27: Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Color: White Note he is only the Apostle with the white color, as tradition holds St. John died of old age. First Reading: First John 1:1-4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Gospel: John 20:2-8

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Family Events in Jesus' Life:

1. December 25: Solemnity of Christmas (Birth of Jesus) Color: White

   Vigil Mass for Christmas First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29 Second Reading: Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25

   Midnight Mass for Christmas First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14 Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

   Mass at Dawn First Reading: Isaiah 62:11-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97:1, 6, 11-12 Second Reading: Titus 3:4-7 Gospel: Luke 2:15-20

   Mass during the day First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 Gospel: John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14

2. Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday within the octave of Christmas or if there is no Sunday within the octave, December 30) Color: White First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

3. Solemnity of Epiphany (Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8) Color: White First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

4. Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Sunday after Epiphany) Color: White First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

5. February 2: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Color: White First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24:7, 8, 9, 10 Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

6. March 25: Solemnity of the Annunciation Color: White First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 11 Second Reading: Hebrews 10:4-10 Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

7. May 31: Feast of the Visitation Color: White First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18, or Romans 12:9-16 Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

8. Solemnity of Easter Sunday (Feast of the Resurrection) Color: White First Reading: Acts 10:34, 37-43 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4, or First Corinthians 5:6-8 Gospel: John 20:1-9

9. Solemnity of the Ascension (39 days after Easter if on Thursday, 42 days after Easter if on Sunday) Color: White First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

10. Solemnity of Pentecost (49 days after Easter) Color: Red First Reading: Acts 2:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 Second Reading: First Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 Gospel: John 20:19-23

11. August 6: Feast of the Transfiguration Color: White Peter, James and John were with Christ during the Transfiguration. First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 Second Reading: Second Peter 1:16-19 Gospel: Luke 9:28-36

12. August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption Color: White Remember that the Apostles were witnesses to the fact that Mary's body assumed into heaven. We do not have Biblical records of this, but depend on Apostolic Tradition for this doctrine. First Reading: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 45:10, 11, 12, 16 Second Reading: First Corinthians 15:20-26 Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

13. September 8: Feast of the Birth of Mary Color: White Although we don't have Gospel recordings of this, Tradition tells us the story of Saints Ann and Joachim and the birth of Mary. Read the Protoevangelium of James . This source is known as apocryphal , but can help give some visual effects for the children. First Reading: Micah 5:1-4, or Romans 8:28-30 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 13:6, 6 Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23

14. November 21: Memorial of the Presentation of Mary Color: White Although we don't have Gospel recordings of this, Apostolic Tradition tells us the story of Presentation of Mary. Read the Protoevangelium of James . This source is known as apocryphal , but can help give some visual effects for the children. From the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary

    Jennifer Gregory Miller Jennifer G. Miller

    Activity Source: Original Text (JGM) by Jennifer Gregory Miller, © Copyright 2003-2023 by Jennifer Gregory Miller