We are called to take up the “shield of Faith” (Ephesians 6:16) through sacrifice — by freely placing the needs of our family and of others before our own—and to bring this sacrifice forth before the altar of God. In this activity you will create a “family shield” which celebrates your identity as a family, and discuss how you are called to sacrifice and to serve.
Materials Needed
- Poster board with a large shield shape cut out of it
- Crayons/markers/paint
- Family photo
- Icon of Christ and icons of the patron saint of each family member
- Magazine photos (optional)
Instructions
- Discuss the following:
- How could we improve our outreach and service to others?
- How could we enhance our family prayer life?
- How could we spend more meaningful time together?
- Consider what God is calling your family to do. Decide on two or three ideas together.
- Place an icon of Christ in the center of the shield and the icons of your patron saints around it.
- Place the family photo under the icons. Draw/paint/write the family name either under the photo or at the top of the shield. Optional: Use photos from magazines on the rest of the shield to make it reflect who you are.
- In the upper right portion, write or draw pictures by answering: “As a family we HOPE to…” This will reflect the resolutions you chose in step 2.
- In the upper left portion, list with words or pictures: “With JOY as a family we will achieve our goals by…”
- In the lower right portion, complete the following: “With LOVE in our hearts, we promise to help one another keep our goals by…”
- In the lower left portion, write or draw pictures by answering: “With FAITH as a family we will rely on God by…”
- Sign the shield and display it prominently in your home.
- Close by asking each family member to name their favorite part of your family shield and the hope it represents. Say the Lord’s Prayer together.
This is adapted, and used with permission, from an activity by the same title written by Rev. Heath Howe and published by Vibrant Faith @ Home. For more family faith-forming activities go to www.vibrantfaithathome.org.