St. Vincent Pallotti (Feast Day January 22)

April 21, 1795 – January 22, 1850

St. Vincent Pallotti was born in Rome in 1795. He was a well-known priest because many people sensed that God worked extraordinary graces through him. He raised large sums of money and organized schools for shoemakers, tailors, coachmen, carpenters, and gardeners, as well as evening classes for young farmers and unskilled workers. In his lifetime, he founded the Union of Catholic Apostolate. At that time, the Church did not actively involve the laity, but St. Vincent wanted to inspire people from all walks of life to work constantly for God's kingdom. He called the members of the Union of Catholic Apostolate (laity, sisters, priests, and brothers) to charity, patience, humility, zeal, and love of God. St. Vincent Pallotti died, leaving a legacy that inspires people worldwide. Today the Union of Catholic Apostolate in the United States is composed of the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers, the Pallottine Sisters, the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, and various lay groups.

·      What is it like to catch a fish? Share a time when you went fishing.

·      What does Jesus mean when he says he will make the brothers fishers of men?

·      Why do you think James and John leave their previous life behind and follow Jesus?

·      St. Vincent Pallotti left a legacy that continues to inspire people today. What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want people to remember you?

Aqua-Themed Activity

·      Take a trip to a local aquarium.

·      Go to a pet store to look at the fish and other animals. Who knows, you may return with a new addition to your family!

·      Have a movie night and pick an ocean-themed movie (“Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Dolphin Tale,” etc.) complete with lights off and popcorn!

Fish Tacos

Inspired by the fishermen in today’s Gospel, enjoy some delicious fish tacos!

Taco Shells (crunchy or soft)

Fish Sticks

Desired toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, coleslaw, cheese, etc.

Prepare the fish sticks according to instructions. Prepare the toppings and prepare shells according to instructions. Place one to three fish sticks in a shell and add desired toppings. Enjoy!

Children                   Adults

Praise be to God         who made us a family.

Praise be to God         for the love that we share.

Praise be to God         for sending us Jesus.

Praise be to God         for teaching us to care.

Help us, Lord Jesus     fill our lives with your Spirit.

Help us, Lord Jesus     teach us how to forgive.

Help us, Lord Jesus     grant us wisdom and patience.

Help us, Lord Jesus     in your grace may we live.

Come, Holy Spirit        fill our lives with your gifts.

Come, Holy Spirit        help us serve other's needs.

Come, Holy Spirit        teach us faith, hope, and love.

Come, Holy Spirit        guide our thoughts and our deeds.

Be with us, God           we ask Mary to help us.

Be with us, God           we look to Joseph for aid.

Be with us, God           may we respect one another.

Be with us, God           may our hope never fade.

Hear us, Lord Jesus     watch over our family.

Hear us, Lord Jesus     help our faith to grow strong.

Hear us, Lord Jesus     come and dwell in our hearts.

Hear us, Lord Jesus     to you we belong.

Spirit, we praise you   you invite us to know you.

Spirit, we praise you   may we walk in your light.

Spirit, we praise you   may we find you in all things.

Spirit, we praise you   all day and all night. Amen.

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In the early Church, the fish was a secret symbol of Christianity. Look around the church and vestibule to see if you can find any fish in the art, décor, windows, or books.

St. Vincent Pallotti raised large sums of money to help others. Brainstorm one way your family can help someone in need this week.

In 2019, Pope Francis declared the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time as Sunday of the Word of God.  This day reminds us to read the Bible regularly and reminds us of the connection between the Bible and the sacraments.