Servant of God Constance Helen Gladman

December 23, 1922 – November 30, 1964 

Constance Gladman was born in a small rural town in southwestern Australia. At a young age, Connie (as she was called) felt a calling to religious life.

Connie attended a teaching college in Melbourne. She wanted to go into the convent but her dad would not let her. He felt that his oldest daughter needed to be exposed to the world before making such a decision. Heeding her dad’s wishes, Connie taught in regular schools after graduation, but her desire to teach the poor and impoverished never left her.

When she was in her mid-20s, her father, seeing how his daughter had never lost her desire to become a nun, relented and gave her his blessing. Connie then joined the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Connie took the religious name of Sister Mary Rosina, and, from that point on, she dedicated her life to the missions. She was sent to Papua New Guinea to teach. Sister Mary became highly respected and was elevated to the post of Teacher’s Supervisor. The government held her in high regard and, needing qualified people to help train local teachers, she agreed to assist them. Training others to teach was something she came to truly love.

On November 30, 1964, while Sister Mary Rosina was working with a novice teacher, a man quietly moved up behind her and killed her. She was 41 years old. She has been declared a Servant of God, the first step in becoming a saint, and her cause is now before the Congregation for the Causes for Saints. 

·       What would it have been like for Mary and Joseph to realize that Jesus was missing?

·       Why do you think Jesus called the temple “his Father’s house”?

·       What is your favorite thing to do at church?

·       Constance Gladman had a gift for teaching. Who is/was your favorite teacher? Why is this teacher so special to you?

Create a Comic Book

In today’s Gospel, we hear how Mary kept memories in her heart. Capture some of your favorite family stories in a creative way by designing a family comic book. Have each family member draw a different family story as if it were in a comic book. Share your stories with one another and assemble them in chronological order into a “book.” Keep the book until next year’s feast of the Holy Family!

Roasted Chickpeas 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on a long journey for the feast of Passover. Enjoy this protein-packed snack to give you energy during the Christmas season!

2 cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

2 Tbsp. olive oil

salt

any additional spices you want

Preheat oven to 400 F. Drain chickpeas and rinse. Dry on a kitchen towel and remove any loose peels. Cover the chickpeas with the olive oil in a bowl. Spread on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with salt. Cook for 20 minutes or until crisp. Add any additional spices you would like over the chickpeas. These make a great snack. They can also be used on top of soups or salads.                      

Prayer for Families

We bless your name, O Lord,

for sending your own incarnate Son,

to become part of a family,

so that, as he lived its life,

he would experience its worries and its joys.

We ask you, Lord,

to protect and watch over this family,

so that in the strength of your grace

its members may enjoy prosperity,

possess the priceless gift of your peace,

and, as the Church alive in the home,

bear witness in this world to your glory.

We ask this thought Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Taken from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers

In what way is your church “your Father’s house”?

Just as Mary did, reflect on the past year and share your most memorable family moment. 

The feast of the Holy Family was instituted to encourage Christian families to model the faithful love and devotion of the Holy Family. Although major feast days dedicated to each member of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—also exist, the Feast of the Holy Family commemorates their life together, and the celebration focuses on religious family life.