Things to talk about:

• We begin and end Mass with the same action. What is it, and how does it relate to today’s feast day?
• How would you describe the three Persons of the Trinity? Draw a picture if it helps.(See video link below)
• Which person of the Trinity do you pray to the most? Explain your answer.
• Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. What can your family do to respond to this commission?

Things to do:

• St. Patrick had a strong devotion to the Trinity. He was known to make the Sign of the Cross many times throughout the day, whether in times of trouble or in thanksgiving. Count how many times you make the sign of the cross this week.
• Water Fun – Water reminds us that we are baptized with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Take some time to play water games today. You can play with water balloons or run through a sprinkler.
• Be aware this week of things that are 3 parts of 1 whole…. an egg, an apple, ice… and discuss how these are similar to our belief in the Trinity. (Remember St Patrick used the example of the shamrock to teach about the Trinity?)

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Glory Be

The Glory Be honors the Most Holy Trinity. Reflect on the words of this traditional prayer using the questions below. Have one person read the prayer and reflection question one line at a time. Pause for a minute or two after each line in order to think about the question. Invite family members to share their reflections.

Glory be to the Father – How do I show glory to God?

and to the Son – How would I describe Jesus to my friends?

and to the Holy Spirit – Where have I seen the Holy Spirit working in my life this past week?

as it was in the beginning – What is my earliest memory of God?

is now – What is God speaking to my heart right now?

and ever shall be world without end. – What do I think Heaven will be like?

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

The Trinity is a very deep mystery with many layers of meaning. This Gospel gives us just a glimpse into the connection among the Persons of the Trinity. Jesus tells us he will send the Spirit and the Spirit will take its meaning from Jesus, who received it from the Father.

Watch the video below for some conversation starters with the family about other things that are 3 in 1. The biggest distinction with the Trinity is that 1+1+1=1. Three persons, one God, but each of the three persons is God… that is a mystery!

At Mass, we profess the Creed, which has many statements about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Pray the Creed slowly and discuss what we believe about the Trinity.

The Sign of the Cross, our simplest yet most profound expression of faith, proclaims our believe in the Trinity. Each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we honor God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Did you know?… that the Trinity is one of the mysteries of our faith? We believe that God is one but with three distinct Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Creed articulates our faith in the Trinity.

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