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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Grandpa's Garden | Grandparenting | family prayer
It is summer in this region, and the natural world calls us to recreation out of doors. Years ago, I tried running for exercise. When I began, I could barely jog around the block. Over time, I slowly added distance and found solitude and consolation amid my limitations and aspirations. I ran several 5k races to see if I could complete the course. I felt solidarity with other runners, most of whom ran faster than me. The only “running” I do now is hurrying at crosswalks. I enjoy walking.
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Family Time | Grandpa's Garden | Grandparenting
I recently had several conversations with some old classmates, one of whom I’d known for almost seventy years. We hadn’t been in touch for a lifetime, yet we immediately started reminiscing about people and experiences. Our conversation flowed easily, naturally drawing on the riches of memory. It is interesting how circumstance brings people into and out of our lives at various times. In families, our children move into their own autonomous lives. Family relationships endure and evolve.
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Eucharist | Grandparenting | sacramental grace
Spring is in full bloom in the Northeast, and nature’s cycle of life, rebirth of color, blossom, and branches is all around us. It is a renewal that enlivens the soul and beckons us to be conscious of our place in creation. Our youngest grandson recently celebrated his First Communion. We were present to enjoy the Sacramental moment. The celebration began as the children devoutly processed into Church, their hands in a posture of prayer, pointing upward and forward.
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family life | power of prayer | pray the rosary
It is spring in this part of the world, and we’ve been working in the garden. We recently replaced a wooden fence that had seen better days. Taking down the panels was a challenge, trying to prevent the whole thing from falling into the neighbor’s yard. At one end, a vine’s branches had grown and woven into the trellis and attached to the pickets. It took some time to dismantle, as I wasn’t sure if the fence supported the vine or the vine held up the fence. I had a lot of family help installing the new fence. I could not have done it alone.
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Gospel Reflection | Parenting | family life
Families with school-age children probably more than once have had the experience of not being able to find something important — at a particularly awkward moment. When getting ready for school, an athletic event, or church service, we’ve likely all had to look for “my other shoe,” missing homework, field trip form, clean socks, and the list goes on. I remember searching under a child’s bed for the matching sock, thinking—I don’t have time for this. Anticipating what we need is a valuable skill. Do You Have Everything You Need?
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Easter season | Family Dinner | Family Time
We hosted our family on Easter. There were ten of us ranging in age from seven to seventies. We are still harvesting the blessings of conversation, reminiscence, and eating together. We were at peace in our little corner of the world. Families are unique communities, sources of consolation, renewal, and healing. The relationship that binds us together transcends our differences, frailties, and challenges. Whenever we have a family gathering, the time seems to fly by. As the celebration comes to a close, we would like it to last a little longer.
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