Family Reflection Video: There is Something Greater than Solomon Here

By: Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. on July 24th, 2017

Family Reflection Video: There is Something Greater than Solomon Here

In studying how young Catholic families pass on the faith to their children, some surprising discoveries were made …

Research has shown that parents have the most overwhelming power and influence in raising children in the Catholic faith. Three common elements were found among families who had a strong Catholic foundation:

Parents were witnesses of lived faith
There was active participation in the parish community
The family participated in charitable acts of service

Parents have the most wonderful and impressive opportunity to share the greatest gift of all with their children. A gift greater than Jonah’s preaching repentance, greater than all of Solomon’s wisdom. This gift results from an encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction and purpose, filled with hope and meaning as missionary disciples of the Lord Jesus.

Think about these questions then discuss as a family. How is your family encountering Jesus? Do you worship together? Are you teaching your children about the faith by your example? Is your family reaching out to others in need?

I pray for all who have chosen the incredible vocation of parenthood! I pray you and your family will help each other to strengthen your faith today. God bless you.

For additional reading: The Demand for a Sign, Matthew 12:38-42

McGrath Institute for Church Life through Notre Dame

Three Ways to Teach the Faith to Your Family

Pope Francis says to teach children faith by example

About Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.

Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C. (Father Willy), a native of Old Town, Maine, is the eighth of 12 children. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He served in ministry at Stonehill College (1979-1992), Holy Cross leadership (1994-2000), National Director of Family Theater Productions, Hollywood (2000-2014), and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries (2014-2022). In addition to English, he is conversant in French and Spanish. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.