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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Thanksgiving | The Sacraments | catholic family life | family prayer
My elementary and preschool-aged children have enjoyed making a construction paper chain full of things we are thankful for this month as we approach Thanksgiving. We have discussed the pilgrims and Native Americans in our homeschool lessons, and they look forward to traveling to visit relatives later this week. It's fun to cultivate holiday traditions with young children and to teach them to count their blessings at Thanksgiving. But how do we teach them gratitude beyond Thanksgiving day? How do we shape their hearts to cultivate gratitude for what they have when the stores are bursting with Christmas gifts they think they "need"? Here are four ways to help your families make thankfulness a habit when the pumpkin pie is long gone! When you're finished reading, we'd love to hear some of your own ideas in the comments!
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Catholic Faith | Grandpa's Garden | catholic family life
In November, we traditionally recall those who have gone before us to eternal life. It is a time of enduring hope and can also be mixed with some sadness as we miss those people we loved so deeply. I remember years ago giving the news of our parents’ deaths to our children. In those difficult conversations, we tried to navigate our feelings while helping our young ones cope with their reactions. Their relationships with their grandparents enriched all of us. With experience, we learn to process through challenging times together. Community and family life offer mutual support, acceptance, and opportunities to share feelings and memories. Saint Paul observed that love is patient and kind and never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4, 8).
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Catholic Faith | Grandpa's Garden | catholic family life
It is autumn in this region, and the vibrant colors of falling leaves remind us of nature’s life cycle of growth and rebirth. Creation sheds old growth in preparation for new life. I’ve spent a lot of time in the garden pruning and thinning the plants and shrubbery. After my reductions, I’m always amazed at how the branches grow back with increased vitality.
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Catholic Faith | Grandpa's Garden | catholic family life
Several years ago, I came across an online photo from a news outlet at the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. The image stayed with me. The setting was late winter before any hint of spring in the air. The sky was overcast, trees were bare, and patches of snow scattered the ground. A solitary woman sat on a park bench, dressed in a winter coat and stocking cap. In her hands, she held a rosary. In a way, she was a symbol of all of us at the time.
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Catholic Faith | Grandpa's Garden | catholic family life
Our oldest child just celebrated a birthday. The day she was born, we drove country roads in the predawn darkness to the community hospital. It was the first day of school in the town, and as it happened, the weather was beautiful. When we arrived, the staff whisked away the expectant mom. I donned delivery room attire and waited. I learned that “labor” is appropriately named. Eventually, I joined my wife and listened, encouraged, and supported the best I could, realizing I was somewhat helpless. My role was to be there with her.
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catholic family life | children at Mass | family prayer
I know that going to church on Sunday is not always easy. Getting the kids dressed and out the door on time on Sunday morning has its challenges. I would be lying if I said there were not some Sundays I wished I could just sleep in. Stay in bed for another hour. But every week, all five of us are at Mass. I often hear parents say that it is just “too hard” at this stage, and they will start going again when their kids are older. Those easier days turn into becoming complacent about not attending mass. Frankly, kids learn about how to behave and worship by being in Mass. There is not a magic age where everything just “clicks.”
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