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Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Church approved apparitions | Family Activities | Marian devotion
Allison Auth shares the stories of three little-known Marian apparitions that took place in France and explains why they remain relevant today. Most people have heard of Lourdes, France, and many know about Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception’s appearance to Saint Catherine Laboure in Paris. But did you know there are three other Church-approved Marian apparitions in France? While teaching a homeschool co-op this year, I had the opportunity to learn about the other ones. Our Lady of Laus and Our Lady of La Salette appeared to shepherd children in the Alps, and Our Lady of Pontmain appeared to children in Normandy. Here, I’ll summarize each apparition and show its significance for today.
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Family Activities | catholic parenting | family prayer
Catholic Mom contributor Jake Frost reflects on what will truly transform our kids' lives in the era of AI. There’s been a lot in the news about how AI will transform the lives of our children. When I see things like that, I can’t help but think: Nothing will transform the lives of our kids like their parents. No screen, app, or artificial anything compares to the real impact of parents caring, praying, working, and loving their children 24/7 — and leading their children to Jesus Christ, Who will transform their lives like nothing else can. Helping our kids come to know and love Jesus, giving them the treasure of great price that surpasses all else in value, and introducing them to the best and only friend they’ll ever have or need is the greatest thing anyone can do for our children. And they won’t get that from any chatbot. No large language model will lead them to The Word.
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Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
Family Activities | Feast of the Sacred Heart | catholic family life
Sister Margaret Kerry offers ideas for families preparing to celebrate our nation's upcoming Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We are witnesses to a remarkable moment in United States history: On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The founder of my Pauline Religious Family, Blessed James Alberione, recognized that devotion to the heart of Christ was found in the church as early as the first century. To illustrate this, Alberione designed the communion rail at the Temple of St. Paul in Alba, Italy, with two unique gates opening to the sanctuary. The design on one gate is the heart of Paul, and on the other is the heart of Christ. The words, written in Latin, are entwined within an image of the vine and branches: “The heart of Paul is the heart of Christ.” In his letters, Paul reminds us we are called to have a heart that pulses with the heart of Christ (Galatians 2:20).
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Catholic Family Fun | Family Activities | rosary
Summer is here! Discover nine engaging ways to nurture family bonds and faith while creating cherished memories together, away from screens and distractions. A friend and I went out to dinner last weekend, and as we sat at an outside table chatting, we noticed a family of four at a table a few feet away. It was a mother, father, a daughter who looked to be about 14, and a son who looked to be about 11. All except the father had their faces buried in their phones. For nearly 15 minutes, he sat there forlornly just looking around. But then he too pulled out his phone. It made me incredibly sad, for it was a beautiful night and all this family could think about was escaping to social media or texting. As Ecclesiastes 3 teaches, There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
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Contemplative Prayer | Family Activities | rosary
Women who like to pair Scripture with praying the Rosary will appreciate the new book of Rosary meditations by Catholic Mom contributing writer Margaret Rash. Readers won't need to hunt down the Scripture readings, because they're all right there in the book. That means you won't have to juggle your Bible and your rosary beads and your book of meditations.
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Blessed Virgin Mary | Catholic Family Fun | Family Activities | Marian devotion
Shelly Henley Kelly shares a how-to guide for families and friends who want to host a May Crowning at home. There’s something deeply beautiful about honoring Our Blessed Mother in the month of May. For generations, Catholics have celebrated May Crownings in parishes and schools, but this tradition can be just as meaningful when brought into the home. Growing up, Judy always wanted to be the girl chosen to crown the statue of Mary in her school’s May Crowning celebrations. She never was. But the happy childhood memories of singing Marian hymns and processing with flowers stayed with her for many years. So, when she saw the parish bulletin announcing a preschool May Crowning, it inspired her to host her own May Crowning at home with friends. What are you waiting for? Need ideas on how? Read on...
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