World at Prayer blog

Reflections of Family and Faith

"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton

Blog Feature

Catholic Faith  |  family prayer  |  parish culture

Signs of Life: Bringing Hope to a “Dying” Parish

When Patrick Peyton first arrived in Scranton, Pennsylvania, from Ireland, he searched for work for weeks without success. Monsignor Kelly tracked him down and offered him a job as a sexton (janitor) in the cathedral—he accepted. Finally, while working in the cathedral, with the silence, peace, and joy of talking to Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother, Patrick experiences a sense of being at home and a place of happiness. Patrick’s dream of becoming a missionary priest is awakened in a new land. ~FatherPeyton.org Today, guest contributor, Mary Kreger, shares her moving experience as a church custodian. Help Wanted In the spring of 2022, our pastor announced after Sunday Mass that the church sacristan and groundskeeper would be leaving the parish for a new job. “On behalf of our church, I want to thank Chuck for his 27 years of faithful service,” our pastor said, adding, “Chuck’s full-time position will now be divided into three part-time jobs, including a church custodian role.” My ears perked up at this last announcement. They needed someone to clean the church? I could do that. “Unless we find someone willing to do these part-time jobs, the parish can’t go on,” the pastor continued. “Please consider applying.”

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Catholic books for children  |  Rosary with kids  |  family prayer

A Rosary-Themed Chapter Book

Leslea Wahl reviews Jumping into Joy, a book that will keep kids engaged while encouraging the whole family to think about the Rosary in new ways. Jumping into Joy by Theresa Linden Published by Silver Fire Publishing Review: I can’t rave enough about this new chapter-book series by Theresa Linden. Caitlyn and Peter’s Rosary Adventures is a fun, entertaining way to bring the Mysteries of the Rosary to life...

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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.

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Rosary Stories  |  Through the Mysteries Podcast  |  family prayer

Through the Mysteries Podcast: Praying with Mary

In this episode of Family Rosary's new podcast, hosts Father David Marcham, Stephen Driscoll, and Allison Gingras continue reflecting on how the Mysteries of the Rosary can be experienced in the ordinary of each day! Father Marcham then unpacks the scriptural origins of the Hail Mary, where the Church has added its petition, and why. Followed by a fascinating discussion on why the Blessed Virgin Mary is called ‘full of grace’ and what that truly means for each of us. The trio also dives deeper into the meaning of grace, the undeserved yet freely given gift of God's Holy Spirit, and why that is so important to our lives. Their discussion then turns to Mary being more than just a fragile porcelain statue. She is alive in Heaven, a powerful advocate for us, and a model of strength and humility. Wrapping the episode, as they always do, with a Rosary Story, this one is from Maria Gallagher, a long-time Catholic Mom contributor. Don't miss this Marian-focused episode that is sure to inspire, entertain, and encourage! Click the play button below or visit your favorite podcast platform to listen to episode 9:

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Rosary with kids  |  family prayer  |  pray the rosary

Countless Gifts from God

“All good giving and every perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) We receive countless gifts from God in our lives, from food, clothing, and shelter to the graces He gives us each day. When we count our blessings, do we remember to return blessings and adoration to God? The prayer of blessing and adoration is one of the five forms of prayer designated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise) — the form in which we worship God or invoke His grace. “Blessing expresses the basic movement of Christian prayer: it is an encounter between God and man. In blessing, God's gift and man's acceptance of it are united in dialogue with each other.” (CCC 2626) The Catechism describes the prayer of blessing as an “encounter” between God and man. What is an encounter? The dictionary definition of the word is a meeting or experience with another person. As in a visit with a good friend, an encounter is an exchange, a back-and-forth between two people. In the Rosary, we engage in an encounter with Christ and our Blessed Mother, especially through the prayerful recitation of the Our Father and the Hail Mary. As our fingers move over the Rosary beads and our lips recite the words of these prayers, we listen and respond to Jesus and Our Lady.

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Family Activities  |  Family Rosary  |  family prayer  |  how to pray the rosary

Family Rosary Prayer Companion for Families

Introducing the Family Rosary Companion, an interactive, engaging, and adorable guide designed to bring families together in prayer. Family Rosary and Catholic Mom have created a unique resource perfect for children of all ages! Additionally, all of the Mysteries are available as separate downloadable coloring pages! Scroll to the bottom of this post to find our new, free Rosary prayer resources for you and your family! Children learn the Rosary prayers and practice remaining focused during prayer as they trace the names of the Mysteries, reflect on the colorful images depicting the life of Christ and His Blessed Mother, and color the beads while you pray. The back of the companion has simple, step-by-step instructions on how to pray the Rosary, complete with all the prayers. Make the Family Rosary Companion a part of your daily family prayer. Designed to introduce the Rosary to your youngest family members, this resource helps build your family's faith and create special memories together through the power of prayer. Family Rosary Companion - Joyful Mysteries (Actual Size 8 x 11): Download your copy of the Family Rosary Companion below.

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catholic family life  |  family prayer  |  pray the rosary

Praying the Rosary: Served Fresh, with a Side of Humility

Both my husband and I were blessed to have grown up praying the Rosary with our families. Rain or shine, no matter what was happening, when it was time for the Rosary, all activities ceased, and we gathered to pray. My parents waited until we kids were older to have us join them in praying, so there were no toddlers present causing mayhem, and it was actually a peaceful rendition of a family Rosary. I’m not saying we would be on the front page of the Faith & Family magazine, but maybe somewhere near the back. Carrying On the Family Rosary with our Toddler With our upbringing, it was an easy habit for me and my husband to continue praying the Rosary when we started our journey as a young married couple. Now with a very active 18-month-old, the tranquility of our Rosary is — how shall we say — lessened. I have a feeling that Our Lord and the Blessed Mother share an amused glance when we begin our Rosary because it’s such a comedy routine these days. After dinner, one of us cleans the kitchen from all the gunk that has accumulated in the past 12 hours. The other one entertains our toddler with dominoes so she doesn’t run through the dirt piles that are being swept together in the kitchen. Both my husband and I are brain-dead at the end of our respective long days.

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