Why focus on families?
As the old adage says, "families that pray together stay together" is found to be largely true. In fact, at the Second Vatican Council families were uplifted in their way of life. The importance of parents in the lives of their children being fully recognized. We are enacting and putting to work the goals that the Council set forth for education of families who serve as the fundamental and irreplaceable witness of Christian life.
Universal call to holiness
“All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity.”[1]“Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”[2]We are all called to be holy. As part of the baptismal call, we all are called to sanctify ourselves and the world around us right where we are at in the world.
“[Lay Christians] live in the ordinary circumstances of family and social life, from which the very web of their existence is woven.”[3]
“By their very vocation, they seek the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering them according to the plan of God. They live in the world, that is, in each and in all of the secular professions and occupations.”[4]
“Hence the laity, dedicated as they are to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and prepared, so that even richer fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them. For all their works, prayers, and apostolic undertakings, family and married life, daily work, relaxation of mind and body, if they are accomplished in the Spirit — indeed even the hardships of life, if patiently borne — all these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. In the celebration of the Eucharist these may most fittingly be offered to the Father along with the body of the Lord. And so, worshiping everywhere by their holy actions, the laity consecrate the world itself to God, everywhere offering worship by the holiness of their lives.”[5]
With regard to the Religious education of Youth
“The witness of Christian life given by parents in the family comes to children with tenderness and parental respect. Children thus perceive and joyously live the closeness of God and of Jesus made manifest by their parents in such a way that this first Christian experience frequently leaves decisive traces which last throughout life. This childhood religious awakening which takes place in the family is irreplaceable.”[6]
[1]Lumen Genitum(Rome: Holy See, 1964), 40.
[2]Matthew 5:48
[3]Lumen Gentium, 31.
[4]Ibid.
[5]Catechism of the Catholic Church (Washington DC: USCCB, 2001), 901.
[6]General Directory for Catechesis(Rome: Holy See, 1971), 226.
Universal call to holiness
“All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity.”[1]“Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”[2]We are all called to be holy. As part of the baptismal call, we all are called to sanctify ourselves and the world around us right where we are at in the world.
“[Lay Christians] live in the ordinary circumstances of family and social life, from which the very web of their existence is woven.”[3]
“By their very vocation, they seek the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and by ordering them according to the plan of God. They live in the world, that is, in each and in all of the secular professions and occupations.”[4]
“Hence the laity, dedicated as they are to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and prepared, so that even richer fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them. For all their works, prayers, and apostolic undertakings, family and married life, daily work, relaxation of mind and body, if they are accomplished in the Spirit — indeed even the hardships of life, if patiently borne — all these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. In the celebration of the Eucharist these may most fittingly be offered to the Father along with the body of the Lord. And so, worshiping everywhere by their holy actions, the laity consecrate the world itself to God, everywhere offering worship by the holiness of their lives.”[5]
With regard to the Religious education of Youth
“The witness of Christian life given by parents in the family comes to children with tenderness and parental respect. Children thus perceive and joyously live the closeness of God and of Jesus made manifest by their parents in such a way that this first Christian experience frequently leaves decisive traces which last throughout life. This childhood religious awakening which takes place in the family is irreplaceable.”[6]
[1]Lumen Genitum(Rome: Holy See, 1964), 40.
[2]Matthew 5:48
[3]Lumen Gentium, 31.
[4]Ibid.
[5]Catechism of the Catholic Church (Washington DC: USCCB, 2001), 901.
[6]General Directory for Catechesis(Rome: Holy See, 1971), 226.
For further reading, take a look at the four major mistakes of Religious Education as it stands today.
Have a great Summer! See you in the Fall. Registration opens THIS WEEK
May is 'Christian Prayer' Month!
Bringing prayer into your day brings greater inner peace, and helps us to be the great parents our children deserve!
Family Night 'Christian Prayer' Foundations Handout
We are all about PRIMARY sources. Primary means straight from the horses mouth and no nonsense! It also means in this case direct Bible quotes and Catechism quotes on Christian Prayer. It is great to be able to spend five to ten minutes reflecting on a particular reading each day, or to sit and absorb it all in at once. Try to cut out some time to give some deeper thought on what God might be calling you towards by reading sacred scripture and learning from the Catechism.
When we learn as parents, the questions we answer and the example we give teach well more then a simple lesson. Let your life mirror the life of Christ, for the sake of your Children's faith formation. Research shows it takes not only parents, but also 5 or so adults as well as peers to mentor youth into the faith. Let go, and let God!
We promise, we picked only the best just for you in a short and easy format.
When we learn as parents, the questions we answer and the example we give teach well more then a simple lesson. Let your life mirror the life of Christ, for the sake of your Children's faith formation. Research shows it takes not only parents, but also 5 or so adults as well as peers to mentor youth into the faith. Let go, and let God!
We promise, we picked only the best just for you in a short and easy format.
| family_formation_night_handout_may_2019.pdf |
Five kinds of prayer
There are five kinds of prayer to be aware of:
"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy."
Further Notes about Family Prayer: Just like Jesus disciples his Apostles into how-to-pray parents are called to disciple their children in prayer. This mentorship in prayer is best done when parents example how to pray in front of their children. Below are several ways to help facilitate prayer at home. No one can replace that at-home sponsor (Faith Partner) or parent as modeling a spirituality is something that takes personal contact and relationship.
- Blessing: To give God's love to others, or to ask for God's love.
- Petition: To ask God for a favor.
- Intercession: To pray for someone else, or to ask someone else to pray for you (like the saints).
- Thanksgiving: To give thanks to God
- Praise: To give God due worship
- Vocal Prayer: Praying aloud.
- Mental Prayer: Quietly praying with words in ones mind, or a state of active reflection.
- Contemplative Prayer: A loving openness to God, or a passive reflection and focus upon God.
"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy."
Further Notes about Family Prayer: Just like Jesus disciples his Apostles into how-to-pray parents are called to disciple their children in prayer. This mentorship in prayer is best done when parents example how to pray in front of their children. Below are several ways to help facilitate prayer at home. No one can replace that at-home sponsor (Faith Partner) or parent as modeling a spirituality is something that takes personal contact and relationship.
Learning about Prayer
This month a special focus should be put on prayer, especially as a family. Check out these fun and easy ways to learn!
How to pray the Rosary, short video!
Prepare for this months readings as a family!
Pflaum provides wonderful family activities and reflections each week as we prepare for the readings. Please take a look, bring the Gospel alive each week with a simple activity and reflection.
Select 'Gospel at Home' and the date of the weekend you need.
Select 'Gospel at Home' and the date of the weekend you need.
Other, awesome short videos about this months topic:
Living in Christ
Tips for Praying
Father Mike Schmitz gives lots a great tips on everything from how to pray to times to pray.
Father Mike Schmitz gives lots a great tips on everything from how to pray to times to pray.
3 Ways God Answers Prayer
Does God answer prayer? You may be surprised. Ask, seek, knock and keep praying!
Does God answer prayer? You may be surprised. Ask, seek, knock and keep praying!
Praying when in the state of Mortal Sin
Being in the state of Mortal Sin can be alarming, and disheartening. But, how do we pray when we know we've messed up? And how do we prepare for Reconciliation?
Being in the state of Mortal Sin can be alarming, and disheartening. But, how do we pray when we know we've messed up? And how do we prepare for Reconciliation?
Praying for Spouses
The smallest community is that of the family. In fact community life begins in the family, which is why the family is so sacred. We must learn to pray for our spouses, as we learned that grace is a central part of being able to love one's spouse like Christ loves the Church (see Ephesians 5:25). To give language to your prayer for your spouse enjoy this short video.
The smallest community is that of the family. In fact community life begins in the family, which is why the family is so sacred. We must learn to pray for our spouses, as we learned that grace is a central part of being able to love one's spouse like Christ loves the Church (see Ephesians 5:25). To give language to your prayer for your spouse enjoy this short video.
Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intention
Each month, Pope Francis has a special prayer intention that Catholics around the world pray for. It is a great practice to learn about what this intention is and to keep it in prayer throughout the month. Not to mention, there are special graces associated with praying for the Pope and his intentions.
