February 23, 2008
“The Story of Benedict XVI for Young People“
By Claire Jordan Mohan.
Children need to know their new Pope not only as a great man of God but as he was, a child and a teenager like themselves. Growing up in Germany was for Joseph Ratzinger both a peaceful and a dangerous time. He had the inner peace and stability of a devout Catholic family life, but all around this family the evils of Nazism and World War II raged. The family lived under this threat and had to struggle to remain Catholic in an anti-Catholic state. In the midst of this, Joseph found his vocation and suffered persecution because of his decision to become a Catholic priest. Contains quotations from Benedict XVI, chronology, and glossary.”
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February 23, 2008
We recently watched Dr. Ray’s DVD entitled “You’re a better parent than you think.” We laughed until we cried. If you are like me and you don’t watch parenting videos, this should be an exception. (Recommended by gharne).
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February 23, 2008
From Pius XI’s “On Christian Marriage” (Casti Connubii)
“16. The blessing of offspring, however, is not completed by the mere begetting of them, but something else must be added, namely the proper education of the offspring. For the most wise God would have failed to make sufficient provision for children that had been born, and so for the whole human race, if He had not given to those to whom He had entrusted the power and right to beget them, the power also and the right to educate them. For no one can fail to see that children are incapable of providing wholly for themselves, even in matters pertaining to their natural life, and much less in those pertaining to the supernatural, but require for many years to be helped, instructed, and educated by others. Now it is certain that both by the law of nature and of God this right and duty of educating their offspring belongs in the first place to those who began the work of nature by giving them birth, and they are indeed forbidden to leave unfinished this work and so expose it to certain ruin. But in matrimony provision has been made in the best possible way for this education of children that is so necessary, for, since the parents are bound together by an indissoluble bond, the care and mutual help of each is always at hand.”
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February 23, 2008
What is the REAP Team?
Click on the link above to find out. (And it’s in our ‘backyard.’)
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February 23, 2008
NextWave Faithful “is a new outreach from Family Life Center International. ‘Through an online community, conferences, publications, and radio shows, they seek to encourage and equip the next generation to answer the call of Christ. The site provides in-depth information on all of these avenues of outreach, as well as many online resources. The articles deal with topics important to youth, and the online community is vibrant. Of special note is a detailed list of positive Christian music alternatives to secular artists which is indexed both by type of music and specific artists. This is an excellent outreach from an excellent Catholic organization.” (Description from CatholicCulture.org)
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December 12, 2007
There will be an exciting conference for Catholic men on March 15th 2008 in St. Louis. A group of men from Holy Childhood of Jesus will be attending. Watch for posters around the parish and notices in the bulletin. For details, visit: http://www.catholicmenforchrist.com/site/
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November 9, 2007
From S. Anderson:
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, 2008. Holy Childhood will be hosting the Vatican International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World.
Jesus Christ is present in a ‘unique and incomparable way’ in the Holy Eucharist. This exhibit includes the stories of 126 miracles associated with faith in and worship of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Eucharistic miracles inspire in us a deeper awareness and more ardent love of our Lord’s Real Presence.
The exhibition will take place on Saturday, March 8 from 2:00-7:00pm and Sunday, March 9 from 8:00am – 1:00pm in the Parish Center.
Please join us for this museum-style walk through exhibit of Eucharistic miracles. Read it at your own pace.
The Real Presence Association, founded by the late Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., is a nationally focused apostolate promoting perpetual adoration. Archbishop Raymond Burke is a member of the Board of The Real Presence Association and approves of this exhibit.
The Exhibit is hosted by The Body of Christ Outreach, Incorporated of St. Peters, MO. Visit their website at http://www.bodyofchristoutreach.org
Volunteers are needed to help set-up, tear-down, and to stay with the exhibit during public viewing times for a shift. If interested please contact the parish office or post a comment here.
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November 6, 2007
Through a story in our most recent “Faith & Family” magazine, I found a website featuring a magazine for Catholic teens called “Our Faith in Action: Connecting Faith to Current Events.” Remembering our recent mission by Doug Brummel, who encouraged us to “connect!” our faith with the rest of our lives, it seemed as if this magazine might be just the sort of resource that Doug would recommend. It appears to be a short magazine that focuses on one particular topic from a variety of perspectives and looks as though it could be used within the context of a Catholic Youth Organization or a Parish School of Religion or perhaps even in our parish school itself. A free, sample issue is available online.
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November 6, 2007
“Only by praying together with their children can a father and mother penetrate the innermost depths of their children’s hearts and leave an impression that the future events in their lives will not be able to effface.” (John Paul the Great, writing in Familiaris Consortio).
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November 6, 2007
Recently, a number of families in the parish have been getting together to pray the rosary. This usually takes about twenty minutes and then we have some snacks while the children play. Its been good for the kids as well as the adults. We would love to have more families join us. (We have “cheat sheets” with the prayers and can share some of our extra rosaries.) To find out more about where we will be meeting next and when, call the parish office and ask Mickey about the family rosary.
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November 1, 2007
We just bought this book for our kids for Christmas this year. Here’s what the editors at Whipper Snapper Books have to say about it.
“I have wondered so often why there aren’t more storybooks published for Catholic children. Well, here’s a wonderful book to change that. Nabisso’s Catholic tale is full of beauty, faith and imagination.
It has a fairy tale beginning (“Once upon a time”) and many features of a fairy tale, including a king and queen, a wedding, and characters – like a snotty baker and a beggar woman – who could have walked right out of Grimm’s. Just as in fairy tales, something is wrong in the kingdom and threatens to spoil the royal wedding. But here the problem isn’t an ogre or old witch – it’s that the people have grown cold in the practice of their faith. Instead of a fairy appearing to set things right with magic, there is a miracle.
Let me tell you, it’s not just any miracle: it’s a delightful one!! That sense of delight fills Nabisso’s writing and Szegedi’s illustrations, which are elegant, funny and loving. This book takes on some tough issues: the baker is not only selfish but tries to humiliate the old woman who begs for a crust of bread and who offers to dedicate her evening mass to him in exchange. The shop is too prosperous, the patrons are too rich, the pastries are too extravagant in the absence of any sign of charity. Kids will love the miracle that sets this all right because it’s fitting and funny and good and redemptive. This one is a keeper.
Gorgeous illustrations. Josephine Nobisso, author; Katalin Szegedi, illustrator; 34 pages”
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November 1, 2007
In our culture today, our children must give an account of what they believe not only to non-Christians but to non-Catholic Christians as well. Sometimes those who challenge the more distinctively Catholic aspects of our faith will do so in a friendly way, truly wanting to understand what we believe. At other times, these challenges will be aimed at drawing our children away from the Church and the fullness of our faith. How can we help prepare our children for such challenges? Friendly Defenders can help. (I should add that while these cards are designed for kids, I’ve learned a lot from them already. We purchased the first set, and intend to purchase the second.)
Here’s how they are described on the “Friendly Defenders” website:
Introducing Friendly Defenders Catholic Flash Cards
There’s no greater gift a parent or teacher can give to a Catholic child than a firm grounding in the faith. When strengthened by faith, a child can truly soar.
Yet, a good knowledge of (and love for) the Catholic faith won’t come by accident. This knowledge needs to be pursued, nurtured, and put into practice.
With a firm understanding of the Catholic faith, a child will love God above all things (Matt. 22:37), build his or her house on a firm foundation (Matt. 7:24), have a full and abundant life (John 10:10), know what’s right when others say it’s wrong (Romans 12:2), be strong in times of trouble (Psalm 46:2), be at peace in the storms of life (Philippians 4:7) and live a good and holy life (Matt. 5:3-12). What more could a Catholic parent ask for?
As parents, we need to assist teachers in the vitally important task of training our children in the Catholic faith. The book of Proverbs says the rewards will be great: “Train up a child in the right way and when they are old, they will not stray.” (Proverbs 22:6)
The Friendly Defenders Catholic Flash Cards are designed to help you “train up your children” so that they will never stray from God’s love and from the Catholic Church our Lord Jesus established. The 50 cards within feature common questions people have about the Catholic faith as well as short, easy-to-understand answers. The cards help young people to “be always ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us.” (1 Peter 3:15)
We hope you enjoy passing on the Catholic faith to your children or students with these helpful and entertaining cards. Who knows, you might even learn something yourself!
Sincerely yours in Christ
Matthew J. Pinto
Creator and Co-Author
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October 30, 2007
Several readers have suggested that we provide some information about the soon-to-be-released film, “The Golden Compass.” This film is based upon a series of books that is profoundly anti-Christian (in general) and anti-Catholic (in particular). As reviews become available, I will add them to this entry. For now, you might want to visit the Catholic League for some basic information. This film is not, as the advertising for it might suggest, in the spirit of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
Update 1: An excellent interview about Philip Pullman (author of “The Golden Compass”) has been made available as a podcast by the good people at Mars Hill Audio. (Though Mars Hill Audio is not a Catholic periodical, it often features Catholic thinkers and authors. It is ecumenical in the best sense of the word.) This interview (done in 2000) was my introduction to Pullman’s work and remains one of the most substantive treatments that I’ve encountered. To listen to the podcast, click here.
Update 2: InsideCatholic has posted a story from “Crisis” Magazine on The Golden Compass and its sequels.
Update 3: Father Z. has posted the Catholic League’s statement and solicited comments from readers. The latter contain valuable links to other sources.
On Pullman’s commment about “killing God,” see this entry.
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October 8, 2007
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD; and you you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7, RSV-CE)
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October 7, 2007
We began using an advent wreath many years ago and it was the very first thing we did celebrate the liturgical year in our home. We have moved on to our second (and more sturdy wreath) but it remains central to our preparations for Christmas. Some people make their own but others choose to buy one. Our kids love it. It gives us a chance to sing together, read scripture together, and prepare for the first adventus of our savior as we await his second.
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October 7, 2007
A Jesse Tree is a great way to give our kids an overview of salvation history through scripture. We use it along with an advent wreath and an advent calendar. The one we have (pictured above) took a lot of work to prepare but there are many other, less labor-intensive versions out there. (Ours includes a nativity scene that we add to the tree during the twelve days of Christmas.)
(Recommended G. Harne)
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October 7, 2007
Advent will soon be upon us. It’s time to start getting ready. If your family doesn’t celebrate the liturgical year, Advent is a great time to begin. I’ll be posting items about Advent calendars, wreaths and Jesse trees. Please share your suggestions for celebrating Advent.
There are lots of great Advent calendars with Christian themes available. If you don’t have one yet and would like to get one, its time to pick one and place an order.
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October 7, 2007
For several years we have ordered some of our Christmas and birthday gifts through the “Catholic Child” catalog.
Here is how they describe their work:
“From our Catholic family to yours, we are happy to present our newest
collection of faith-enriching books, games, toys, jewelry, movies, and gifts
for Catholic youth, toddler through teen.
The hundreds of appealing and distinctive choices you’ll find here
reflect our commitment to searching out quality products that will provide
inspiration, guidance, and enjoyment for the young Catholics in your life.
For each product you see here, there are dozens of others that we have
considered. This means that we have read the books, listened to the
audio tapes, watched the movies, and played the games in order to offer only the finest examples of doctrinally sound, faith-filled resources to your
Catholic family.”
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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October 7, 2007
Christ said that when we feed and clothe one of “the least of these” we are doing these things for him. The Church’s preferential option for the poor cannot be negotiated. One of the best ways to teach our children about this central aspect of our faith is through sponsorship of a child or elderly person. Two Catholic organizations offer this opportunity: Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (through which our parish sponsors a child) and Ave Maria Missions. The children we have sponsored have become like members of our family. We recieve photos and letters and these have helped shape the ways our children learn to see Jesus in the “the least of these.”
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October 7, 2007
Quite a few families in our parish participate in the “Traveling Chalice” program. Through it, a family brings home a “retired” chalice for two weeks during which time they pray for and discuss vocations. Of course the most pressing vocation at this time is for priests. But these weeks can also be a time to discuss vocations to religious life, marriage, and the chaste single life. In our family, the emphasis is on the fact that everyone has a vocation. It is up to us to prayerfully discern that vocation and then find the courage (through grace) to answer that calling. Most of us have been called to the vocation of the laity (about which John Paul II had much to say). All of us, members of the sacramental priesthood, those in religious life, and the laity are called to live our lives as disciples. Maybe one of our children will be a priest, a brother, or a sister. Even if that is not God’s plan for them, they still have a calling–“Come follow me!”–and we as parents must prepare them to hear that call and respond to it. Committed, life-transforming Christianity is not just for the “professionals” who take religious vows and receive holy orders (as incredible as these things are): it is for everyone, even these “little ones.”
Recently, the parish included a copy of the film “Fishers of Men” (discussed here) along with the chalice. This a great addition. If you would like to learn more about the program, call the parish office.
(Recommended by G. Harne
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October 7, 2007
Magnifikid! is produced by the same people who produce “Magnificat” which we’ve mentioned before. We’ve been subscribing for almost three years and our children love it. In addition to including a guide for Sunday’s Mass, forms for morning and evening prayer, a spotlight on some part of the Mass (explaining what is happening and its significance), articles on the Saints, games, and crafts, it also contains a comic about “Brother Goodventure.” This last feature is what our kids want to read as soon as they receive the latest issue. Is “Magnifikid” a foolproof way to get one’s kids to assist (with heart & mind) at Mass? No, but it can be a good step in that direction. We sit down with our “Magnifikid” on Saturday night or Sunday morning and (after reading “Brother Goodventure”) read and talk about the readings for Mass for that week. They don’t always sit still through it all but in the time we set aside we can communicate both some of content of those readings as well as the value we place upon them. Liturgical catechesis is as important as doctrinal catechesis and “Magnifikid” brings the two together successfully.
(Recommended by S. & E. Harne)
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October 4, 2007
One of the challenges of raising our children as Catholics is teaching them to have a heart of compassion in the midst of our materialist, consumer-driven, me-first culture. Another challenge involves teaching them that the Church is indeed Catholic, i.e., Universal. We are intimately connected with other Christians all around the world, both sacramentally and through our generosity toward one another. The Janus Charity Challenge gives us a chance to teach both. Perhaps we could share the work of “Janus” with our kids.
A couple from our parish is working with this charity. Here is what one of them had to say:
“Featured on the website is a picture of my wife Marge with a young man named Gashow. We met him last year on a mission trip to Bahir dar, Ethiopia. He was born with one leg, his left leg comes only to his knee so he walks with a staff for his second leg. He is now 21 years old but when he was 12 his mother died and his father remarried a younger woman who did not want him in the house so she threw him out. So he lived as best he could by begging for food and sleeping where ever he was. A couple from England named Mike and Angie King met him when he was 19 years old and had a great deal of compassion for him and asked the Sisters (Daughters of Charity) who run a grade school there if they could pay his tuition for sewing classes ($100.00) to teach him a skill and they agreed. He graduated and the sisters loaned him the money to buy a treadle sewing machine. He promptly set up shop along side the road and started doing business. Within the year he paid off the sewing machine and now has a apprentice working with him. The sisters are in dire need of a building to teach other adults who live in the area a skill that will enable them to get employment in the city of Bahir dar, about 5 miles away from that area. So here I am shamelessly begging for the people less fortunate then ourselves and giving them a chance in life they would not otherwise get. The sisters will teach sewing and computer skills. The graduates can walk to the city for employment and it will certainly improve there lives.
The reason for the website is that I met a young man in Florida this past May. He is a Captain in the Air Force and he had been to Ethiopia TDY about 6 months before we went. He understands the great need there. He is the one running the iron man marathon and felt he needed an incentive to train, so since the Janus Fund sponsors the event he picked the adult education building fund for his charity so he is my cohort in raising money. I need all the help I can get since the building will end up costing about $43, 000.00. Anyone donating to the cause will not only feel good about it but will get a tax deduction on their tax bill next April. We are planning on leaving on this mission trip in early January and will be gone about 2 weeks.
Any help you can give would be appreciated and thanks for your interest.
–Dick
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September 24, 2007
I just finished an interesting article in “Crisis” magazine (now part of insidecatholic.com) about helping teens to make the faith they learn from their parents their own. It is entitled “Teaching Teens: The Risk of Education.” Parents of teenagers and teenagers-before-you-know-it might want to take a look. If you do, let us know (in the comments below) what you think about it. While we’re on the subject, you might want to take a look at “Kids these days: What they don’t want from the Church,” a blog post by Fr. Philip, OP, at the University of Dallas who has wise words for all those who work in youth/campus/young adult ministry.
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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September 24, 2007
(From the Whipper Snapper website)
This volume contains two priceless stories that take place in a Catholic parish called St. Anne’s. In the first story, “Merry as a Cricket,” the kids of St. Anne’s parish begin to understand why Mr. Demski, who is well known to them as the parish grouch, is so very grouchy: he is still mourning the death of his beloved wife, Ana. At the church carnival, loving friends and a mysterious clown help Mr. Demski to rediscover the joy and laughter he has lost. I get weepy every time I read this story, especially when I read it out loud. This is such a real-life situation; adult behaviors resulting from loneliness and loss can be so inexplicable to kids. Kelley does a beautiful job of showing how Mr. Demski’s parish reawakens his loving heart. The closing scenes are wonderfully evocative – and fun, because someone goes in the dunk tank!
The second story, “A Pocketful of Chocolate,” is about how hard it is for kids to make new beginnings and new friends without some help. The Bennett children, Liddy and Mark, are parish regulars and they are celebrating St. Francis’ feast day with their pets, family and friends. Before the celebration, Liddy and Mark meet the new kid in the neighborhood, a lonely boy named Steven. Outgoing to the point of bossiness, Liddy Bennett talks him into coming along to the Blessing of the Animals. What better place for him to make an unexpected new friend!
Judy Jarrett’s illustrations are so unique: quirky, vivid, inventive, naive, luminous. The cover of this book warms my heart whenever I pick it up.
“These stories are sure to be read many times over” -St. Anthony Messenger
Lynn Kelley
Judy Jarrett, illustrator
46 pages
(Recommended by S. & E. Harne)
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September 24, 2007
(From the Whipper Snapper website)
What more could a kid (or parent) ask for in a book? This is an absolutely delightful introduction to being Catholic, beautifully done in every respect.
There is a lot of really good information in this book, both for kids and parents, but we think that what’s truly special about it has something to do with its perfectly balanced tone. The narrator, a little girl named Liddy, is a vibrant and curious kid who loves being Catholic and you can feel her pride on every page of the story. Her joy and curiosity carry us forward into the book to learn more about the church. No wonder parents send us comments like this one about Peek: “I Lovity-Love-Love your wonderful book entitled A Peek Into My Church. The illustrations are delightful, colorful, cheerful, wonderful. The text is excellent. Well done!!”
What do kids learn in Peek? Liddy invites children into her church to see what is in a Catholic church, examine a church floor plan, and learn about important rituals and essential objects. Kids are very interested in what things are and Peek takes advantage of their ready curiosity: Liddy is proud to know the names for Catholic rituals and objects and, being very talkative, she’s happy to share this new vocabulary with readers. The book introduces the idea of church community (both local and worldwide), Baptism, the parts of the Mass, Communion, priests and their duties, vestments, and sisters and their many roles in the Church. As if that wasn’t enough, the authors include a picture dictionary with expanded definitions of key words. Parents may appreciate this too!
The text is easy enough for pre-readers to understand so parents should not hesitate to use this title as a read-aloud, but it also offers enough information for young readers to be interested through the 3rd or 4th grade.
Did we mention the illustrations? Ginny Pruitt’s gorgeous watercolors – clear, colorful, whimsical, elegant and fun — just get better with time. Which reminds us: Peek is in its 4th printing since 1998, making it a Catholic favorite. It is one of our favorites!
Wendy Goody and Veronica Kelly
Ginny Pruitt, illustrator
42 pages
(Recommended by S. & E. Harne)
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September 22, 2007
(from the amazon.com website)
Book Description
Who are the saints, why are they important, and what can today’s children learn from them? In Loyola Kids Book of Saints, the first book in the Loyola Kids series, author Amy Welborn answers these questions with exciting and inspiring stories, real-life applications, and important information about these heroes of the church. This delightful collection of saints’ lives, written in a storybook style for children eight to twelve, explains how saints becomes saints, why we honor them, and how they help us even today.
Divided thematically, the book features more than sixty saints from all over the world and from all across time, including our newest saints, such as St. Katharine Drexel; popular saints, such as St. Anthony of Padua; and Blesseds, such as Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. Each story tells about a saint and encourages readers to consider how they might apply what they learn from the story to their everyday lives.
From the Publisher
Loyola Kids Book of Saints is the first title in a new series of children’s books from Loyola Press. In each chapter, children will find:
*The dates when the saint lived, the saint’s feast day, and an original illustration of the saint
*Stories about the saint’s life and work, written in a conversational, friendly style
*Ways to apply the saints’ stories to their own lives, plus a discussion question based on the story
(Recommended by S. Harne)
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September 22, 2007
(from the amazon.com website)
Best-selling children’s author Amy Welborn explains why having heroes is important for children in Loyola Kids Book of Heroes, a companion to her popular Loyola Kids Book of Saints. Welborn tells the stories of devoted Christians, including Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, and John the Baptist, who made significant contributions to people and the world around them.
Welborn introduces Christian role models who exemplify the seven cardinal virtues-faith, hope, charity, temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice, and leads children on their personal journeys of faith. Colorful illustrations and a delightful storytelling style bring these inspiring stories to life for young readers. Ages 8-12.
(Recommended by S. Harne)
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September 21, 2007
(From Amy Welborn’s blog)
Prove It: You is essentially a book on discipleship for young people. I begin by exploring the questions – who is God?
The next section is about Jesus and what faith in Christ means.
Followed by, at last, the more practical sections – but everything that’s preceded it is groundwork. I begin this section with a chapter on time – how time is a gift, and how, frankly, it is a sin to waste it, exploring in practical terms, what wasted time means. Then I move on to honesty, not only because this is a fundamental component to the life of a Christian, but because my experience with teens tells me casual, pragmatic dishonesty without a shred of guilt is a huge problem.
Then the book moves onto the usual – love, sex, the body, life issues and issues of justice and charity. As I mentioned before, I begin and end with Pope Benedict. At the beginning of the book I quote something he said in Cologne on World Youth Day:
I know that you as young people have great aspirations, that you want to pledge yourselves to build a better world. Let others see this, let the world see it, since this is exactly the witness that the world expects from the disciples of Jesus Christ; in this way, and through your love above all, the world will be able to discover the star that we follow as believers.
And I end with part of his homily for Midnight Mass, 2006:
Yet now further questions arise: how are we to love God with all our mind, when our intellect can barely reach him? How are we to love him with all our heart and soul, when our heart can only catch a glimpse of him from afar, when there are so many contradictions in the world that would hide his face from us? This is where the two ways in which God has “abbreviated” his Word come together. He is no longer distant. He is no longer unknown. He is no longer beyond the reach of our heart. He has become a child for us, and in so doing he has dispelled all doubt. He has become our neighbour, restoring in this way the image of man, whom we often find so hard to love. For us, God has become a gift. He has given himself. He has entered time for us. He who is the Eternal One, above time, he has assumed our time and raised it to himself on high. Christmas has become the Feast of gifts in imitation of God who has given himself to us. Let us allow our heart, our soul and our mind to be touched by this fact! Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not forget the true gift: to give each other something of ourselves, to give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way anxiety disappears, joy is born, and the feast is created.
And then I really end with Pope John Paul II:
“Be not afraid!“
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September 21, 2007
There are several sources for free CDs containing Catholic teaching.
One is “Embrace the grace” and another is “Catholicity.” (T. Wright recommends Catholicity’s cds: “They helped get my faith back on track.”)
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September 20, 2007
We experienced many unanticipated blessings by becoming Catholic. One was that we have been introduced to a treasure trove of prayers and times for prayer. We learned that Catholics not only pray before meals but often pray after them as well. We found the following prayer at the back of our Bible.
We give Thee thanks for all thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
We particularly like this prayer because it teaches our kids to pray for those who have died. This was once a more common practice than it is today.
Since the kids are often ready to leave the table before the adults, we let the one who is ready to “be excused” first, say the prayer.
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September 20, 2007
It is not a secret that there are many Catholic colleges and universities that are Catholic in name only. Some have “sold the store” while others are fighting to hold on to what little remains of their Catholic patrimony. One local institution recently obtained public funding to build a new stadium by proving in court (against the claims of the Masons) that they are not really Catholic.
So how are parents to know where they can send their kids so that their faith will be strengthened rather than overthrown? (A good case could be made that in some cases, a purely secular university would be better for a Catholic undergraduate than one that markets itself as Catholic but is not faithful to the magisterium.) One source for parents and future college students is the new guide to be published on November 1st (2007) by the Cardinal Newman Society. A short list that is available now is the “Catholic Identity Guide 2006-07” from the National Catholic Register. (As an aside, it was great to see that the National Catholic Register was available through this year’s magazine drive for the school.) For a thorough analysis of the problem, see this piece at “insidecatholic.com“.
It would be great to hear from some parishioners about how their experiences at college (either Catholic or non-Catholic) shaped their faith.
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September 18, 2007
As, I mentioned in a previous post (“Inside the Domestic Church – 1”), last week I asked a few families to tell us a bit about how they pass their faith on to their children. In particular, what are the principles that guide this process and what practices flow from them? Here is the second response that I received:
“As for ideas regarding how we share our faith with our children . . . I have a few ideas. Bedtime prayers are a must. The big girls each have a daily devotion that we read out of each night and then wrap up with prayers at the end. We pray together at meals, but have each of the girls add something at the end of the meal prayer (something they’re thankful for or maybe a special intention). As for communicating our faith in the house, we try to drive home the idea of acting as Jesus would want us to act. Our girls fight as much as any, so we try to encourage them to treat each other as they would want to be treated. It doesn’t always work, but we’re on the right track.”
(from T. Schneider)
Thanks to those who have responded thus far. We would very much like to hear from all of the families in the parish. Please contact us at gaharne at gmail.com.
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September 17, 2007
Last week I asked a few families to tell us a bit about how they pass their faith on to their children: what are the principles that guide this process and what practices flow from them? I don’t expect these to be exhaustive accounts (after all, most of us are exhausted) but they will open a window on some of the things that families in our parish are doing. I received the first two responses this morning. The first one is below. I’ll post the second tomorrow.
“Praying as a family is so important for the growth of our children’s faith, as well as our own. Our family prays the Rosary on Friday nights, and that is one of my favorite times together. Praying the Rosary usually takes us about 30 minutes (40, depending on how many times the little one asks which bead we’re on). Our Friday night ritual started when we joined a family Rosary group in Maryland. Now, the kids pile up on our bed (it’s the biggest and the most comfortable) and everyone takes a turn saying a decade. Since there are five of us, it works out just fine.”
(from T. Wright)
We would very much like to hear from other families. Please contact us at gaharne at gmail.com.
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September 16, 2007
Several months ago we put together and began using a family litany. It incorporates some of the saints that our children love best, the saints after whom they are named, the saints we selected for our own confirmation, and saints whose work or spirituality contribute in some direct way to the spiritual life our family. What we didn’t expect was the enthusiasm that this litany would inspire in our children. We pray it each Wednesday night and they love to “cheer” their saints after we say their names (usually with a “woo-hoo!”). Our three-year-old son loves to shout the invocation of St. Michael: “Fight for us!” Perhaps others might consider writing a litany for their family. If you do, please share it with us. For now, here is ours:
When we have failed to love you with our whole heart, mind, and strength,
forgive us O Lord.
When we have failed to love our neighbors—including the members of our family—as ourselves,
forgive us O Lord.
St. Francis of Assisi,
pray for us
St. Martin de Porres
pray for us
St. Therese of Liseaux
pray for us
St. Josemaria
pray for us
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
pray for us
St. George
pray for us
St. Catherine of Sienna
pray for us
St. Monica
pray for us
St. Athanasius
pray for us
St. Thomas Aquinas
pray for us
Venerable John Henry Newman
pray for us
May the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and our guardian angels
pray for us
St. Michael,
fight for us
O God, for your love, mercy, and forgiveness,
we give you thanks
For the communion of saints, the holy angels, and all their prayers and assistance,
we give you thanks,
Conclude with the Lord’s prayer.
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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September 15, 2007
“Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, RSV-Catholic Edition)
In our family, it is becoming increasingly clear that we must be culturally informed and prepared to answer the lies that many in the larger culture are telling/selling to our children. (Providing food, shelter, clothing, and taking them to Sunday Mass are not enough). These lies will (if they are accepted as truth) lead our kids to forsake their faith, the Church, and will lead them to harm themselves and others in countless ways through the choices they make. (At the very least these lies will lull them into a spiritual slumber: their faith will be lukewarm and their worldview–if not also their behavior–will be indistinguishable from that of non-Christians.) Salvo can help us be prepared to refute the lies and can help us to become aware of the subtle means by which these lies are communcated (in schools, through magazines, films, music, advertising, etc.). In many ways, thanks to television, radio, and the internet, our children (living in small-town, middle-America) face many of the same issues as those in Trenton, New Jersey or New York City.
Though our family has no intention of building a bunker in the backyard, we also refuse to let our children become cultural sponges. We want them to be smart and discerning about the culture in which we live, but we have to lead the way by engaging the culture critically and asking the hard questions. Among the most basic questions we could ask would be: “Are the messages of this film, song, tv show, magazine, book, or fashion, consistent with what we believe as Christians and the life to which we are called in Christ?” “Would I dress this way, watch this movie, read this magazine, or listen to this song if Jesus were sitting beside me? Why or why not?”
Engaging the culture takes time, energy, and resources. If you would like to borrow our copies of Salvo before deciding to subscribe, we would be happy to loan them to you. Salvo is an invaluable resource for parents, ideal for college students (particularly in the way in which they are designed), and would be great for parents and older highschool students to read and discuss together. (We do, however, keep them out of the reach of our younger children.)
(From the Salvo website)
“Blasting holes in scientific naturalism, marveling at the intricate design of the universe, and promoting life in a culture of death;
Critiquing art, music, film, television, and literature, interrupting mass media influence, and questioning the sanity of our consumerist lifestyle;
Countering destructive ideologies, replacing revisionist fictions with undeniable facts, and paring away political correctness;
Debunking the cultural myths that have undercut human dignity, all but destroyed the notions of virtue and morality, and slowly eroded our appetite for transcendence;
Recovering the one worldview that actually works.”
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, RSV-Catholic Edition)
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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September 14, 2007
I just finished listening to a talk by Jason Evert entitled “Instruction Manual for Raising Teens.” I intended to recommend the talk and provide a link through which you could request the cd. Unfortunately, it appears to be unavailable. If you would like to borrow, feel free. (Or, since the cd was originally distributed at no cost, we could make a copy for you.) I did find his website and it looks like he has produced some great resources. Take a few moments and look around. Perhaps we could have him speak at our parish.
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September 12, 2007
(From the Encyclical “Redemptoris Missio: On the permanent validity of the Church’s missionary mandate“)
(section 80) “As I think of this serious problem (i.e., the need for missionary vocations), I appeal with great confidence and affection to families and to young people. Families, especially parents, should be conscious that they ought to ‘offer a special contribution to the missionary cause of the Church by fostering missionary vocations among their sons and daughters.’
An intense prayer life, a genuine sense of service to one’s neighbor and a generous participation in Church activities provide families with conditions that favor vocations among young people. When parents are ready to allow one of their children to leave for the missions, when they have sought this grace from the Lord, he will repay them, in joy, on the day that their son or daughter hears his call.”
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September 12, 2007
After our son destroyed his second rosary (accidentally, of course), we knew that we needed to find an alternative to the ones we’d been buying. After a bit of searching, we found this one and it has survived two family rosaries thus far. He is very excited about it and shows it off to visitors.
(Recommended by E. Harne)
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September 11, 2007
(Recommended by J. Kordick)
You’ve probably been to the Way of Lights at Christmas time. But have you ever been here during the daylight? Visit The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL and you will be surprised at this small, serene Catholic oasis amidst our bustling Metro-East area. Here, our children enjoy a fabulous playground based on the seven days of God’s creation. Welcoming all to the Children’s Memorial Garden is a beautiful life-size statue of the Lord as He embraces little children. The bookstore inside the main complex stocks Catholic reading/study materials, gift ideas, rosaries, statues and more. I have purchased a lot of stuff here – from children’s books to sturdy kid-friendly rosaries to Bible study books. It is very convenient and there is also a small chapel just inside the entrance. The many special events and exhibits throughout the year provide opportunities to teach our children about our living faith as well as for great family fun. Hungry? A tasty, filling meal at the Shrine restaurant awaits at fairly reasonable prices. Need a little peace and quiet? Check out the many devotional areas throughout the Shrine complex. The Lourdes Grotto, my personal favorite, provides a perfect place for prayer and meditation – as do any of the other outdoor areas here. When I worked in St. Louis, I often stopped here either on my way to or from the city – and some days gained much needed perspective.
Check it out! You may be surprised at this hidden gem right in our backyard.
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September 9, 2007
(From Catholic.online)”The Internet’s most popular portal for Catholic podcasts has teamed up with another apostolate known for their dedication to spreading the Catholic faith to produce “That Catholic Show,” a fun and different way of looking at Catholicism. “That Catholic Show,” a different and often surprising view of Catholicism, is a 5 minute video series available for free download via the Internet.”For the full story about “That Catholic Show” visit Catholic.online. One of my personal favorites thus far is Episode #3: “Night of the Living Catechism”(recommended by S. Anderson and G. Harne)
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September 7, 2007
Glory is a visual hymn that echoes what we sing each week at Mass (except during Lent and Avent). It also captures the spirit of St. Francis’ “Canticle of the Sun.”
(from the amazon.com site)
“Glory be to God for fluttering wings,/ for chickadees and butterflies/ that dot the skies/ like words,/ dragonflies and hummingbirds.” So begins Carlstrom’s (the Jesse Bear books) . . . song of praise, which never falters in its timing and flow. Jenkins’s (I Wanted to Know All About God) inventively conceived illustrations, meanwhile, create a narrative that easily engages readers. Against a buttery gold background, a thick, red, wavy brush stroke begins on the title page and ends on the back cover. On that red wave travels an extravagantly colorful parade of animals: a pink giraffe, blue elephants, a green zebra. An early spread introduces a girl in a black leotard, first seen creating her own pictures. In graceful transitions, she dons varying costumes butterfly, ladybug, lion and dances beside the creatures. Swept along by the music of the song, readers will find a contagious energy in these exultant pages. “All creatures large,/ all creatures small,/ that dance and leap/ and curl and crawl,/ the wild, the tame / All creatures by their being/ praise their Creator’s name.” The creators of this illustrated hymn provide a joyful opportunity for their readers to participate in praising God’s name as well. Ages 3-8.”
(Recommended by S. and E. Harne)
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September 6, 2007
(from the WhipperSnapper books site)
“Tompert’s charming book The Pied Piper of Peru is about Saint Martin de Porres, a Dominican brother who lived in 16th century Peru and was sainted in 1962, the first black American saint. This is an enchanting book for young children, who will love Martin’s gentleness and compassion. And good news for young animal lovers – like Saint Francis, Saint Martin loved animals and could talk to them.
Tompert’s story is based on a well-known legend about how Brother Martin rids his priory of some pesky mice. Instructed by his Prior to trap or poison the mice, Martin instead persuades the mice to move into the barn with the promise that he will bring them food every day. One of the mice, Juana, narrates the story. This comes as a surprise to some adults, but kids immediately embrace the perspective of someone tiny who gets under foot.
The illustrations by Kestutis Kasparavicius are beautifully detailed in earth tones. Tompert provides a helpful biography of Saint Martin at the back of the book.”
(recommended by S. and E. Harne)
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September 4, 2007
The NFCM is now sponsoring podcasts of brief homilies on the readings for Mass. These consider the readings for the upcoming Mass in light of the issues faced by men and are given by excellent speakers. The most recent, for Sunday, September 9th, is by Deacon Alex Jones and lasts a mere 9 minutes. You can listen from any computer.
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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September 3, 2007
About the Catholic Encyclopedia for Children (from the amazon.com website):
Book Description
Fascinating stories and whimsical illustrations delight children as they discover the basics of the Catholic Church! Here are:
• The great people and events of the Bible
• The life and message of Jesus
• The history of the early Church
• The stories of the saints
• Fundamental Catholic beliefs and practices
• And more
This child-friendly resource is the ideal read-aloud text for preschool through second-grade. It’s one that “I-can-read-it-myself!” third- and fourth-graders will love.
The format is similar to a storybook, with information presented in a topical style, rather than alphabetically. Whether they’re listening or reading, youngsters will keep an eye out for “Icthus,” the friendly fish who acts as their guide all through the book.
Parents, grandparents, and godparents: This is a perfect First Holy Communion, Christmas, or birthday gift. Librarians, catechists, classroom and homeschool teachers: This is the solid, Catholic — entertaining! — resource you’ve been looking for.
From the Author
“Hello, kids! Welcome! This book was written just for you. It will answer some of your questions and help you learn more about our wonderful Catholic Faith…. We hope you enjoy these stories and drawings, and discover how great God’s love is. So follow Icthus as we dive right in!” — Ann, Julianne, and Kevin, the writers and the Artist, From the Introduction to Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia for Children”
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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September 3, 2007
For the Children: Words of Love and Inspiration from His Holiness Pope John Paul II has been a valuable book in our home. On the one hand, the photos can be immediately appreciated and understood by children of all ages. On the other, the text is appropriate for older children and can be a great starting place for conversations.
From the “Favorite Resources for Catholic Homeschoolers” site:
“The Pictures: Besides photos of the Pope holding and hugging children, there are: a large first communion class pictured with the Pope, a bishop and a number of nuns (in full habit); children from around the world praying (these are very beautiful and quite reverent – such as a group of girls from South Korea in traditional costume in addition to lace chapel veils singing); a picture of the Pope in a classroom looking at a young boy’s schoolwork, children stopping their play by a river to look up and wave at the Pope driving by in the “popemobile”, two young children receiving their First Holy Communion from the Holy Father (on the tongue!), a baby being baptized by the Pope, and a vintage picture of the Holy Father at his own First Holy Communion (along with a few paragraphs of his remembrance of the occasion).
The Text: Even better than the pictures is the text. Rather than someone else’s interpretation of the Pope, we have the Pope himself, appealing to children to pray for him and for the world, to remember Jesus in the Eucharist even in their play and on vacation, renounce violence and learn to love peace in the way the Lord teaches us. They are very thoughtful and powerful passages to read and reflect upon for children of all ages The quotes are well-chosen and are so beautiful and revealing and contain so much truth about children that they would also make excellent meditations for newly-married couples and expectant mothers (and really all parents – even the best parents can use a healthy reminder of the great gifts God has given us in our children – particularly when the house is torn apart, the two year old is wreaking havoc and the baby is crying!!).”
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 30, 2007
In a previous post (concerning the Catholic News Agency) I mentioned the ways in which the mainstream media fail get the story straight when it comes to religion and to the Catholic Church in particular. A great source for Catholic news is the National Catholic Register. Much of their content is free, though some requires a subscription. Enjoy!
(From the National Catholic Register’s website)
“Our mission is to inform, inspire, challenge & equip active Catholics to engage the culture with confidence.
The National Catholic Register was founded in 1927 by Msgr. Matthew Smith as the National Edition of the Denver Catholic Register.
‘If you like a Catholic paper with snap, vigor, courage, here it is. If you like one that is easy to read, here it is. If you like one that will always be loyal to the Church and has no selfish axe to grind, here it is.’
Those are the words of Msgr. Smith written in the inaugural issue. Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2007, the National Catholic Register continues to provide its readers with timely news reporting from across the United States, from the Vatican, and from around the world. Today, we take Msgr. Smith’s words and put them into action.
In addition to the news that its readers need and expect, the Register also includes feature articles each week on such topics as the Culture of Life, Catholic education, books, arts & entertainment, Catholic travel, and its award-winning In Person personal interview series. It is published weekly, 50 issues per year.”
(Recommended by S. Anderson)
Posted in current events, magisterium | 1 Comment »
August 30, 2007
CatholicMom.com is “a web site for sharing and learning about parenting and faith issues.” This site has many great resources including a new blog, podcasts, daily readings and prayers, activities for children, links to other good sites, and book recommendations.
(Recommended by S. Anderson)
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August 28, 2007
(From the amazon.com website)
“This delightful full color, fully illustrated book of saints introduces the reader to 26 Catholic Saints in a charming rhyme. The bright joyful illustrations of Brenda Nippert will help this book become a favorite of an entire generation of young readers. Great read-a-loud to the family!”
Both my three-year-old and my six-year-old enjoy An Alphabet of Catholic Saints. (Recommended by E. Harne)
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August 28, 2007
(From the “True Girl” website)
“True Girl is a magazine of faith, life, and fashion for Catholic teenage girls. They hope to positively encourage you in your love of God and His Church. Inside our pages you will find all that you love in a good magazine – fashion, entertainment, advice, health and beauty tips, and fun quizzes – without all the celebrity gossip and immodesty.”
(Recommended by S. Anderson)
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August 27, 2007
In a previous post, I mentioned the film entitled “Fishers of Men” from Grassroots films. Grassroots also made a twenty-minute film about the World Youth Days of John Paul II, entitled “CrossCulture” that is powerful and memorable.
(From the Grassroots website”)
“Experience the power of pictures of a worldwide success story. The World Youth Days of Pope John Paul II give the Church a young and hopeful face. In the next 20 minutes, feel the energy of the youth to whom the future belongs. This future will vibrate in the streets of Cologne in August 2005. Be set on fire through this explosive film and the young music of a new youth culture, which has as its sign the cross of Jesus Christ!”
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 26, 2007
(About The Catholic Home, from the amazon.com website)
Who better than a nice Jewish girl to tell Catholics how to celebrate their faith at home? Jews have always been known for a sensibly domestic-centered observance of their religion, and Gould, a Jewish-born convert to Catholicism, speaks from a unique dual perspective. Having lived in a Jewish home, she knows about lighting Sabbath candles, but also remembers when Catholics kept holy water and statues in their houses. In her own home, which she affectionately describes as “the Hermitage” and “Julian of Norwich goes suburban,” she has revived traditions that fell by the wayside after changes wrought by Vatican II, and also established a multitude of new ones. Readers seeking to reinforce Catholic identity on the home front will find plenty of ideas, among them a how-to for celebrating Christmas when it actually arrives, instead of weeks before, and making Halloween holy by embracing it as the eve of All Saints Day. Gould’s writing is light and airy, even irreverent at times, but her ideas are well-grounded and refreshing. She wisely reinforces her suggestions with excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and uses the church’s sacraments and elaborate calendar of feast days and liturgical seasons as the skeleton of her book, trotting out bits of history and legend for added interest. Gould’s engaging enthusiasm will doubtless have readers asking, “Who knew Catholicism could be so much fun?”
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 25, 2007
(From the OSV website)
There can be no greater delight in parenting than passing on the Faith to the next generation. To help with that glorious responsibility comes Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler, a parents’ handbook to home-based religious instruction for the youngest members of the family.
Filled with practical ideas, developmental guidelines, and a contagious enthusiasm for the treasures of the Catholic Faith, this exciting guide makes raising truly Catholic kids one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Don’t let a secular world interfere with your primary job – and joy – as a Catholic parent. Begin today teaching your children what they need to know to attain eternal salvation and watch them develop into the saints of tomorrow. (Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 23, 2007
(outline from Amy Welborn’s site for Prove it! Prayer)
Section 1 I Don’t Pray Because….
…God’s In My Heart All the Time
…God Already Knows Everything I Feel: I Don’t Have to Tell Him
…God’s In Control: My Prayer Doesn’t Influence Him
Section II I Want to Pray, But It’s Difficult Because…
…I’m Too Busy
…I Don’t Know Where to Start
…Meditation is Weird
…I Can’t Concentrate
…The Bible is Too Hard to Read
…Memorized Prayers Are Meaningless
…I don’t Know Whether It’s God I’m Hearing, or Just Me
Epilogue: Prayer and the Rest of Your Life
Appendix: Suggested Prayers and Bible Passages
(Recommended by J. Pettinger)
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August 22, 2007
Many of the girls and moms in our parish have had a great time in Little Flowers. Our daughter has memorized scripture (a habit advocated by John Paul II, among others), learned a lot about female saints (particularly as role models), learned more about her faith, earned patches, taken great field trips, and had some important time with her mom. To learn more about our local chapter and obtain contact information visit here.
(Recommended by S. Harne)
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August 22, 2007
Though most of us can’t pick it up on our radios, we can listen online to the Covenant Radio Network. This network has some great programming.
(Recommended by S. Anderson)
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August 21, 2007
I came across this interesting question and answer in the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church yesterday (available online here).
“456. What is the nature of the family in the plan of God?
A man and a woman united in marrriage form a family together with their children. God instituted the family and endowed it with its fundamental constitution. Marriage and the family are ordered to the good of the spouses and to the procreation and education of children. Members of the same family establish among themselves personal relationships and primary responsibilities. In Christ the family becomes the domestic church because it is a community of faith, of hope, and of charity.”
The Compendium has much more to say about the family (e.g., 457-461). I hope to post more of these passages in the future. Also, if the size of the Catechism is intimidating, pick up the Compendium. It is a fraction of the size of the Catechism, is in Q&A form, and has some great color pictures.
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 20, 2007
“The National Fellowship of Catholic Men exists to offer a structure that: (1) links Catholic Men in supportive relationships, (2) provides resources consistent with Catholic teaching, and (3) develops training and formation opportunities for men’s ministry and evangelization.”
The NFCM offers a wealth of audio, printed and electronic resources, many of which will be highlighted on this site in the coming months. Five minutes spent exploring their site can yield great rewards.
(Recommended by S. Anderson, G. Harne, and J. Pettinger)
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August 20, 2007
(From the Catholic Company site)
“We predict that you — and your children! — will love this book! Why do some people kneel on one knee before they sit down in Church? Or bow their heads when they hear a siren? These are the little things that mean a lot to God. They’re our way of showing how much we love God, and they’re easy to do. There’s no better way to introduce children to Catholic customs than this little book. It’s written in a bright, cheerful style that children will love, and is divided into three major categories: Little Acts of Grace for Jesus and His Church; Little Acts of Grace at Mass; and Little Acts of Grace in Prayer. And it doesn’t just explain these little devotional customs — it makes the children want to do them, too.”
Recommended by G. Harne
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August 18, 2007
About Prove it! God . . .
(Adapted from the OSV site)
All the Good Stuff Happened Thousands of Years Ago …
It would be easy to believe if a couple of seas suddenly parted or a few cities were destroyed with fire and brimstone, or people were able to walk on water. But after spending a jillion Sundays in church, teens haven’t seen anything that would convince them that God is alive – much less that God cares about them personally.
In fact, few people are giving clear, solid help in dealing with the really important questions of life – like, does God exist? What does God want from them? Does it matter if they’re Catholic or not? Until now.
God, the first in the Prove It! series, answers the real questions they have about God, the Catholic Church, other religions, evolution, good and evil, and a whole lot of other things.
But don’t take our word for it. Let them read Prove It! God and decide for themselves. What do they have to lose besides their doubts?
(Recommended by J. Pettinger)
Posted in books, catechesis, evangelization, reference sources, teens | 2 Comments »
August 8, 2007
Generally, I don’t expect the mainstream media to understood or be fair in its treatment of Catholicism. So I was delighted when David Eckstein, a featured player in the “Champions of Faith” DVD (recently recommended on this blog), received an excellent treatment in the September 2007 issue of “Highlights” (with a different cover from the one above). If you subscribe to this magazine, be sure and take a look at the story (pp. 18-19).
On page 19, we learn that:
“Eckstein played brilliantly in 2005, and on July 12 started at shortstop for the National League in the All-Star Game in Detroit. A devout Catholic, Eckstein prayed before the game, as he does before every game, asking God to help him to do his best. But on this occasion, he also prayed for his father, who was in the hospital. . . .”
(Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 8, 2007
(The review from the Whipper Snapper Website)
Oh my gosh! This is the kind of book that bowls you over and sends you out your front door to do better in the world. Plus, it takes place in a Catholic school.
Sister Anne’s Hands is set in the 1960s, “when flowers had power.” Seven-year-old Anna has a new teacher for second grade, an African-American nun. Anna is nervous about Sister Anne (she has overheard her parents talking) but her new teacher is a gifted and fun educator and the first day in the classroom is going like gangbusters. Then, a cruel note sails through the air and lands on Sister Anne’s desk. The note is about Sister Anne’s blackness. When she reads the note aloud, suddenly, we are the little kids sitting frozen in our desks. How will Sister Anne react? The words that come to mind are dignity, gentleness, strength and courage. Sister Anne teaches from her heart, and it’s the kind of example that can change students’ lives forever. At the book’s close, little Anna has been changed and strengthened. Her heart is open.
Wonderful concrete details convince us that this is a child’s perspective. I wasn’t at all surprised to read that Lorbiecki based the story one of her own childhood experiences. It is so immediate and so true to a kid’s lived experience. Anna’s way of expressing her love for Sister Anne, in a picture she draws for her, is right on.
The illustrations are lovely and powerfully intimate. Perhaps this intimacy comes from they way they focus our attention on the beauty and detail of people’s faces. This book comes with our highest recommendation.
Marybeth Lorbiecki
K. Wendy Popp, illustrator
32 pages
(Recommended by G. and S. Harne)
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August 6, 2007
Subscribing to and using Magnficat may be the most important thing a person can do for their spiritual growth this year.
(From the Magnificat site:)
“MAGNIFICAT is a lavishly printed, easy-to-read pocket-sized worship aid, of more than 400 pages.
An annual subscription promises fourteen issues – one for each month with special issues for Holy Week and Christmas.
MAGNIFICAT can be used to follow the daily Mass and can also be read at home for personal or family prayer.
This monthly liturgical prayer book provides a fitting way to enter fully into the Church’s liturgical rhythms and spiritual legacy.
Every day, Magnificat offers:
(1) Beautiful prayers for both morning and evening, drawn from the treasures of the Liturgy of the Hours,
(2) The official texts of the daily Mass,
(3) Meditations written by the renowned Fathers of the Church, and a great variety of spiritual writings,
(4) Essays on the lives of the saints of today and the past.
Plus, in each Magnificat, you will also find an article giving valuable spiritual insight, into a masterpiece of sacred art.”
If you are not sure if “Magnificat” is for you, request a free copy.
(Recommended by D. Harne and S. Anderson)
Posted in Bible, books, catechesis, community, evangelization, fathers, magazines, magisterium, Mass guides, mothers, prayer, saints | 1 Comment »
August 6, 2007
If the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the life and mission of the Church,” then we’ll want to make assisting at Mass an integral part of our travel plans. The Daughters of St. Paul have made this easier for us (whether were traveling in Italy, like the Holy Father, or merely headed for Branson, Missouri). With their “Mass Times for travel” you can find the times and places for Mass whenever you are traveling on a holy day of obligation. One of the ways we can demonstrate to our children the importance of our faith, is to make time to assist at Mass while we travel. Doing this also helps to reinforce our sense of the catholicity or universality of the Church. And of course, the spirit in which we do this–as an obligation or as a privilege–will make all of the difference. (Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 6, 2007
A key part of living our faith involves the great adventure of following the Church’s teaching even when it is not popular. Perhaps nowhere else is the challenge greater than in the area of sexuality and marriage. At almost every point the world has taken-up self-destructive positions that stand in opposition to the wisdom of the Church. One of the most contentious of these is contraception. The Church’s answer to contraception is to work with nature, not against it, to value the gift of fertility, not treat it as a disease. The Church’s answer is Natural Family Planning (NFP) combined with responsible parenting.
NFP is not your grandmother’s rhythm method. It is a sophisticated but easy-to-learn approach to honoring God with our fertility. It strengthens marriages and it is effective.
There are many aspects of NFP that deserve to be considered. One of the first questions that people often have about it involves its reliability. According to the Couple-to-Couple League:
“There’s no question about the reliability of the Sympto-Thermal Method [the leading approach to NFP]— it can be used at the 99% level of effectiveness to postpone or avoid pregnancy, which is an effectiveness level as high or higher than all artificial methods except sterilization.
This may be hard to believe given that typical articles in women’s magazines still tend to refer to modern NFP as the outdated and much less effective Rhythm Method. If you are concerned about avoiding pregnancy, you can take heart from the conclusion of the Los Angeles Study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now Health & Human Services) to compare the different systems of NFP under similar conditions: “There were no method failures in the STM (Sympto-Thermal Method) group,” (Maclyn E. Wade, et al., “A random prospective study of the use-effectiveness of two methods of natural family planning,” Am J Ob and Gyn 141:4 (15 Octo 1981) 368-376). A “method failure” is an unplanned pregnancy among couples who follow the rules of a given method.
However, CCL does not claim the 100% method effectiveness found by the Los Angeles Study. We know from our 30+ years of experience that sooner or later there will be a rare exception that results in the occasional unexplained pregnancy that seems to defy the method’s rules. However, this study and others give us very solid grounds for saying that adequately instructed and motivated couples can practice the STM at a 99% level of effectiveness.”
There are lots reasons to practice NFP. Effectiveness is only one reason (and it is probably not the most important). It helps couples that are seeking to conceive and it helps couples postpone pregnancy for the right reasons. We’ll have posts about these and some of the other reasons to practice NFP in the weeks ahead. (Recommended by B. Harne, 7 months old)
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August 4, 2007
I do not think that I can recommend James B. Stenson‘s book Compass too highly. At some point in the last year we realized that our job as parents had moved well beyond the “Stop! don’t put that in your mouth!” stage. We were dealing with questions of moral and character formation, etc. This book helped us tremendously. It is not a perfect book, but it is one we intend to re-read and discuss at least once a year. Stenson’s other books are also very valuable, but Compass is a good place to start.
For a flavor of Stenson’s approach, you might try these brief pieces, “Advice for Fathers” and “Danger Signs: Families Headed for Trouble.”
If others in the parish would like to read and discuss this book, we’d be happy to order the pizza.
(From the amazon.com site)
“Compass summarizes the lessons and experiences of parents to help them succeed as leaders for their children.
Author James B. Stenson relates thirty years’ experience with parents who have lived as great leaders in family life and have succeeded with their sacred mission: to raise their children right.
How they did it and why they did it are the focus of this book: forming character, countering the consumer culture, understanding discipline and dealing with the influence of mass media. In Compass, he shares his insights about leadership in family life and how this parental guidance is vitally important.” (Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 2, 2007
As Christian parents, we have the primary responsibility for forming our children in the faith and informing them faithfully of what the Chruch teaches. We cannot and must not leave this task to the professionals. To do this we need the best resources we can get. (This is part of the reason that this site exists.) In addition to the many informal ways that we can share the faith with our children, we can also try arrange to have a more formal time of instruction at home on a regular basis. We’ve been using (and have been very happy with) the Faith and Life series. Endorsed by Pope Benedict XVI this catechetical series is the gold standard. It is designed for use in homes, schools, and parishes by students in first through eighth grade. Teacher and activity books have also been produced to accompany each of the textbooks. We have been using the books for first grade and have been delighted with both the text itself and the beautiful presentation of the contents. (Recommended by G. Harne)
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August 2, 2007
(From the CoF website)
Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition on DVD is a groundbreaking film that showcases the intersection of sports and faith in Major League Baseball by profiling many of the most accomplished and devout figures in the game both on and off the field. Major League baseball champions Mike Piazza, David Eckstein, Jeff Suppan, Mike Sweeney, Jack McKeon and Rich Donnelly lead an All-Star line-up in this moving and uplifting sports special that tells the story of champions of faith in baseball like no other film ever made.
Shot in breath-taking Hi-def video and set to a rousing musical score and soundtrack featuring Grammy Award-winning Third Day and legendary recording artist Bob Dylan, Champions of Faith : Baseball Edition serves to humanize some of the most celebrated and accomplished ballplayers of our time and restore the “sports hero” to its proper place in the American culture. You will laugh, cry, stand, cheer and be awed by the captivating personal stories captured in these interviews and the thrilling game highlights provided by Major League Baseball Productions. Champions of Faith is the inaugural production of Catholic Exchange’s new film & video division and provides some of the biggest names in our national pastime with a unique forum to discuss faith, family, teamwork, sacrifice, leadership, humility and the many virtues and spiritual lessons they have learned from the game.
The players, coaches, and managers interviewed for this project and featured in this film include Mike Piazza, David Eckstein, Mike Sweeney, Jeff Suppan, Jack McKeon, Tom Glavine, Craig Biggio, Sean Casey, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Jim Leyland, Mike Scioscia, Lance Berkman, Tim Salmon, Juan Pierre, Mark Prior, Carlos Beltran, Ozzie Guillen, A.J. Pierzynski, Chris Speier, Rich Donnelly, Sandy Alomar, Sr., Sandy Alomar Jr., Mark Teahen, and former players Darrell Miller and Sal Bando. Champions of Faith : Baseball Edition provides an emotionally powerful, action-packed glimpse into what makes a baseball player – and a human being – great.
(Recommended by J. Pettinger & G. Harne)
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August 1, 2007
(from the CFL website)
“One of the best ways to learn about The Apostolate for Family Consecration and it’s mission is to come to Catholic Familyland and experience one of our events. Take your family to one of our four week-long Holy Family Fests in the summer. We also hold the Totus Tuus Family Conference during a weekend in the autumn and a “get away” Marriage Weekend in the spring for couples.”
(Recommended by R. Beck and S. Anderson)
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August 1, 2007
Faith & Family Magazine is a hit!
“Our mission is to help our readers–particularly women and mothers–to build a Catholic civilization at home.” — Duncan Maxwell Anderson, Editorial Director.
(from the amazon.com site)
“If you are looking for a magazine that will help you to incorporate your Catholic beliefs more fully into your daily life, Faith and Family would be a worthwhile addition to your family library. I eagerly await each issue, and I find the entertainment recommendations and seasonal guide to the liturgical calendar to be extremely useful tools in creating a truly Catholic family life and home. In addition, I appreciate the lovely, inspiring illustrations and photographs. Also, the advertisements and referenced websites have supplied me with a great deal of helpful material as I strive to create a true domestic church for my husband, son, and extended family. While I do not find the magazine “shallow,” it is true that many of the articles are brief and to the point, enabling the busy reader (even a never-stop stay-at-home mom like myself) to keep abreast of new developments related to our beloved faith. By all means, supplement this lovely magazine with a variety of Catholic and secular reading material to satisfy all facets of your desire for knowledge, but recognize that this magazine does what it does very well.”
(Recommended by R. Beck, S. Anderson, and D. Harne)
Posted in catechesis, current events, evangelization, liturgical year, magazines, marriage, mothers, prayer, saints | 2 Comments »
July 31, 2007
(From the OSV and A. Welborn’s sites)
Prove It! Jesus gives you the true facts about Jesus, including who He really was, whether the Gospels are reliable historical accounts of His life, what’s behind all the miracle stories, evidence for the Resurrection, and most importantly, what it all means for you.
Prove It! Jesus explains all those difficult questions you have about Jesus. His teachings, and most importantly, what His words and His living presence can mean for you today, if you believe.
Table of Contents….
…Is What the Gospels Say About Jesus True?
…What Are the Basic Facts About Jesus?
…What Did Jesus Really Teach?
…Did Jesus Really Perform Miracles?
…Why Was Jesus Executed?
…Did Jesus Really Rise From the Dead?
…When Is Jesus Going to Come Again?
…Was Jesus Really God?
…How Could Jesus Be Both God and Human?
…Why Did Jesus Come at All, and What Does It Mean for Me Today?
(Recommended by J. Pettinger)
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July 31, 2007
(From the FTT website)
What is Family Time Training?
The mission of Family Time Training is to train families to teach
children Christian principles and values in the home.
“Family Time” is a term used to describe fun, intentional, spiritual lessons in the home. For some, the term “Family Time” may conjure up visions of adults and children playing a board game or watching a movie together. But here, Family Time represented so much more. In addition to spending fun time together, Family Time lessons are used to teach specific Christian values, character qualities and spiritual beliefs. (Recommended by S. Anderson)
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July 31, 2007
It’s sad. The mainstream media rarely reports accurately on religion. In fact, there is a website devoted to the media’s inability to “get religion” right. Catholicism seems to bring out both the incompetence and the disdain (if not outright anger) of the press. So, when you hear something on CBS, Fox, CNN, or NPR about the Church that doesn’t seem quite right, you might want to visit the Catholic News Agency. Checking in on a regular basis, even when the Church isn’t in the news, will also help us maintain our awareness that we are part of the Universal (“Catholic”) Church.
(From the CNA website)
Founded in continued response to Pope John Paul II’s call for a “New Evangelization,” the Catholic News Agency (CNA) has been, since 2004, one of the fastest growing Catholic news providers to the English speaking world.
CNA strives to provide free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, giving particular emphasis to the words of the Holy Father and happenings of the Holy See, to any person with access to the internet. CNA takes particular pride in offering free access to its news items to Catholic Dioceses, parishes, and websites in order to increase awareness of the activities of the universal Church and further create a Catholic culture in the life of each of the faithful. Though its focus is spread throughout the world, CNA also keeps a close eye on the Roman Catholic Church in the United States and on news related to the creation of a culture of life. (Recommended by S. Anderson)
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July 30, 2007
Prayer cards are being rediscovered. Available from a variety of sources (e.g., online, Our Lady of the Snows, etc.), our children love to collect them and our oldest has begun using them in her own prayers. These cards are also an integral part of “Little Flowers“. When you buy some, be sure to buy a few extra ones for Deacon Karcher, who likes to distribute them when he visits the prisons. Also, a beautiful book (which we do not yet own) on holy cards was published in 2004. A second volume on Patron Saints is to be published this September. (Recommended by G. Harne.)
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July 30, 2007
(From the book’s back cover:)
“There are hundreds of children’s books about talking to God. What makes this one unique? Building on the reassuring truth that God is always listening to us, God Hears Me! couples everyday experiences with delightful illustrations to encourage even the youngest child to pray any time, anywhere.” (Recommended by G. Harne)
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July 29, 2007
From Evangelii nuntiandi (an Apostolic exhortation of his holiness Pope Paul VI):
(From Section 71:) “One cannot fail to stress the evangelizing action of the family in the evangelizing apostolate of the laity.
At different moments in the Church’s history and also in the Second Vatican Council, the family has well deserved the beautiful name of “domestic Church.” This means that there should be found in every Christian family the various aspects of the entire Church. Furthermore, the family, like the Church, ought to be a place where the Gospel is transmitted and from which the Gospel radiates.
In a family which is conscious of this mission, all the members evangelize and are evangelized. The parents not only communicate the Gospel to their children, but from their children they can themselves receive the same Gospel as deeply lived by them.
And such a family becomes the evangelizer of many other families, and of the neighborhood of which it forms a part. Families resulting from a mixed marriage also have the duty of proclaiming Christ to the children in the fullness of the consequences of a common Baptism; they have moreover the difficult task of becoming builders of unity.” (Submitted by G. Harne)
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July 29, 2007
(From the OSV website)
What do you say when someone tries to tell you:
“You’re not a Christian because your church isn’t Bible-based?”
“You’re not a Christian because what your church teaches isn’t in the Bible?”
“You’re not a Christian because you believe that good works will get you to heaven?”
“You’re not a Christian because you worship Mary like a goddess?”
“You’re not a Christian because you believe that the pope is right about everything?”
“You’re not a Christian because you obey the pope instead of God?”
And the biggie:
“You’re not a Christian because you’re not saved?”
Prove It! Church gives you the answers you need when someone challenges your Catholic Faith. From Mary to the saints to papal infallibility, infant baptism, purgatory, and a whole lot more. Prove It! Church explains what you need to know to prove that the Catholic Church belongs to Christ, teaches Christ, preaches Christ – and is, in fact, Christ in the world today! (Recommended by J. Pettinger)
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July 27, 2007
Whereas the “Children’s Book of Classic Catholic Prayers” has been great for my preschool-aged children, my oldest (first grade) is now using this prayer book. Her current favorite is a simplified form of the “Breastplate of St. Patrick.” In fact, she announced last night that the entire family should learn this prayer. Perhaps the most important feature of this book is that it introduces the idea of praying the Psalms, which is the prayerbook of the church and the heart of the Liturgy of the Hours. (Submitted by G. Harne.)
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July 27, 2007
We’ve been using this book for several years. It has been a good source for the basic prayers every Catholic child should know and has been well-received by the children. (I particularly like the prayer to St. Joseph.) At prayer times, when we ask the children to “pick a prayer” or “say one of their own,” they often turn to this book. (Recommended by G. Harne.)
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July 26, 2007
My oldest daughter’s Godmother recommended this Bible. (She had read it to her sons.) Many of the stories are narrated from the perspective of characters that appear in the Bible but do not speak (e.g., Andrew talks about spending the day with Jesus). It is also contains some good humor (e.g., one of the three Magi has to deal with an uncooperative camel). I am looking forward to sharing this Bible with my youngest. (Recommended by G. Harne)
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July 26, 2007
When my oldest daughter stopped chewing on books, this was the Bible we started reading to her. It is now a favorite of my son. We read a few pages before naps and a few in the evening before bed. One nice feature is that each story includes a question that allows us to pause and reflect on the story. What Bible do you use with your youngest ones? (Recommended by G. Harne)
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July 25, 2007
The Catholic Culture websites constitute a “mothership” of information. They have an enormous library of significant writings on a variety of topics. They review Catholic-related websites and offer guidance concerning their use. There is a section devoted to the liturgical year, an electronic version of the catechism, a dictionary, and a collection of op-ed pieces about current events within and related to Christendom. (Recommended by S. Anderson)
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July 25, 2007
This site, maintained by the Claretians, has links for parenting ideas and related topics. (Recommended by S. Anderson)
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July 25, 2007
We used this book of Bible stories (the Catholic edition) with our oldest daughter while she was in pre-school and kindergarten. It became required reading (at her demand) before naps and before bedtime at night. Published in 2002, it is not that easy to find, but it is worth the effort. What Bibles and Bible-story books do you use with your kids? (Recommended by G. Harne)
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July 25, 2007
There are many ways to answer this question, but the illustration above gives one form of the answer. Rich Cleveland, of Emmaus Journey, offered the following commentary on this “Catholic Wheel Illustration.” (His commentary has a direct bearing on our personal pursuit of holiness as spouses and parents as well as on our efforts to teach our children the faith through word and deed.)
“First of all as Catholics we believe that transformation is a lifetime process, but pause for a moment and try to put down on paper what transformed followers of Christ should be like. What should be their attitudes? What should the behavior of a transformed believer look like? What should their spirituality consist of? The old adage that ‘If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time,’ holds true when it comes to producing well formed disciples of Christ.
We must have some benchmarks in mind off what we are trying to produce, or we might well expend a lot of effort without making any progress. Here are some suggested areas of focus for spiritual formation:
(1) Interior Conversion
(2) Obedience to Christ
(3) Participation in the Sacramental Life
(4) Devotion to Scripture
(5) Active Prayer Life
(6) Commitment to the Church and Community
(7) Involvement in the Great Commission
These would be the initial areas of formation on which we could focus during the disciple forming process. The . . . “Catholic Wheel Illustration” [above] endeavors to capture these various aspects.
In the “Catholic Wheel Illustration” Christ, represented by the hub of this illustration,
is the motivation source and the power we need to live a life pleasing to him. . . .
As Catholics, we believe that Christ should be the center of our life and existence, and that the Holy Spirit, through the Sacramental Life, draws us ever more deeply into the life of Christ through his Body the Church. The Sacraments are various manifestations of Jesus’ presence in the Church and enable us to open ourselves to Christ’s grace more fully. ‘Christ is always present in his Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations. He is present in the Sacrifice of the Mass not only in the person of his minister, … but especially in the Eucharist species. By his power he is present in the sacraments so that when anybody baptizes, it is really Christ himself who baptizes. He is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church. Lastly he is present when the Church prays and sings, for he has promised “where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.”‘ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1088). The second inner ring of the Catholic Wheel Illustration represents this Sacramental Life which provides a basic means whereby Christ and his power reaches our lives and overflows through our lives to others.
The rim of the wheel represents the Obedient Christian, responding to Christ’s reign through wholehearted obedience to his revealed will. His will is revealed to us through sacred Scripture and through the magisterium of the Church as the Holy Spirit helps us to understand and apply these truths. This obedience to Christ will be manifest in our thoughts, words, and deeds expressed both toward fellow believers and toward unbelievers whom we encounter in our world.
The vertical spokes represent two means by which we are able to develop our relationship with Christ, The Word, and prayer. In various contexts, the expression, “The Word” represents different meanings: (a) Jesus the Logos or Word of God; (b) the Bible as the written word of God; or (c) revealed truth, i.e., “a single sacred deposit of the Word of God” [Verbum Dei, 10] that includes both sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition. “The Word” and prayer are critically important in the sacramental and liturgical life of a community and in the personal spiritual life of the individual. It is through “The Word” that the Father communicates to us, and it is through prayer that we are able to communicate to the Father and learn from him. Both are essential aspects of spiritual formation that need to be developed in the life of Christ’s followers.
The two horizontal spokes represent our relationship with people. The Community spoke represents our relationship with fellow believers, and the Evangelization spoke represents our relationship with non-believers. Regarding Community every disciple should be part of a parish community where they can be ministered to and where they can serve others. As we live in community, we become formed as Christ’s followers and are equipped to serve him. One of the ways that we are mandated to serve him is through a life of evangelization.
For laypeople, formation and service normally take place in the smaller communities within the larger parish community, through small groups devoted to either growth or service, or both. ‘Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to church and society. … We welcome this phenomenon as ‘a sign of the Church’s vitality …’ [‘Our Hearts Are Burning Within Us,’ Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 106].
The other horizontal spoke, Evangelization . . . is our primary task and a mandate from Christ which we are to fulfill as we go forth into the world to bring about conversion to all and in all spheres of society. . . . . Telling others about Jesus should become a natural expression of our love for him and his love for us. When these other elements about which we have been speaking are present and active in our life, sharing Christ by our words and actions will become second nature to us.
Like a wheel, our life runs most smoothly when the various aspects of the Christian life are present and in balance. When one aspect is missing or unbalanced, our lives often become unstable and ineffective. . . .” (Quoted from “A Vision for Ministry: Seeing more clearly the potential and process of forming Catholic disciples,” by Rich Cleveland)
How do we guide our children to become balanced and obedient Christians with Christ at the very center of who they are? We might begin by clearly articulating our goal and how we hope to achieve it. Perhaps this “wheel” can help us in that process. Perhaps it can serve as a “target” at which we aim. How do you think about the task of raising children and the goals we are trying to achieve? (Submitted by G. Harne.)
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July 24, 2007
This is the site for St. Joseph’s Covenant Keepers: “St. Joseph’s Covenant Keepers is an informal, international network of Christian men, under the patronage of St. Joseph, dedicated to strengthening fatherhood and the family.” (Recommended by S. Anderson)
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July 24, 2007
“Catholic Mother Magazine invites mothers to create a Catholic culture in the home. Our aim is to inspire, entertain and inform Catholic mothers as we raise our children in the faith.” (Recommended by S. Anderson.)
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July 23, 2007
This is the source for “the best Catholic literature for children.” Many of the treasures in our family library were discovered here. The editors of the site have the highest standards and review every book with care. Parents can browse by topic, by reading level, and by title. (Recommended by G. Harne)
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July 22, 2007
“What role does Sacred Scripture play in the life of the Church? Sacred Scripture gives support and vigor to the life of the Church, it is a confirmation of the faith, food for the soul and the fount of the spiritual life. Sacred Scripture is the soul of theology and of pastoral preaching. The Psalmist says that it is ‘a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Psalm 119:105). The Church, therefore, exhorts all to read Sacred Scripture frequently because ‘ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ’ (Saint Jerome)” (from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Caholic Church , q. 24
The central position of our “prayer place” contains our family Bible.
There are several reasons (in addition to those given by the Compendium) to own and use a family Bible:
(1) It is usually very large and makes an impression on small children, “It’s big, so it must be important!”
(2) My oldest child begs to read from it during our family prayer time. Maybe yours will too. (I usually ask her to read either one of the passages from the breviary or one of the better known psalms or canticles. She also loves reading the stories about Jesus from the gospels with which she has become familiar from her picture Bibles.) My three-year-old recently declared that he wanted to learn to read so that he could read the Bible too.
(3) It has great pictures. We use these pictures while praying the rosary and often will leave the Bible open to a striking picture of a Biblical scene (such as Daniel in the Lions’ Den). My kids love to browse through the pictures (often reproductions of paintings produced by very skilled painters).
(4) It is a great place to record the sacramental history of the family as well as a family tree.
Our Bible was expensive but well worth the cost. We gave it to ourselves last Easter as a “family gift.” I only wish we had purchased it sooner. (Submitted by G. Harne)
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July 21, 2007
There is much that can be said about prayer. Prayer is an essential part of every Christian’s life and it is a practice that we must encourage (through both word and deed) in the lives of our children. One way to do this is to make a place in our homes for prayer. It can be a place we pray as a family before the children go to bed. We can also pray there at the beginning of the day. This place might include a small table where we display a crucifix, keep a family Bible, and light a candle at evening prayer. (Kids love to blow out candles!) Beneath the table we can keep our prayer books (different books for different ages) as well as a list of intentions for which we pray as a family. We can also use different colored cloths to represent the seasons of the liturgical year and feast days (green for ordinal time, violet for Lent and Advent, white for Christmas and Easter, red for the feasts of martyrs and Pentecost, etc.). The children can have the responsibility of changing the different colors for the different feasts as well as sharing with the rest of the family the significance of that feast. We might also place a font of holy water on a wall nearby. (My son can’t get enough holy water.) This can also be a place to which we come during times of emergency and crisis as well as times of special celebration and thanksgiving. Of course we can pray anywhere and a special place is not necessary. And yet, God made us temporal and spatial creatures rather than disembodied spirits and there is something to be said for setting aside some intentional space for prayer. Every family prays in its own way, depending upon the ages of its members and its own needs. How, when, and where does your family pray together?
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July 20, 2007
Holy smoke Batman! It’s . . . the Pope! At first I thought this was joke, but then I found a copy in the Mascoutah library. Professionally done with an introduction by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins (Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints), this book deserves to be taken more seriously than its genre might first suggest. The “look inside” function at amazon.com allows you to see a few pages. Perhaps we can get a copy for the Holy Childhood School’s library. This is one book I would love for my kids to hide under the covers and read with a flashlight.
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July 19, 2007
In his biography on Pope John Paul II (“Witness to Hope”) George Weigel called the Theology of the Body a ticking time bomb set to go off sometime in the 21st century. It has the capacity to revolutionize the way that we think about ourselves, marriage, the human body, sexuality, celibacy, life in heaven, the sacraments, and the gospel itself. I will post more resources on this topic in the future but for now, here are a few:
(1) Theology of the body for teens. (above)
(2) Introductory books and commentary by Christopher West.
(3) A new translation (with improved organization) of the Pope’s original talks.
(4) A DVD series of talks given by Christopher West (with a study guide) for small groups.
(5) A lecture given by Christopher West on marriage and the Eucharist. (This cd is free.)
Though we have a few years before we begin having the formal birds-and-the-bees conversations with our children, the way that we talk about marriage, love, and our bodies even now is laying the foundation for how these later conversations will be received. After having learned so many destructive things about sexuality from the larger culture, getting to know the Theology of the Body has been good for our marriage and will be of profound importance for our children in the future.
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July 18, 2007
After sacred scripture, this is perhaps the most important book a Catholic family can own. Since the publication of this catechism, there is no longer any reason to be in doubt about what the Church teaches in any area of faith and morals. Have questions about the sacraments? Remember why God made us? Need to brush up on the relationship between Scripture and Tradition? Have questions about purgatory, indulgences, and contraception? This is the place to start. And yet it is not a work of dry exposition. It also manages to communicate the joy of being Catholic, the hope of heaven, and the consolation we can have on our journey to holiness and life with the Trinity. Sure, it is huge. (You could use two of them to change your oil.) But it is also overflowing with riches. Read it from cover to cover (a little bit each day) and then keep it close at hand for reference. How can we pass on our faith to our children if we do not know our faith?
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July 17, 2007
If you have not seen this film, order it today. We should show it to our sons, nephews, cousins, Catholic Youth Organization, Parish School of Religion, and men’s group (among others). If you know a priest who has not seen it, send him a copy. Did I mention that I love this film? It will transform the way that you think of the sacramental priesthood. (And it’s less than twenty minutes long.)
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July 16, 2007
This book is a work of beauty. It was my oldest daughter’s favorite book in 2004 (when she was 4) and remains a family favorite. Visually stunning, it communicates the main themes from St. Francis’ and St. Clare’s lives in a way that will not soon be forgotten.
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The Domestic Church 