Archive for ‘news and views’
Gus Exerts His Will
Over the past few weeks baby Gus’ personality has started to emerge. “I can’t prove it,” says Dad, “but my intuition has started to tell me that he knows when he is doing something he is not supposed to be doing.”
Why Family Life Is Now a Choice
“Family life doesn’t just happen; it is a decision, a choice,” say the Catholic bishops of Manitoba, Canada. Today, “perhaps more than ever before, we must choose to be a family.”
Summer Goals
A friend’s unexpected visit makes Justin and Sarah realize how much they enjoy–and need–outside company. Read how they decide to broaden their world.
Us, Together
“For our 15th wedding anniversary, my wife took me mushroom hunting, and it was every bit as glamorous as you might imagine.” Fortunately, there was also a beautiful bed-and-breakfast and time away from the daily routine.
A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy
Drawing on the example of Mary and the saints, the author offers helpful guidance for pregnancy, childbirth and baptism. She reflects on the mysteries of the rosary, offers simple faith practices, and explains an element of Catholic belief related to each chapter’s theme. A perfect gift for a newly pregnant friend or family member!
Pope Francis Reflects on a Mother’s Demanding Role
As we celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, Pope Francis offer timely reflections on the role of mothers. A mother, he says, helps children to confront life’s problems without becoming lost in them.
When Life Gets Out of Control
Sara and Justin consider the question “Who will I trust to ensure my happiness?” Many people trust only themselves. But Sara says that since Gus’ birth, “God has really shown me in a million different ways that I am not in control.”
15th Anniversary
Will you celebrate your anniversary soon? Or perhaps you want to give your marriage a little tune-up. Stacey shares some thought-provoking questions to help you reflect on your relationship.
How Parents Spend Their Time: A Dramatic Change
A new research report finds that the “way mothers and fathers spend their time has changed dramatically in the past half century.” Some of the findings may surprise you. Here are ten highlights.
Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos
Runny noses, missed naps and a broken dishwasher have left Sara in need of an attitude adjustment. Read how she responds.
Prayers for the Domestic Church: A Handbook for Worship in the Home
Do you ever find yourself at a loss for words when the moment arrives to pray during a family gathering, for example, at Christmas or Easter dinner, after a child’s baptism or during an engagement party? If so, “Prayers for the Domestic Church” may be the resource you need.
As Good As It Gets
Sometimes, TV couples can teach us as much about marriage as real life. Josh writes about Jim and Pam on The Office and speculates on what it will take to turn their marriage around.
Messages on Marriage Absorbed by Children at Home
Marriage preparation programs often highlight the need for couples to invest themselves in their marriage. A recent study underscores the importance of “positive family relationships” in preparing children to be “emotionally invested” in their adult relationships.
The Fruit Is Ripening
Teaching children to behave at Mass is just the start, writes Stacey. The new challenge, she says, is “focusing in on what is being read and spoken and making some connections with it.”
Giving Back to God
The diocese where Sara and Justin live has started a capital campaign. They discuss their possible participation and how this will affect their other charitable contributions.
Families and the Cities We Want
British Archbishop Vincent Nichols recently addressed the question “What kind of city do we want?” He pointed out that people make the city; moreover, the family “is the first school of citizenship, and loving, stable families are the vital building block of every city, as they are of any human society.”
Fear Itself
Fear for their children’s safety hits Josh and Stacey in a personal way. How can parents take reasonable precautions but not live in fear?
Couples Benefit When Dad Is Involved with the Kids
A new study finds that marriages benefit when a husband relates well with his children and is involved with them. Their marriages also benefit when he participates in household chores. These are important ways husbands connect with their wives.
Teething and Taxes
Sara writes that her life as a stay-at-home mom has become like the movie “Groundhog Dog,” as she follows the same routine over and over. Is that such a bad thing?
Cave Refectory Road
The author writes,“I sense that there’s a deep stream of possibility in the monastic way that can help us in the 21st century to find new ways to live.” The monastic rhythm, he says, suggests that “most of our hurrying is unnecessary and perhaps even harmful.”
Finding Community
Stacey writes: “Joshua and I find that those relationships that are most dear, most life-giving and most enduring are with peers who are faithful and who push us to grow.” She explains in her latest blog post.
What Does the Rising Cohabitation Rate Mean for America?
New research studies show that many women are choosing cohabitation over marriage as their first union. What are the benefits and costs of delayed marriage?
Following Francis
Justin reflects on the example offered by Pope Francis and his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi. He discusses how meeting Gus’s needs has helped to lessen his attachment to material goods.
Basketball and Family: The Little Things
Josh’s love of basketball leads him to appreciate the little things that bring success. Reflecting on these well-executed details, he got to thinking about the little things that make for a happy marriage and family life. He offers a list to ponder.
Happy Easter!
To prepare for Easter, Sara decides to fast from radio, TV and the internet. Her experience leads to a permanent resolution regarding computer time.
