Archive for ‘news and views’
Immigrant Families Face Fear, Hopelessness
Recent criminal violence in northern Mexico has complicated immigration challenges at the border. Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville describes the fears and anxieties faced by immigrant families, both the poor and the well-to-do.
So Big!
As Sara watches Gus grow, she is reminded of Mary’s role in Jesus’s life. While she doesn’t know what God has in store for Gus, she reflects that Jesus’s own suffering ended with Easter joy.
Family Life and the Good News
Josh reflects on evangelizing one’s children. He says, “In my evangelizing efforts, I find that often I am the one being evangelized. To communicate love to our children, I have to first be transformed by love.”
Pope Francis Gives Families Food for Thought
Although he was just elected, Pope Francis is already giving families much to think about. He draws inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi, his namesake, and St. Joseph, and he hopes others will also see them as models.
The Pornography Epidemic: A Catholic Approach
Pornography has become a major issue for many couples. This small, highly readable book offers information and guidance to men who use pornography, their wives and loved ones, and parents who want to protect their children from its tragic effects.
A Lesson From Pope Francis
Sara makes a surprising connection between the new Pope’s love for simplicity and–couponing! Read what she’s already learned from Pope Francis.
“And By ‘Important’ You Mean…”
It’s a common marital frustration: Your spouse hasn’t been paying attention to what you said and a while later asks you to repeat the same information. Stacey explains how spouses can process information in different ways.
U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Marriage Definition Cases
On March 26 and 27 the U.S. Supreme Court will hear two cases that relate to the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Learn what is involved and why the Catholic Bishops have filed friend-of-the-court briefs in each case.
Happy Seven Months, Gus!
Sara reflects: “As we continue to ponder how best to best Gus in the faith, I realized perhaps the answer is simpler than we realize.” Read what she and Justin discovered.
Who Me, Pray?… With Her?
How many times have you heard the suggestion to pray together as a couple? But how do you actually going about doing something that can seem strange and awkward, at least at first? Here are some practical tips.
Long Commutes Take Toll on Family Life
A new Census Bureau report finds that millions of Americans commute more than 60 minutes a day each way. What effect do these long commutes have on family life?
Why Children Matter
This book by a Bruderhof pastor has “the tenor of wise counsel,” says our reviewer. It’s “full of advice for cherishing, guiding and nurturing children, and it is realistic about the challenges of parenting.”
Red Carpet Marriage
Josh reflects on the hit movie Les Miserables and its great insight into God’s unconditional love. Love, says Josh, “is something that only grows the more we give it away. I have found this to be utterly true in marriage and family life.”
Blest Are We
Sara’s visit to a homeless shelter prompts her to consider the many blessings she and Justin enjoy. She says: “In the coming weeks, Justin and I will continue to ponder how we are called to help the less fortunate and serve our Lord in this small way.”
Philadelphia to Host World Meeting of Families in September, 2015
The Vatican has announced the official date for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia: Sept. 22-27, 2015. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput says a World Meeting has “the power to transform, in deeply positive ways, not just the spirit of Catholic life in our region, but the whole public community.”
Only As Happy As…
Stacey reflects that one child’s unhappiness can infect the entire family. But she has found an interesting counter-dynamic at work in her family.
Raising Gus in the Faith
Sara and Justin are experiencing a common dilemma of parents with small children: How to get something out of Mass while tending to a fussy baby. On Ash Wednesday, Sara realizes why it’s important to take Gus to Mass.
Does Home Life Prepare Children for Marriage?
Most parents hope to create a warm, supportive home for their children. A new study shows that these efforts do provide benefits. It finds that a positive family environment during childhood is associated better marital outcomes later in life.
Grasped by God, Held by Family
Assuming the role of godfather to his brand new nephew, Josh reflects: “It is a great sign that the Church welcomes people in baptism, especially when they are at their most vulnerable. It is a declaration that none of us can get by on our own—that we all need to be held by family.”
Lent
This Lent, Sara and Justin have decided to focus on two goals: eliminating distractions and taking time to recall God’s presence in their lives each day. Read how they’re going about it.
Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles With Food, Self-Image and God
Is there such a thing as a spirituality of food? The author says that family mealtimes and slower eating are key to a “saner and healthier diet.” She makes a persuasive case for “more mindful eating” and ways to “reframe our food-focused thinking.”
Marriage and Family: A Major Theme for Pope Benedict XVI
As Pope Benedict XVI prepares to leave his office, we look back at what the Pope said about marriage and family life. His pastoral concern and esteem for marriage and family turns out to be one of the themes of his papacy.
A Valentine to Pope Benedict XVI
Like most everyone else, Stacey was stunned by the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. She offers her appreciation for this beloved pastor and wise teacher.
Seven Reasons Why I Love My Husband
As we celebrate National Marriage Week and Valentine’s Day, Sara offers some specific reasons why she loves her husband. Being married to Justin, she concludes, “has far surpassed my expectations.”
Life for Sandwich-Generation Parents: “Pulled in Many Directions”
If you are supporting both your own children and your parents, like many Americans, you are a part of the “sandwich generation.” The Pew center recently released a report on its new survey of the sandwich generation.
