Archive for ‘news and views’
Immigration Reform: Keeping Families Clearly in Mind
Scripture “is filled with migrating people who journey toward God,” said Archbishop Wilton Gregory in a speech encouraging strong support for comprehensive immigration reform. His speech, given at a conference sponsored by the U.S. Catholic bishops, highlighted the bishops’ concern that “family reunification remain the cornerstone of our nation’s immigration policy.”
Making Straight and Smoothing Out
Stacey reflects, “The season of Advent is a beautiful counterpoint to the busyness by providing us an opportunity again each year to make sure we are on the right path to draw closer to God. But in marriage and family life it isn’t just about us. It is also an opportunity to make it easier for those most dear to us to draw closer to God as well.”
Spicing Up Married Life: Satisfying Couples’ Hunger for True Love
Will a wife and husband who together create a meal for the two of them not only stay together but enrich their relationship in ways that contribute to their long-term happiness? This priest/chef/author offers tempting recipes plus discussion-starters to help spouses rekindle their marriage.
Winning the Lottery
Each day Sara passes by the gas station where a $300 million lottery ticket was sold. She muses on what she and Justin could do with all that money, then reflects that they’ve already hit the lottery with Gus.
Finding Christ During Advent
Does the holiday season leave you over-tired and overwhelmed? Do you need a bit of hope? Several wise observers, including Pope Benedict XVI, encourage us to look for signs of Christ’s presence in the world.
Raising Saints
Josh says that his kids are captivated by stories about saints. He reflects, “Raising saints has to be about cultivating a life in which each child can blossom with the gifts and personalities that they were given by God.”
Thanksgiving Fun
Thanksgiving gives Sara an opportunity to enjoy her new niece and for Gus to entertain the grandparents. Sara reflects: “We need to place value on family time, not just as the three of us, but also with our extended family.”
Poverty, Chastity and Obedience…For Us
Do the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience really apply to married people? Yes, says Stacey. She explains why these practices are not just for priests and religious.
We Believe
Justin reflects, “This week our parish invited me to come speak to our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) class about the Creed. It was a real blessing because it forced me to take a fresh look at our fundamental beliefs and renewed my sense of wonder about the mysteries of our faith.”
“Marital Confidence” Linked to More Couple Time
A new study proposes that spending time together can serve as a sign to a husband and wife of their mutual commitment and interest in the marriage. The researchers found that the level of confidence spouses felt about their decision to marry influenced how much time was spent with each other later.
Enjoying Marriage and Fatherhood
Justin discusses some of the attitudes towards marriage and parenthood he meets as he goes about his day-to-day business.
Voters Approve Same Sex Marriage in Three States
Voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington have approved the legalization of same sex marriage in their states. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to announce soon that it has accepted one or more cases involving same-sex marriage.
A Citizen of the Nation, a Citizen of Heaven
As Oscar prepares to vote in his class’s mock election, Josh offers some wise guidance. He observes: “The new task of parenting a middle-schooler became clear to me: we have to form him in a way that will allow him to form his own conscience.”
The Infertility Companion for Catholics
Subtitled “Spiritual and Practical Support for Couples,” this book delivers what it promises. It offers a comprehensive look at infertility from many perspectives, including possible treatments in light of Church teaching.
Back in the Saddle
Sara returns to work after maternity leave. How do she and Gus deal with the adjustment?
For Synod, Families Are Evangelization’s Natural Home
In its concluding “Message to the People of God,” the October world Synod of Bishops underscored the role of the church’s married couples and families in the new evangelization. The Synod’s message also addressed the role of grandparents in the family and the pastoral needs of divorced and remarried Catholics.
A Parent’s Prayer
Stacey admits she’s been a step off her game recently, not able to engage the children as fully as she would like. The answer? She shares a prayer that she’s found helpful.
Sex Talk
Sara has been invited to speak to a class on human sexuality at a state university. She says: “Although it shouldn’t have surprised me, talking to this class made me realize that many of these students saw sex simply as recreation.”
Do Wedding Rings Have Any Real Meaning?
In popular culture, a wedding ring’s significance would probably be that it conveys that a person already is married. Do wedding rings have more meaning for Catholics?
Rusty Statuary and Living Images
Josh likes to think of himself as the strong, silent type, but after a serious conversation with Stacey, he realizes that this image had to change. He talks about the need to let it go.
Working Mom
As Sara prepares to return to work, she’s savoring each moment with Gus. She reflects: “I know that letting go and trusting in God is a vital part of parenthood.”
Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making
Here’s a book for anyone who faces important decisions, whether related to marriage and family or not. The author explains how to discern God’s will when we are faced with two good possibilities.
Bishops See Families as Agents of Evangelization
As the Synod of Bishops continues in Rome, many emphasized the role of married couples and families in the new evangelization. They are not just the recipients but the agents of evangelization.
Accomplished or Saintly?
Most parents have certain aspirations for their children, which don’t always take into account the child’s unique personality and interests. Stacey notes: “It is more important that my children know they are loved and valued regardless of what they do or how they perform.”
My New Favorite Chore
During her time at home with Gus, Sara has the chance to develop her culinary talents. Surprisingly, she says, she’s enjoyed her time in the kitchen.
