October 22, 2019

“The history of mankind, the history of salvation, passes by way of the family.” St. John Paul II, pray for all marriages and families!

October 21, 2019

Have you received the Sacrament of Penance lately? Go to Confession and follow it with breakfast together.

October 20, 2019

In today’s first reading, Aaron and Hur supported Moses when he grew tired. Together, they were able to win the battle. In what ways can you support your family today?

October 19, 2019

Sts. John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues are the first North American martyrs, known for their zeal for spreading the Gospel. Ask for their intercession as you spread the Gospel today both at home and in the workplace.

October 18, 2019

Do something small to surprise your spouse today – prepare lunch for them to take to work, greet them at home with flowers or a treat, or leave a sweet note somewhere for them to find.

October 17, 2019

End the day by saying a prayer together right before bed. Make sure to kiss your spouse and children good night.

October 16, 2019

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal 5:22) How can you live out these fruits in your family today?

October 15, 2019

Take up a new hobby or skill together! Learning at any age can be fun and beneficial.

October 14, 2019

Have you told your spouse and children you love them yet today? Make the conscious effort to do so.

October 13, 2019

“In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 5:18) Reflect on the blessings in your life and have a conversation about gratitude with your spouse.

October 12, 2019

Autumn is here! Take advantage of the cooler weather to go apple-picking, visit a pumpkin patch, or enjoy a bonfire as a family.

October 11, 2019

Have a technology-free evening. Take a walk, play a game, or read a book out loud together as a family.

October 10, 2019

“All the love God has in Himself, all the beauty God has in Himself, all the truth God has in Himself, He entrusts to the family. A family is truly a family when it is capable of opening its arms to receive all that love.” – Pope Francis

October 9, 2019

Share the love of God with someone who may feel forgotten. Together, call an elderly family member or make arrangements to visit a lonely member of your parish today.

October 8, 2019

Honoring the Sabbath as a family gives a chance to rest, recharge, and be reminded of the blessings of faith and family.

October 7, 2019

On this feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, say a rosary (or even just a decade) together to ask for Our Lady’s intercession in your marriage.

October 6, 2019

“Increase our faith!” said the Apostles to Jesus in the Gospel today. Share some of your faith journey with your family and pray for an increase of faith together.

October 5, 2019

Prioritize time with good friends who can build you up in your vocation of marriage. They are the people to turn to when you hit a rough patch.

October 4, 2019

St. Francis of Assisi is known for his great joy, even in difficult times. Find joy in everything today and share it with your spouse and children.

October 3, 2019

Listening well says to the other person, “I care about what you’re saying; I care about you.” It helps love to grow.

October 2, 2019

Today on the feast of the Guardian Angels, say a prayer to your family’s guardian angels, to protect everyone from natural and supernatural harm.

October 1, 2019

“To live out of love is to give one’s self.” – St. Therese. Make a conscious effort to give yourself to your family today, through your time, prayers, and acts of service.

September 30, 2019

Does your yes mean yes and your no, no? In addition to being an honorable approach to decisions, clarity can save a lot of headaches in marital communication.

September 29, 2019

“But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.” (1 Tim 6:11) For men – and women – of God, no better “marching orders” could be found!

September 28, 2019

Have a long commute? Use the time to pray for your family, listen to uplifting music, and prayerfully prepare for the day or your homecoming.

September 27, 2019

St. Vincent de Paul is known for his love of the poor. Who are the poor, lonely, forgotten in your life? Your family can be a gift of love to them.

September 26, 2019

“If a family is centered on Christ, he will unify and illuminate its entire life. Moments of pain and difficulty will be experience in union with the Lord’s cross.” – Pope Francis

September 25, 2019

If you’ve been married for a while, is there a younger couple in your parish you could mentor? Young couples are often looking for reliable guides; it’s a mutual blessing.

September 24, 2019

In family prayer, engage the senses: light a candle, look at sacred art, or listen to music. Our sacramental faith brings us close to God in many ways.

September 23, 2019

Marriage is a vocation: a call from God and a path to holiness. It is not a distraction from the spiritual life but the place where a spouse’s relationship with God takes shape.

September 22, 2019

“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.” (Lk 16:10) Build your family’s trust by being a person of your word, even in small things.

September 21, 2019

St. Matthew responded “yes” to the surprising call from God. Each day in our families we have a chance to say “yes” to God, too: greater faith, hope and love.

September 20, 2019

“Committing oneself exclusively and definitively to another person always involves a risk and a bold gamble.” – Pope Francis. The grace of God gives us strength for lifelong commitment!

September 19, 2019

In moments of tension, think back to your “first love” with your spouse: your wedding day, honeymoon, times of joy. It can help put things in perspective.

September 18, 2019

Pope Francis encourages parents to “waste time” with their children. The same could apply to spouses, too! “Waste time” today with your family.

September 17, 2019

Pope Francis calls “I’m sorry” one of the magic words of marriage. Be quick to offer these healing words when you harm your spouse or children, no matter how small the offense.

September 16, 2019

Generosity does not mean never saying “no.” Boundaries are important in every relationship. If you feel stretched too thin, check your priorities and pray for guidance in when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”

September 15, 2019

“Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” (Lk 15:6) Every family has its “lost sheep.” Pray today for estranged loved ones to make their way back to the fold, and for the charity to rejoice at their every step closer to God.

September 14, 2019

Married couples are a reminder of Christ’s gift of love on the Cross (St. John Paul II). Lord Jesus, help all families carry their crosses joyfully today!

September 13, 2019

Keeping a journal is a great way to record God’s providence in your family’s life. Even writing a paragraph or two each night will become something wonderful to look back on.

September 12, 2019

Today is the feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary! Pray the Rosary – or even just a decade – with your family today in honor of Our Lady and try to notice how many times you say Mary’s name.

September 11, 2019

“Unless you become like a child…” Children are wonderful at being absorbed in the present moment. Try to imitate their whole-hearted attention to the present today.

September 10, 2019

If you are praying for someone, let them know! “I’m praying for you” (sincerely meant) is a wonderful gesture of kindness. This includes your spouse and children.

September 9, 2019

True love between spouses, which images Christ’s love for the Church, inspires husbands and wives to continually seek each other out for advice, affection, and affirmation. Encourage your spouse today and remind him/her that you are there no matter what!

September 8, 2019

“For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans.” (Wis 9:14) How true this can ring for married couples at times! Pray to the Holy Spirit when you feel “timid” and “unsure” and ask for the Lord’s guidance.

September 7, 2019

Many people are back in school now. The family is a school of love; look for opportunities every day to learn a little more how to love.

September 6, 2019

Have you tried this lately? Replace the word “love” in 1 Cor 13 with your name for a “litmus test” of where you need to grow: “John is patient, Mary is kind….” etc.

September 5, 2019

Time spent with your spouse is precious! Try to be truly present to him/her by detaching from social media and other technologies as much as possible.

September 4, 2019

Are you and your spouse struggling to pray together? Check out the For Your Marriage article “How to Pray with your spouse: 4 simple steps” for tips: http://pre2018.foryourmarriage.org/how-to-pray-with-your-spouse-four-simple-steps/

September 3, 2019

Instead of becoming quickly offended by your spouse’s words, ask for clarity first.

September 2, 2019

This Labor Day, pray for families dealing with unemployment or underemployment. If possible, help a family who is facing this trial.

September 1, 2019

“When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” (Lk 14:1, 7-14). Jesus reminds us that we ought to reach out to all people within our local communities. Consider inviting a new person to your dinner table this week.