Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • January 7, 2022 15 And picture what our country would be like if, right now, every Catholic decided to live in obedience to the voice of God. How much of the suffering caused by self-preoccupation would be diminished! What I am describing in this article is, once again, part of the great Vatican II teaching on the universal call to holiness. Priests and bishops are meant, the Council Fathers taught, to teach and to sanctify the laity who, in turn, are to sanctify the secular order, bringing Christ into politics, finance, entertainment, business, teaching, journalism, etc. And they do so precisely by embrac- ing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Bishop Robert Barron, bishop of Los Angeles, is founder of the global ministry, Word on Fire and the Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Cul- ture at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mun- delein. Word on Fire From page 15 Family Life From page 10 Connecting young children to Mass -- The Mass is a celebration of thanksgiving for God’s generosity in our daily lives and an opportunity for us to bring to God the joys and sorrows we experience as a family. What do little ones need to know to fall in love with the Body and Blood of Christ? What do they need to realize they are not alone, but that during Mass they join a commu- nity of faith and a community of Saints in communion with Heaven? Mass provides special moments to help little ones face losses and learn about gratitude. Living a Eucharistic life leads to communion and intimacy with Christ. We go to Mass to offer the best of ourselves to God and not necessarily to be entertained. Even so, it can be hard for adults to focus at Mass, and it is under- standable that children may also struggle to pay atten- tion. Using a children’s missal can be helpful. No mat- ter the age, gentle guidance can help a child in appreci- ating, respecting, and loving the Mass. Encourage children to pay attention to what is happening on the Altar, especially during the Consecration. Perhaps hold up young children so they can see what is happening, and whisper in their ears how special the moment. Afterward, discuss the Mass with children and listen to what they have to share or to ask. Only God offers per- fect acceptance, but within a Eucharistic family, chil- dren can be themselves, share their joys, reveal their wounds, admit their mourning, and know that they still will be cherished and loved. (DP 195-202). The Domestic Church: Domestic Church is a min- istry formed in Poland to strengthen marriage and families that is expanding in the United States. It is for married couples and families. Couples meet once a month to share and pray together as they progress in the following areas: daily individual prayer, daily Scripture study, daily couple prayer, daily family prayer, rule of life, and yearly retreat. “The movement provides for- mation, using the Church’s spiritual tradition and offi- cial teachings, for how to pray, how to use Scripture in prayer, and how to grow in a real relationship with God, our spouses, and our children in light of our Baptism.” (www.domesticchurchfamilies.com/) Tools for Building a Domestic Church from the USCCB: • Begin praying as a family and reading from Scripture daily, certainly before meals, but also first thing in the morning or before bed. Find a time that works for your family. Use the liturgy of the Church as a model for prayer, and try to include heartfelt unstructured prayer as well. • Pray a Family Rosary (each member leads a decade, and everyone shares intentions). • Have a crucifix in a prominent place in the home, and in every bedroom. • Make the Sacraments a regular celebration -- take the whole family to Confession and Mass! • Begin family traditions based on the seasons celebrat- ed in the liturgical calendar. • Make your vacation a holy pilgrimage by visiting the shrines and saints of our land and the world. • Make worshiping God a priority. Never miss Mass, even while traveling -- go to: www.MassTimes.org to find a church near you! • Teach stewardship and charity to your children, through word and example. • Demonstrate love for your spouse, your children, your neighbors, and the world. Remind children that they are loved by God and have been given gifts to serve others. • Talk freely about the presence of God in the joys and sorrows of your life. • Welcome into your home and support priests, broth- ers, sisters, deacons, and lay ministers in the Church. • Participate in the lay ministries and activities of your parish community. • Allow your children to observe you in private prayer. Encourage your children to pray daily on their own, to listen for God’s call, and if heard, to respond. • For more ideas on how to build your home as a Domestic Church, go to: www.domestic-church.com or visit The Family Fully Alive (kofc.org/en/what-we-do/ faith-in-action-programs/family/family-fully-alive. html), sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Heavenly Father, bless Your Church with an abundance of holy and zealous priests, deacons, brothers and sisters. Give those You have called to the married state and those You have chosen to live as single persons in the world the special graces that their lives require. Form us all in the likeness of Your Son so that in Him, with Him and through Him we may love You more deeply and serve you more faithfully, always and everywhere. With Mary, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer for Vocations