The author of this opinion piece reflects on the sense of community and comfort experienced during a school book fair and draws parallels to the sacraments and Mass in the Catholic Church. The author suggests that the parish community should strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for those seeking the sacraments, similar to the atmosphere of a book fair. By fostering a sense of community and providing comfort, the Church can enhance the spiritual journey of its members and strengthen their relationship with God.
A recent study conducted by Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate and the Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life, called the 'Future Faithful Families Project,' examined the common features in families where children grew into Catholic adults. The study found that only about 15% of U.S. adults who were raised Catholic remained practicing Catholics attending weekly Mass into adulthood. The study interviewed 28 individuals from June 2021 to February 2023 and found that participants from these families generally described their households as 'warmer and more affectionate than the average family.' Most participants also indicated 'very good communication' within the family. Other common features included having rituals of meals eaten together and prayer, emphasizing the importance of weekly Mass attendance, and engaging in service work and giving to charity. The study also analyzed data from the General Social Survey, which showed a decline in the number of U.S. adults who were raised Catholic and remained Catholic while attending Mass weekly. The study suggests that parents can gain insight from the common responses of these families, such as integrating faith into daily life and engaging in open discussions about the faith with their children.
According to an article from the Catholic Review of Baltimore, Sunday used to be a special day for Catholics, a day of rest and celebration. However, in today's round-the-clock world, Sunday has become just another day. Many people work on Sundays and have little time for family or spiritual activities. It is important to balance activity with rest for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Pope Benedict XVI warned about the spiritual emptiness that can result from our busy lives. Reclaiming Sunday as a day of rest allows us to renew our bodies and souls. To make Sunday a holy day, start slowly by attending Mass every week and prioritizing spiritual or restful activities. Restricting activities on Sundays and finding time for solitude, family, or outdoor adventures can help restore and appreciate God's creation. Even if you have to work on Sundays, you can still incorporate the holiness of the day into your activities. Sunday is a day of rest and gratitude, a day to surrender our own will and make room for God. It is a day that was made for man, not the other way around. Reclaiming Sunday as a special day can bring balance and spiritual fulfillment to our lives.
In a recent article from The Presbyterian Outlook, the importance of self-care and rest in the context of ministry is discussed. The author reflects on how Jesus invited his disciples to withdraw and rest in a deserted place after their ministry work. However, they were interrupted by the crowds who recognized Jesus and the disciples. The author emphasizes the need for ministers, elders, and congregation members to balance self-care with ministry opportunities. The article also mentions the use of 'sandwich stories' in the Gospel of Mark, where stories are inserted within other stories. The author encourages individuals and congregations to find ways to rest and nourish themselves, while remaining faithful to their ministries. The author concludes by asking readers to consider their own self-care practices and how they model self-care for their congregation.
The article 'Family Devotion Day 10: Who is your hero?' by Rev Dr Joshua Sudharman explores the topic of defining success in the context of faith. The article is a family devotion for Day 10 of the LoveSingapore 40.Day prayer devotional. It emphasizes that Jesus defines success as having a soul that is connected to God and having a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. The author encourages readers to consider whether their heroes have a healthy soul connected to God and to pray for Singaporeans to think of success in the same way Jesus does. The article concludes with three prayer points: asking God to help readers have a healthy and connected soul, praying for Singaporeans to seek success in being close to God, and praying for Singaporeans to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. [1e2a706e]