From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Our society is becoming more mixed up than ever before. Now more than ever family life needs to be strengthened. It takes a great deal to raise good, happy, and wholesome kids in today's world. Mother Teresa had many one liners that really had great meaning, and one that I remember holds true today, "even the loftiest Christian values-like justice and world peace-begin at home." I believe we should look to the young, without all the adult hang-ups and stereotypes implanted in their minds; no poison, no hatred on their hearts. The school year has begun and I want to look at the relationship between parent and child, and the spiritual relationship of the family.
Traditions are the glue that holds families together. Successful parents impart a deep sense of Catholic belonging when they bring their family to Mass regularly, partake of the sacraments, and make small Catholic devotions fit into their family. Traditions provide stability for young people in an ever-changing world. A world built upon greed, anger, war and lies.
In our overscheduled world of soccer, football, dance, music, and over-worked adult schedules, a meal together is an important event. Religious educators and family experts agree: It's critical that today's families sit down and share a common meal. The half hour that a family spends around the table might well be the most, or the only, time they're together on any given day.
Keep God in the family, not just for emergencies. Teaching children to pray means making God a part of a young person's everyday experiences. Teaching our children through example in prayer will mean that talking to God will come as naturally as walking or breathing.
Every child and every adult, whether rich or poor, young or old, deserves to be loved, heard, clothed and fed. Parents need to introduce their children to a life of service, to responding to the needs of the poor. All the blessings that God has given us need to be shared.
It is so important that we teach our young people that true happiness is never found in "keeping up with the neighbors," but rather in relationships, and the greatest relationship is with God. Parents should not merely dictate, but explain why certain behaviors are unacceptable and certain items are off limits. Thus, with guidance, young people attain their own morals, helping them say no to peer pressure, abusive lives and wanting everything neighbors and friends have in their homes.
In our modern technological age with our cell phones, smart phones, young people are losing the skill of communicating. True communication is talking face to face, using expressions and tone. Talk with your sons and daughters in real sentences. Modern technology is great, but it also can be detrimental to true relationships.
Parents be the example for your children in school activities, going to church and in morality. We teach best by living a life based upon the teachings of Jesus.