Back in the Middle Ages, many Catholics began observing special devotions around a particular theme each month. Today, many families are reviving this practice as part of the way they observe the liturgical calendar at home. By practicing monthly devotions, the core values of the faith will become more alive within your family. The beauty of monthly devotions is that there is no set way to celebrate. So be creative, make it fun, and adapt your celebration to your own family. Teaching Catholic Kids has ways to celebrate the popular devotion for June, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus • Monthly Devotion for June
101 things to do with your kids this summer (Catholic edition)
Want to make some great summertime memories for your kids? Teaching Catholic KIds has a starter list of 101 things to try, including a few with a Catholic twist. If you have some to add, let us know in the comments.
9 tips for a successful family prayer time
Praying with kids can be more messy than holy, especially when you are just beginning to pray together, and especially when young children are involved. Know that you are not alone: hundreds of generations of Christian parents have had the same experience. Setting aside a regular time to pray together as a family is the first step towards a lifelong habit of prayer for your kids. TCK has nine strategies for getting started, plus tips for dealing with those “prayer time crazies.”
Pope St. John Paul II
Pope Saint John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in the small Polish town of Wadowice. During World War II, when the Nazis invaded Poland, Karol secretly studied for the priesthood in an underground seminary established by the archbishop of Krakow. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1946. In 1964, Father Karol was appointed archbishop of Krakow; just three years later he was made a cardinal. In 1978, Cardinal Wojtyla was elected Pope, the 264th in the Church’s history. He took the name John Paul II. He began his papacy on Oct. 22 by telling the world, “Be not afraid”; his life showed everyone that to change the world, we must “cast into the deep for a great catch.”
Have fun with the Rosary (no, really)
Catholic mom Sarah Reinhard writes, I have a love-hate relationship with the Rosary. It’s not so different from how I feel about exercise. They both yield good — great! — results, but they also need an investment of time and effort. If I am struggling with it, how am I supposed to get my kids to do it willingly? Teaching Catholic Kids has resources to help you (and me!) introduce the children in your life to the rosary…and maybe plant the seeds of a lifelong devotion!
