During the fall our 10-year-old plays football for our parish school. Games are scheduled for 10:30 and 11:30 a.m on Sunday mornings — right in the heart of Mass times. Occasionally he and a smattering of teammates could be found kneeling in the pew at 9 a.m. Mass in cleats and football pants — their helmets and shoulder pads waiting patiently in the car. Yes, there are plenty of Mass options in our area, but it never made sense that a Catholic organization would put something in the way of families attending their preferred church at their preferred time. It seems counterintuitive to the mission of the Church. Apparently I’m not the only one who feels this way.
Banning sporting events on Sundays is something to cheer for
Why you should take little kids to Mass
If you’re like me, going to Mass with your kids isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Prying the children away from their Sunday morning play is often a 30-minute affair, one where the race to put shoes on children’s feet functions as a replacement for any planned weekend cardio. Even devout parents occasionally wonder to themselves, “What am I doing? Why do I endure this circus from week to week?” In the midst of the current scandals of the Church, I’m sure many parents have thought to themselves at least once or twice, “Will I really be missed?”
St. Marcellin Joseph Benoit Champagnat, patron of education and teachers
Marcellin Joseph Benoit Champagnat was a French priest and founder of the Society of Mary. He is the patron of education and teachers. Brothers of Mary, or Marist Brothers, founded in poverty, humility, and total trust in God under Mary’s protection and with the purpose of having its members serve as teachers, catechists, and educators of young people. Watch a video about him in today’s post.
5 tips for celebrating First Communion without stress
Sarah Reinhard celebrated her third child’s first Communion this April. That does not make her an expert but she has learned some things along the way. Here are a few pointers that have helped her let go of the stress and embrace the beauty of the sacrament.
June Gospels: Questions to ask your kids
Need help explaining the June Gospels to your kids? Our short summaries and discussion questions will provide just the conversation starter you need.
