Florida Catholic | Jubilee Teachings December 6, 2007

JUBILEE TEACHING

Devotional habits of Catholic families

JUBILEE TEACHING FOR DECEMBER 16, 2007 | THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

JUBILEE INFORMATION

The family is the lifeblood and central unity of any Catholic parish. Indeed, the metaphor of family informs the entire structure of the Catholic Church. The family is an inviolable unit, one that — lived well — gives great strength, comfort and support in faith and leads to a happy, healthy life. It is no coincidence that the beginning of a family, matrimony, is one of the seven sacraments of Catholicism.

THE BONDS OF PRAYER

Tying a Catholic family together are the bonds of prayer. Prayer brings holiness into the family and creates a ritualistic setting where the family can unite in their common wishes and their faith. Parents introduce their children to prayers at a young age, and children grow up with a deep connection to prayer as a form of communication with their family and with God.

A simple grace before every meal is one fine way to gently bring the Lord into daily life. Food means comfort and sustenance. It is important to remember that it doesn’t get on the table by itself. The parents provided and cooked it. And God made the world from which the food springs. Thanking God is a good way to remind children not to take life for granted.

Also, many children are taught to say a simple prayer before going to bed. This simple ritual of saying a bedtime prayer helps them calm down, forms a lovely bond with their parents, and becomes a long-lasting tradition. Most important, it sets the stage for the development of faith as children grow older.

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JUBILEE TEACHING

Devotional habits of Catholic families

JUBILEE INFORMATION

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