Archive for June 2017
Natural Simplicity
by Kiara Pirola When do people most commonly feel God’s presence? It is rarely at a desk or in front of a screen. Most often, we have profound spiritual experiences when immersed in the natural world. It is through God’s creation that we connect with the transcendent and we regain the capacity to be humble…
Read MoreSimplicity Parenting
In today’s busy life with too many choices and too little time, more and more children present with anxiety disorders, behavioural problems and an alarming rate of suicidal tendencies. Parents are often overwhelmed by their daily routine and there seems to be a profound disconnect between parent and child. As parents, we try to do…
Read MoreThree ways to be a simplicity parent
Less is more This applies to nearly everything in our children’s environment – their toys, clothes, choices, experiences, gadgets and sensory stimuli. De-cluttering the environment and limiting children’s many choices is very powerful. The less complexity we provide; the more attentive and creative they become, and the fewer battles we have to fight as parents.…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Mass Survival: Guide for Parents
Planning ahead Picking a Mass Generally speaking, if you have young children, a morning Mass is better than an evening Mass. Tired kids are not much fun for parents. Many parishes have a specific Mass for families where the atmosphere is more child-tolerant and family-friendly. If you can, make it your regular Mass. You’ll also…
Read MoreTaking Kids to Mass
“Let the little children come to me” Francine’s Story “Have you ever been to Mass with a restless toddler or unsettled baby? I have. Plenty of times. As a daily Mass-goer and mother of five, I’ve lost count of the number of times. While I took reasonable steps to contain their boisterous behaviour, I wanted…
Read MoreSacrament Essentials : Reconciliation
What’s this Sacrament business all about? As human beings we communicate through our body; through our words, gestures, facial expressions, and actions. Communication is so foundational to human relationships that they wither when we don’t regularly make the effort to communicate. They also shatter when we use our words or gestures to hurt others. God…
Read MoreMilitary Chaplains Today
An interview with Fr Bryan Pipins SJ I had the priviledge of interviewing a current military chaplain Fr Bryan Pipins. His energy and love for his ministry was very apparent and the joy he took from it was truly inspiring. Kiara: To start with, could you give us a quick biography? Fr Bryan: I was…
Read MoreServing those who serve
The Chaplain Department of the Australian Imperial Forces was formed in 1913. It included 116 appointed chaplains with equal numbers of each denomination. After the War began, the numbers were rearranged according to the proportion of the populations. 414 clergy men served in WWI and received a total of 72 honours in recognition of their…
Read MoreExamination of Conscience for Couples
“Most people think that once they marry then they can’t sin sexually. Actually, most people sin more sexually in marriage than they do before it.” These words of our spiritual director from our early days of marriage weren’t just referring to adultery and contraception, though these are serious and all too common. He was referring…
Read MoreMum Likes ME best
Karin was at her wit’s end. Her two sons, James (12) and Eric (9) were constantly fighting, bickering and annoying one another. “I don’t understand why they have to be at each other all the time. It’s so exhausting having to referee everything between them. Eric gets mad that he isn’t allowed to do all…
Read MoreReconciliation: Parenting Points
The difference between ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘forgive me?’ Saying ‘sorry’ is different to asking for ‘forgiveness’. When we say sorry to someone, it is an ‘I-centred’ statement expressing sympathy, but not necessarily inferring that we take any responsibility. As such, it requires nothing from the person to whom we say it. It is always good…
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