Posts by CathFamily
Catholic Couple’s Struggle with Infertility
Many Catholic married couples struggle with infertility, whether or not they follow the Church’s teachings on married love and the raising of families. In the 2015 issue of Frankly magazine Sally Jones (a pseudonym) explained the sadness she felt as a regular Massgoer: “Infertility is difficult all the time but sometimes the sadness feels much…
Read MoreFive Tips for more Joyful Life
Gratitude Gratitude is the superfood of the soul. It has been noted as an important tool in resisting depressive thinking and can have an immediate positive impact on our mood. Gratitude fosters the habit of counting our blessings, of noticing the many, often over-looked, goods in our life, thus helping us to be more optimistic and…
Read MoreMaster of Joy
Definition of JOY Â – the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. – the expression or exhibition of such emotion a state of happiness or felicity a source or cause of delight “Joy.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2016. Joy is the settled assurance…
Read MoreActs of Mercy, Acts of Love
Another special theme of Advent, along with waiting, is mercy. Advent is an intense time of waiting for God the Father’s great act of mercy – sending the promised Saviour into the world. As Catholics, we know that when he came, after he rose from death, he also instituted the Sacrament of mercy, Reconciliation. So…
Read MoreAdvent Joy for kids
Here are some simple ways to bring Advent joy to children while helping them to learn about, and personalise, some of our rich faith traditions. Advent Calendars There are some beautiful religious calendars that can be purchased through Christian book shops – avoid the commercialised chocolate versions that feature toys and reindeers. Mary, Mary… If…
Read More5 Fast facts about advent
 When does advent begin and end? Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The first Sunday of Advent is the start of each new Church year. What is it for? The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin word adventus, which means ‘coming’ or ‘visit’. During this time we connect with the…
Read MoreBreakThrough the Reasons for Those Arguments
Couples often notice when arguments arise they are typically the same arguments that have occurred before, just set on repeat! Why is that? Conflict and hurt feelings are normal aspects of married life but what isn’t normal, or at least need not be so, is remaining gridlocked in stale and unhelpful patterns of relating. And…
Read MoreMary Mackillop Prayer
Ever-generous God, You inspired St Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy. With confidence in your generous providence and joining with St Mary MacKillop, we ask that you grant our request….(name your request). We…
Read MoreWhy Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio chose to be pope Francis?
When elected pope in March 2013 Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, chose Francis as his papal name in honour of St Francis of Assisi. He is the first ever Pope Francis. Pope Francis explained that he had done so in solidarity with the world’s poor. He explained that, as soon as it…
Read MorePriests as spiritual fathers
The Church has always seen priests as spiritual fathers, called to spiritually nourish their people with the Sacraments and inspire new generations of men and women to follow Jesus faithfully in every sphere of life. They are also called to be joyful models of self-giving love as celibates dedicated to God and the Church. In…
Read MoreThe man village
Where a child’s own father is struggling or absent through separation, extensive work commitments, prolonged illness, death or some other circumstance it’s even more important for families to have a support network which includes good father figures. And besides, even the most dedicated father can lack interest or skill in an area where his child…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide To Family Prayer For Busy Parents
Every family is unique and their family prayer life will be too! What works for one family would be impossible for another. Whether it’s highly structured like the Rosary or Divine Office or less formal like meditation or spontaneous prayer, there is a style to suit every family as it grows and changes. Whether your…
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