Posts by CathFamily
Military 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 MoreThe Mother Who Loves Me Chaplet of Prayer
The millions of pilgrims who travel to Medjugorje each year are a sign of the love that Mary has for all of her children. Mary is said to have appeared to six visionaries many times beginning in 1981. The Church has not officially approved the visions, but encourages pilgrims to visit what has become an important centre…
Read MoreEpiphany Prayer Service
A short and sweet prayer service that introduces children to the meaning of the wise men’s visit to Jesus. Materials Epiphany gift box and gifts (download instructions below) Candle CathFamily Epiphany Prayer Cards (download below) Instructions Light the candle and make the Sign of the Cross Read: The story of the wise men in Matthew…
Read MoreEpiphany Gift Box
Around Christmastime young children will be love making this gift box containing beautiful and fragrant materials representing the wise men’s gifts for Jesus; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then use the box in our Feast of the Epiphany prayer service in early January. We purchased some of these materials, but it will work just as well…
Read More2016 Nov | Accompany
From the Editor Marilyn Rodrigues In this edition we feature the testimonials and commentary of people who are walking with those whose life circumstances and choices make it difficult for them to feel that they belong in the Catholic family. Many same-sex attracted or gender questioning Catholics, for example, feel rejected by the Church rather…
Read MoreChrist the King Plaque
A fun craft activity for children and adults alike! Hot glue gun involved so younger ones will require some assistance. Materials Thick board/cardboard Pencil Hot glue gun PVA glue and paint brush Aluminium foil Permanent markers in various colours Printout of CathFamily Christ the King design template (optional) Approximate Time 30 minutes, depending on complexity…
Read MoreNature Art
We invite you and your children to join us in reflecting on Pope Francis’ message and on God’s stunning work of creation that is our family of humanity and our common home. Go out into the backyard or park with your child. To listen. To connect. To recognize God in the glory of creation. Materials…
Read MoreIn Union With Creation
Father, We praise you with all your creatures. They came forth from your all-powerful hand; they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love. Praise be to you! Son of God, Jesus, through you all things were made. You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother, you became part of this…
Read More2016 June | Money-Smart Holy Families
Loving God in a material world Our financial attitudes and behaviours form a big part of our lived experience as we journey with God to the fullness of life. Thus our children will benefit hugely from formation in the Christian approach to money and wealth. We can guide them to properly appreciate money from a…
Read More2016 May | Infertility
The Cross of Infertility and Subfertility Around one in six couples of childbearing age experiences infertility or subfertility at any one time. Like any cross, sometimes this one is harder at some times than at others to bear. Mothers’ Day blessings at Mass can be particularly difficult. Or the Christmas season with its endless nativity scenes and hymns about the long-awaited birth of a…
Read More2016 March | Simplify
Lent is the perfect time to prune whatever distracts us from the enjoyment of God’s presence and peace. Many self-help experts preach decluttering and simplifying in order to create a calmer and more focused mind. For Catholics, neat cupboards alone won’t really cut it in the spiritual life, but Jesus did ask us to live…
Read MoreTake back your Family in Three Steps
When I suggest to parents that they need to carve out regular time each day as a family to work together, play together, talk with each other and pray together, it is met with an almost existential level of angst. “How are we supposed to find time to do all that!?” Catholic families have swallowed…
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