Articles

Natural Advent Wreath

By Francine Pirola | July 6, 2012

Advent is a time of eager anticipation of the coming of Jesus.  The lighting of Advent candles is old tradition that many families and churches…

Daddy Magic

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

As a mother of five children ranging in ages from 17 to 6 it is fascinating to watch my husband in action with our children.…

Smart Learning

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

A major part of successful learning at school and beyond can be attributed to simple organisation. Having intelligence and academic skill is important too, but these gifts…

Children & Media

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

“Training in the proper use of the media is essential for the cultural, moral and spiritual development of children.” Pope Benedict XVI Raising children in…

Your Home: A Living Church

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

The Domestic Church The home is the place where we learn to love. It is in our homes that our children are first introduced to love; in…

Family Vocations

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York recently noted the link between marriage and vocations to the priesthood and religious life: “We have a vocation crisis to life-long, life-giving,…

Cyber Rascals

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Digital communications have revolutionised our social relationships. Text messaging, email and social network communities mean that today’s young person has instant access to friends and acquaintances across…

Grandparent Power

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Almost every grandparent thinks their grandchildren are pretty special. Grandparents are allowed to be biased – after all, every kid deserves a doting grandparent to counter…

Parenting Tips

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Andrew Mullins is the Author of Parenting for Character (2005) Finch Publishing. Through his extensive experience as a School Principal, where he regularly counsels parents,…

The Renaissance of Marriage

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

With the feast day of one of history’s most sainted couples occurring this month it’s an opportune time to affirm the contribution that marriage makes to our…

The Quality Time Myth

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

Insufficient time together is a curse on relationships. Whether our relationship is steaming forward or drifting on the current, time together is like a balm, healing the…

Heavenly Connections – All Saints Day

By Francine Pirola | June 18, 2012

One of the most beautiful traditions of the Catholic Faith is the celebration of the lives of the Saints. Not only do these men, women and…