Fr. V has a wonderful post that I think expands even beyond the point he originally was trying to make. In it, he extrapolates on one of the ways the sins of a father are visited on his sons – in this case, inadvertent contact with pornography. The truth of the post though is much larger than that. What we do in any and every way affects our children and we as parents always have a singular choice – do we help lead them to salvation or do we help lead them down the roads of perdition.

So the next time you’re tempted to cut a corner somehow, to take a “shortcut” in the spiritual life, remember that it’s not just God who’s watching you, but your sons and daughters as well. It’s your example they’ll follow; it’s your choice which direction you point them, at all times.

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Crossposted at Utter Muttering.

He went on about the time he spends with his kids — how he manages to get no more than four hours’ sleep at a time, since he always has to be there for one or both of his children. For this former Marine, being a dad is “the hardest work there is.”

“And the most rewarding,” I said hopefully.

He gave an emphatic “yes.”

It strikes me that there is something wrong with a culture that tells this man that he is somehow less valuable than a man who makes more money or has more job skills. The same goes for a culture that tells a woman she is less valuable if, rather than taking the opportunity to graduate college at the earliest opportunity, or getting a solid footing in a career, she instead becomes a full-time mother.

Being a devoted parent is the most important job in the world. We should never forget that.

You can read the rest of the story at Dawn Patrol. Comments?

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Our family has started as of the beginning of Lent the practice of reading the daily Mass readings before the kids go to bed every night. I must admit a distinct glee at my two kids’ enthusiastic response thus far. I was hoping it would be a tool to help them learn the Bible, but I hadn’t expected my son to ask to take part – apparently I underestimated him. Again.

My bleg is simple. For the last two weeks he has been doing one of the readings and has expressed interest in having a Missal “just like Dad’s”. I’m looking for one that’s built for kids (i.e. larger print) but not one that is for First Communion which, for him, isn’t until next year. I could have him wait but I don’t want to put a damper on his enthusiasm. Has anyone seen a children’s Missal that isn’t for First Communion that they could recommend?

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