Happy Thanksgiving! If your family is like mine, today will be a day of family, feasting, and fun. And, that is the way it should be. Meals are incredibly important to our understanding of who we are and our communion with others. Jesus’ own ministry demonstrates the importance of meals.

His great respect for food and drink can be seen throughout his public ministry. His first public miracle was changing water into wine. He understood our need for bodily nourishment. When He raised Jarius’ daughter from the dead, he did not wait for thanks, but told them to get her something to eat. When the crowds came to hear him teach and Jesus saw they came without food, He provided it for them.

He believed in the dignity of all creation and particularly food. The devil tempted Him in the desert to turn stones into bread and, though hungry, He refused. Jesus recognized that the stone was something real and should be respected and likewise with the bread. He showed the great potential of water becoming more than itself by becoming wine.  Through the multiplication of loaves, He used it to show the ultimate potential of bread.

It is interesting to note that our Lord taught the meaning of forgiveness, the supremacy of love, and the dignity of service in the context of meals. Remember Zacchaeus once he came down from the tree?  Perhaps when he visited Mary and Martha for a meal and had to calm Martha’s anxiety over the preparation? Of course, one of my favorites is the Samaritan woman at the well when our Lord said that while the water might refresh, He could give a drink that would quench her thirst eternally.

At the Last Supper, His self-gifting became the context for giving us the His Body and Blood. Through this Paschal meal, he brought to fullness all the Passover Sedars; the manna in the desert that had been celebrated since the captivity in Egypt. The Last Supper is replete with meaning and emphasizes the sacredness of every meal that He had partaken of in Nazareth, Bethany and Capernum. Notice that after the Resurrection, He revealed Himself to the Apostles in the intimacy of a meal on the beach.

The family meal is so important. Growing up, regardless of the dive or track meets, the meetings or getting home late from work, we always ate our meals together. If dad was getting home late, a snack could hold us over. In my own family, we also eat our meals together. The family meal is one of the most important, and overlooked, moments in our lives. Sr. Timothy Prokes, FSE in her chapter on Real Food and Virtual Nourishment says,

It is difficult for persons who have not experienced the simple, consistent ritual of family meals to know the significance of Jesus’ revelations and actions being integrated within meals.

Faith is more caught than taught. For Jesus, the best place to be with His companions (which incidentally means “together with bread”) was a meal. So, as you gather to be thankful for God’s blessings and time with your family, remember to talk about the things closest to your heart. It is during this time that you will be learning and teaching the most profound aspect of the theology of the Trinity…Communion. Happy Thanksgiving!

More »

I really appreciated Scott W.’s post on St. Joseph’s Day as a Solemnity.  I would be remiss though if I didn’t add my own post for St. Joseph’s day since I am after all named after him. Plus I want to help this blog community grow, because I think fatherhood is a forgotten “art” in the Catholic world, at least in terms of the online world and this blog is the best at recapturing that “art.”

For my take on St. Joseph’s day, for this post, I won’t go into the prayers or customs of the day. You can find that in many other places, and in fact I included that in my larger post on the subject over at my blog: St. Joseph’s Day.

Instead I would like to talk about my first memories of this Solemnity, or Feast Day, that I remember as a child. You see, it is very easy for days like St. Patrick’s Day to remain on our mind throughout the years because an importance (unfortunately a secular one) has been placed on it. Yet a solemnity, which as Scott W. explained that is so honored and important that it supercedes a friday of lent, is easily forgotten in our culture.

So I wish to tell you a story that has stuck with me since I was a child, and has always made this day special to me – apart from the fact that I am named for the Saint of the day. It has to do with the Swallows and the Mission at San Juan Capistrano (Taken from: Sanjuancapistrano.net):

The miracle of the “Swallows” of Capistrano takes place each year at the Mission San Juan Capistano, on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day.

As the little birds wing their way back to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the “miracle” of the return of the swallows.

Each year the “Scout Swallows” precede the main flock by a few days and it seems to be their chief duty to clear the way for the main flock to arrive at the “Old Mission” of Capistrano.

With the arrival of early dawn on St. Joseph’s Day, the little birds begin to arrive and begin rebuilding their mud nests, which are clinging to the ruins of the old stone church of San Juan Capistrano. The arches of the two story, high vaulted Chapel were left bare and exposed, as the roof collapsed during the earthquake of 1812.

This Chapel, said to be the largest and most ornate in any of the missions, now has a more humble destiny–that of housing the birds that St. Francis loved so well.

After the summer spent within the sheltered walls of the Old Mission in San Juan Capistrano, the swallows take flight again, and on the Day of San Juan, October 23, they leave after circling the Mission bidding farewell to the “JEWEL OF ALL MISSIONS” San Juan Capistrano, California.

I know that this isn’t the most holy or pious post, but it reminds me of my childhood. I was told this story every year on this day. I remember not being able to understand “WHY” the birds came back every year on this day? I remember coming up with all sorts of reasons. Yet as I got older it became more and more mysterious and fascinating.

I realize now that it is important to instill tradition and stories into our childrens lives, and to make Catholic tradition a part of our every day lives. The faith is rich with so many traditions, days of adoration and honor, and tools to build our faith and worship God. As a father I plan to make this day important in some small way for my children so the day maintains its importance. Of course in time I will go beyond this pleasant little story and dive deeper into the importance of Saint Joseph. But for now… there is much we can learn from the simple story about birds.

(You can read my full post: St. Joseph’s Day – Ora Pro Nobis)

More »

I have a question for the other Dads here.  Practically, how do you incorporate Scripture in your family life?  The reason I ask: We’ve always prayed together as a family, but my kids are now old enough that we should start reading Scripture together as a family (my wife and I read individually on our own) and I’m trying to figure out a way that works for us.

How do you guys do it?  Bedtime?  Before or after meals?  Did you start with Old Testament stories or the Gospels?  The Bible itself or with the Catechism/study guide?

Thanks for your feedback!

More »

At our house, we don’t eat meat on Friday.

The Extraordinary Mother-in-Law presented the kids with many books (she’s a schoolteacher, this is in character for her), including for the Extraordinary Boy (soon to be 7, but reading at the third-grade level) a book of fish-riddles. Among the fish jokes, this classic: “What a is fish’s least favorite day?” The answer of course is “Fry-day”.

Not realizing that “frying” is a way to cook fish, my son thought this was funny because, as he said, “Friday is the day when we eat fish.” I’m so proud.

More »

This is my first post on this blog. I didn’t think I had much to contribute until now.

Recent experiences within the last eight months with my father-in-law’s surprise brain tumor has put alot of things into perspective; primarily the example I need to show my children through all of this.

My father-in-law, Bob, and his wife, Gail, are non-practicing Lutherans. My wife, Kathy, converted when we got married. I grew up Catholic and my kids, Nicholas (11), Rebecca (9), and Emily (7) currently attend the same Catholic Elementary school I attended.

Bob was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March. By this time, his left side was all but paralyzed. Within four days of its discovery, he was undergoing serious surgery to remove it.

We did not take the kids to the hospital that day.

Bob came out o the surgery fine. The neurosurgeon was pleased. Bob remained in the hospital for two weeks. He woke up a few hours after the surgery and was talking with all of us for the next two days.

We took the kids the day after the surgery to visit. They watched how Gail, Kathy, Bobby (my brother-in-law from across the US) and I interacted. It was awkward for them seeing their grandpa so vulnerable and weak. Before the tumor he was very active and stubborn – and he loved his grandchildren like nothing else.

Bob remained in the hospital for two weeks. He had a few seizures and went into almost a comatose state for six or seven days. Nothing to worry about, the doc said.

We brought the kids up every day to see him. It became less awkward for them. They continued to watch.

He eventually was able to leave the hospital and go to a rehabilitation center. He stayed there for three weeks and worked very hard to get his strength back.

We drove the kids 45 minutes everyday after school and on the weekends to see Bob. The center became a second home to them – and to us. I don’t think they watched us as closely then.

Since then he has had his ups and downs, but the kids have really rallied. They have such resilience.

He had a major setback last week. He reacted to some of his medication and his symptoms mirrored a stroke. Last Sunday evening we were all over his house for a couple of hours trying to prepare him to go to the hospital. We finally had to call the EMTs to transport him.

The kids watched and asked questions. I answered them as honestly and gently as I could.

We took him to another rehab center last night. The kids and I sat in his semi private room while he slept and Kathy and Gail were signing paperwork. We sat there for two hours, until 9:00 pm. They never complained. I was amazed.

The kids hadn’t eaten dinner. They were exhausted from visiting Bob the five prior nights until 8:30 pm, going home, eating, finishing homework and getting to bed late.

Why am I telling you all of this?

It dawned on me that I really shouldn’t be amazed at their behavior last night, or even in the last eight months. They only acted as they saw me act. As they saw Gail and Kathy act.

They haven’t had the best eight months either. With Bob’s ups and downs, they have frequently missed birthday parties, play dates, homework time, and our regular evening meal at the table. But I think they have gained something else – true empathy and respect for their elders.

Being a good Catholic dad means being a good Catholic son (in-law), and a good Catholic husband.

Keep us in your prayers.

Pax.

More »

Reiterating once again the basis for my belief that large Christian families are the best hope for the future of our nation, we find this statistic that conservative Christians have 78% more children than secular liberals (H/T: Faithmouse):

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, social scientist Arthur Brooks notes that if you pick 100 adults out of the population who attend their houses of worship nearly every week, they would have 223 children among them. But among 100 people who attend religious services less than once a year—or never—you would find 158 kids. That’s a 41 percent fertility gap between religious and secular people.

Even worse—if you are a secularist—religious people who identify themselves as politically “conservative” or “very conservative” are having, on average, an astonishing 78 percent more kids than secular liberals, Brooks writes.

This is significant, because kids tend to grow up to worship the way their parents do. In a generation or two, we are going to have a bumper crop of conservative citizens. Candidates who appeal to Christians will win more elections simply because of demographics.

“Look on our wombs, ye mighty, and despair!”

(Cross-posted from Thoughts of a Regular Guy)

More »

By: Ron Pereira
www.catholicreply.com
www.leansixsigmaacademy.com

My 4 year old, Kileigh, has this little game she plays right before I turn the lights off at bedtime. She always says, “Daddy, don’t forget your chores.” My chores started out as “tell the dogs not to bark and wake me up.” Then they evolved to “pressing buttons on the computer.” Now that her imagination is kicking into high gear she asks me to print things out for her and leave them in her room.

So for the past few weeks I have copied and pasted the Gospel for the day into a Word document along with a picture that supports the Gospel (Google images is the best). It all fits on one page. I print it out and when she is sleeping I put the paper on the floor by her door.

She has now taken all of my “chores” and with mom’s help has gotten a three ringed binder and places them in it. She loves my chores and I must admit I love doing them.

I am traveling this week for work so I had to do my chores ahead of time and mom is putting them by her door in my place. But Kileigh knows who did the hard work!

Little acts like this make all the difference to our kids men. If you have ideas of things you do please do share!

More »

I posted this on my blog, but thought it would apply in response to an earlier blog entry about children dating. Children should follow St. Anthony’s advice before seeking a mate.

BE SATISFIED WITH ME

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soul relationship with another,
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But to a Christian, God says, “No, not until you are satisfied,
Fulfilled and content with being loved by me alone,
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to me.
With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with me alone.
Discovering that only in me is your satisfaction to be found,
Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,
That I have planned for you.
You will never be united to another
Until you are united with me.

Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow me to give you
The most thrilling plan existing . . . one you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you.
You just keep watching me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.
Just wait, that’s all. Don’t be anxious, don’t worry
Don’t look around at things others have gotten
Or that I have given them
Don’t look around at the things you think you want,
Just keep looking off and away up to me,
Or you’ll miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than you could dream of.
You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,
I am working even at this moment
To have both of you ready at the same time.
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with me

And the life I’ve prepared for you,
You won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me.
And this is perfect love.

And, dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love.
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with me.
And to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union
Of beauty, perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.

Know that I love you utterly.
For I am God. Believe it and be satisfied.

~ St. Anthony of Padua

More »

Although I already posted this on my own blog, I wanted to throw this question into the ring in our Dad’s forum.

As has happened a few times before, another school parent talked about how cute it was that her daughter “had a boyfriend.”

To quote a past Australian politician “I don’t like it!”

I am told I am being overly sensitive, but the children are only 8 years old for goodness sake!
Are there any other parents who have come across this idea of children coupling up (however innocently)? If so, how do you deal with it?

More »

Crossposted at Bettnet.

My friend Paul sent me this link to a blog by A Catholic Mom in Hawaii, which gives “Easy Ways to Evangelize in Advent,” but most of the 30 different suggestions are good ideas for families any time of year.

We already do a few of these already, like “Pray every time a siren sounds” and “cross yourself when passing a church” and “say grace before every meal.” Others we don’t yet do, but sound like good ideas like “know your name-saint and celebrate his feast” and “check the liturgical calendar every day.” These sound like great ways for kids to become aware of the rhythm of the liturgical year and to become familiar with the rich tapestry of the saints.

Others are a bit more esoteric, like “eschew cultural corrosion” and “let your light shine before men.”

I’m going to save this and come back to it from time to time to add some of these points to our daily lives as Isabella (and our future children, God willing) gets old enough to appreciate them.

More »