Very upset and distressed

[humble_maid]

You and your husband must get on the same page. Dad has more influence than we can imagine in the raising up of good holy girls.

I think my husband believes that it is more relevant to the mother’s role than the father’s. I seem to agree with you. A father can greatly influence the way his daughters see themselves. But more than that, it is how a father treats his wife in front of the children that will set a pattern.

 

[kage_ar]

If you will let us know what Diocese you are in, we can help you find your youth activities. If your parish does not have a youth group, I would suggest you start a “Dead Theologians Society”.

deadtheologianssociety.com/

 

[garyr]

I think my husband believes that it is more relevant to the mother’s role than the father’s. I seem to agree with you. A father can greatly influence the way his daughters see themselves. But more than that, it is how a father treats his wife in front of the children that will set a pattern.

Well, IMHO, just as the father (in a family with kids) is responsible for providing adequate food and shelter for his little ones, a CATHOLIC father is also responsible for providing the SPIRITUAL equivalent of these: food ( proper spiritual formation - to grow in knowledge, practice, & examples of the ways of our Lord), and shelter ( shielding innocent& tender minds from the corrupting ways of this world, till they are properly formed ). If he neglects these duties, his children (and the whole family) will suffer the consequences. What decent father would throw his 8-year old out on the street and tell him to go find food for himself - think about it!

 

[garyr]

Not really. We have prayer sessions before going to bed; that is me and my girls. Sometimes we watch movies of saints and bible stories. Even this is being cut down: their father once or twice said that I expect much and since then the girls are losing interest. My little one will still listen to me but the eldest is doing what she wants. At times I force her to pray with us but then I realize it must come from her. I must emphasize that my eldest is very committed to Jesus and her faith; she is rebelling against me.
As for the church, I try to involve them little by little. There are no services for the young expect catechism. There are no services for families either. The community is new and I have spoken to the priest to get the community more involved by initiating activities.
If you have any suggestions on faith-building program/exercises please post it on this thread. Thank you and God Bless.

Finding local groups or activities that adequately provide for spiritual-family-strengthening are rare and far&few between. Maybe you could take a look at this - Family Consecration - something you can do at home, and as a family - alltogether - familyland.be/family_consecration/introduction-to-consecration-to-the-holy-family.html

You and spouse can do the readings together, then have the kids join-in for the rosary parts. There is nothing more precious than to hear a 3-year-old lead a decade of the rosary, I promise . . .

We started this some years ago, and it has transformed our family from one that never prayed together, to now where we have weekly group meetings with other families, in our home. We renew our consecration annually.

There are lots of retreats, missions, and devotions out there, but very few that focus on the whole family; take a look.

-G

 

[humble_maid]

Thank you to all who have responded. This morning I was feeling bleak and sorrowful, but as the posts kept coming in I was once again uplifted by caring people.

Thank you to Kage for the site of ‘Dead Theologians Society’ this will be useful for the youth in our community. I am trying to put together a meeting for this age group.

Thank you to Gary. The site will give me much food for thought. I hope to engage and consecrate the whole family. Please pray that they will follow.

God Bless you all. I must say that there are many committed Catholic Americans; as for the english speaking dioceses in Quebec there are not as ‘out there’. We are a minority, hence the reason for feeling overwhelmed at times with rearing the children in this very secular society. Keep the faith.

I still would like to have some (name removed by moderator)ut on how other believers deal with this kind of fustration whether it comes from one’s own family or from outside sources? Do you feel like your faith is constantly challenged?

God Bless

 

[tskrobacz]

I still would like to have some (name removed by moderator)ut on how other believers deal with this kind of fustration whether it comes from one’s own family or from outside sources? Do you feel like your faith is constantly challenged?

God Bless

Of course - every day has it’s cross to bear. It is only when we admit we are powerless and surrender our trust fully to our Higher Power that we can find serenity. As we say in Alanon…Religion is for people that are afraid of Hell and Spirituality is for people who have been through Hell and are back! I for one do not know how anyone can remain truly faithful without a spiritual support group or spiritual director.

 

[humble_maid]

Of course - every day has it’s cross to bear. It is only when we admit we are powerless and surrender our trust fully to our Higher Power that we can find serenity. As we say in Alanon…Religion is for people that are afraid of Hell and Spirituality is for people who have been through Hell and are back! I for one do not know how anyone can remain truly faithful without a spiritual support group or spiritual director.

What if we have religion and spirituality? For myself the CC has been a force in my life and continues to be so. I am particularily fond of the American Catholics; they seem much more committed than those in my area.

As for your committment to Alanon, well if it helps you feel closer to God then may He bless you and strengthen you always. But I would like to tell you that the CC and its sacraments, such as the Eucharist, Reconciliation are most important in a believer’s spiritual journey. The idea that we can be so close to God(Jesus) by way of this sacrament, is truly a miracle in itself.

I am not sure what your beliefs are or what church you belong to but I hope you find peace in Him and salvation.

God Bless
MJ

 

[tskrobacz]

What if we have religion and spirituality? For myself the CC has been a force in my life and continues to be so. I am particularily fond of the American Catholics; they seem much more committed than those in my area.

As for your committment to Alanon, well if it helps you feel closer to God then may He bless you and strengthen you always. But I would like to tell you that the CC and its sacraments, such as the Eucharist, Reconciliation are most important in a believer’s spiritual journey. The idea that we can be so close to God(Jesus) by way of this sacrament, is truly a miracle in itself.

I am not sure what your beliefs are or what church you belong to but I hope you find peace in Him and salvation.

God Bless
MJ

I do not disagree that the sacraments and CC are an important part of the spiritual journey. I also believe that 12-step programs are a gift of the Holy Spirit and have enabled many to find their Higher Power (God). Thanks for your response.