APRIL 2017
Welcome to the first SES “Informed Catholics” column. After attending the GO! Gulf Coast Adult Faith Formation and Evangelization Conference early this year, members of the Adult Faith Formation Committee wanted to come back and give some of what they had seen and heard: new ways to revitalize, evangelize, inform, and form adult learners and their families. And so, beginning in April, Fr. Gary has approved the inclusion of this information in our bulletin and on the parish website. Our monthly column will be called “Informed Catholics” where we hope to highlight great online resources, the best of Catholic literature, book reviews, faith activities for families, as well as faith sharing from our own parishioners. Let us begin a great conversation this Lent as we share the treasures of our faith.
Featured Book
Praying for Our Adult Sons and Daughters: Placing Them in the Heart of God, by John and Therese Boucher, 2012.
“When our children become adults, we can't hold them on our laps and protect them like we used to. We need new strategies for caring for them. And the most important strategy of all is to lift up our adult sons and daughters in prayer and place them in the heart of God. When we do so, God's love is unleashed--in them and in us. God can replace our worries and discouragement with refreshment and hope. This book is a real treasure, one that parents and grandparents will want to read again and again.” This book has been used by several prayer groups and in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for book studies.
Ideas from the book
- Ask the Father to intervene in the life of your son or daughter. Ask God to show you how He is already at work in this situation.
- Ask God to send the Holy Spirit into their lives as a guide. Ask for the help they need to recognize God's guidance.
- Ask for the gift of understanding. Let go of your opinions and your desires to solve that problem for them.
- Ask for God's help in choosing one detail to pray about.
- Speak in ways to affirm your son or daughter. Ask respectful questions that will give you a better understanding such as, “Could you tell me more about ...?” Act or serve in ways that reflect God's love and that utilize the fruits of the Holy Spirit -- peace, joy, patience, and understanding.
- Have a photo of your son or daughter in a prominent place where you can see it often. Offer him/her to God each time you see the photo.
Faith Sharing
We thought we would start our faith sharing section by asking Father Gary to share one of his favorite Bible verses. He chose a verse from Genesis 2:7-- “The Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being.”
What is your favorite Bible verse and why is it your favorite? E-mail us with your response at SetonScriptureStudy@gmail.com.
Faith for Families
Former U.S. Surgeon General Everett Koop reminds us, “Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” When we take our marriage vows we affirm: “Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?” We all say, “We do!” So what now? This column will also provide insight into how children develop spiritually and morally. Understanding is the first step in supporting anyone, especially our most precious responsibility.
- Did you know that the Church Quieting Room now supplies a few resources for families with young children? You are welcome to browse the resources and take them home.
- Faith for Families is offered 3 times a year. This Sunday event is an opportunity to hear a faith message, participate in fun faith-driven family activities, and foster family and community unity.
- Check out this website for faith building ideas for families : http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/family
Website of the Month
- http://www.usccb.org – The U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops website includes the Sunday readings and daily readings from the NAB (New American Bible), audio and video commentaries, information about Catholic beliefs and practices, prayer and worship ideas, marriage and family, and movie reviews.
Submitted by Annette Chapman, Leah Lormand, and Diane Triche
