St. Mary's Church at P.O. Box 609, Massena, NY 13662 US - " S M I L E "
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Dear Parishioners:
Generations of faith filled Catholic people have passed on to us the most precious gift that we possess.. the gift of faith. As this generations' "good stewards" we are obligated to pass on the gift of faith to our children.
Children primarily learn through the examples of their parents. Today, many parents are volunteering their time and talents to their churches and community groups and bringing their children along with them. More and more churches are encouraging children to return a portion of their allowances or other income by putting children's envelopes in the collection basket.
It is extremely important that children are taught about stewardship. God has blessed us in so many marvelous ways. Stewardship is a way of life. A way for us to thank God for the myraid of blessings we have received by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure allotted to us.
"In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching" (Titus 2:7)
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"HEALING PRAYER":
In the past the members of our Prayer Group sponsored the Healing Mass of First Saturdays.
Starting in September, there will be opportunity for intercessory prayer at 7:00 PM in the Church every other week. Look for the Intercessory Prayer in the calendar of events in the bulletin. There is nothing like the power of prayer!
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SOME WAYS OF MAINTAINING GOD IN DAILY LIFE by Dorothy J. Levesque
Pray for your child(ren) every day
...thank God for the gift each is;
...ask God for the wisdom to do and say the right thing;
...ask God to help you accept your humanity;
...ask God to help you enjoy - and have fun with - your child(ren);
...ask God to help you find time for yourself;
...ask God to help you love - and like - each child (especially when it is difficult to do so;
...ask God for patience;
...ask God to help you learn from you child(ren);
...ask God to help you find time to rest;
As a natural part of each day, speak to God aloud; some examples include....
...Thanks, God for....; God help me..; Wow, God, that's...; Sorry God, I didn't mean to...
Say a short prayer with the child(ren) in the morning and/or eveming.
Have a regularly scheduled (weekly or bi-weekly) family meetings. This is a tanglble manner of establishing the reality that OUR FAMILY IS AN IMPORTANT PRIORITY. some suggestions.....
...the meeting begins with a pryer (every family member tkes a turn saying this prayer);
...make sure the meeting is not a "gripe" session;
...every family member has the opportunity to add to the agenda of each meeting;
...any decision that is made is written down and put on the refrigerator (or other location);
...family nights, day, outings, etc. can be discussed and planned (listen to each person);
...each family member says something positive to every other family member;
...service to others who have less can be discussed and decided;
...explain important values - and WHY they're important;
...discuss discipline issues and explain "rules";
...try to make sure the child(ren) understand (not necessarily agree with) the "rules".
Practice what you preach.
Establish family "rituals" and traditions..daily, weekly, monthly, special occasions, etc.
Respect each child and treat each child with respect.
Be realistic about each child's ability.
Resist the temptation to compare a child to his/her siblings or to any othe child.
Celebrate each member of the family by recognizing each a as a reflection of God.