From Fr. Jacek's Desk...

Dear Friends:

This week we will continue with the “4 keys” series.

Prayer for this Week: Lord God, please help me to have self control and live as your child. Amen. (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6)

“Four Keys” for Families:
#1 – Faith Talk: Discuss in your household or small group:
• What talents do you see God has given to different members of your family or group?
• What helps us use our talents? What stops us from using them?
• Discuss how different family or group members might use their talents to serve God and other people.

#2 – Devotional Practices:
Light a candle during your family devotion times this week. Say together these words (based on 1 Thessalonians 5:5-9): “We are children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness.
We belong to Christ.”

#3 – Rituals and Traditions:
The apostle Paul says “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Spend some time this week affirming and encouraging one another. For instance, you may wish to finish these sentences for each family member:
“One thing I really appreciate about you is ...”
“Something I’d like to encourage you in is …”
“I felt very proud of you when …”

#4 – Service:
Think of a person you’d like to encourage as a family. Write them a note or prepare an encouragement gift for them.

Parent Toolbox: “Positive Emotions”
In his book Blest Be the Pie That Binds, Dr. Dick Hardel of the Youth & Family Institute writes:
“A family is much like a human body. Negative emotions can cause family relationships to constrict and the members to scatter, while fear causes the relationships to be damaged. Parents are often quick to catch their children in unacceptable behavior and to point out how wrong they have been. When there is no positive connection with the child, the relationship may become damaged. Parents need to give clear boundaries to their children. But they also need, often and intentionally, to catch their children doing things well – and then to give them positive feedback. Children need to know what positive behavior parents expect of them, and to know when they have met the positive expectations of their parents. When children or youth experience positive family communication, they will continue to seek advice or counsel from their parents. Children may also learn to praise their parents in the same ways.”

Family Activity:
At evening prayer time with children, verbally list the things a child has done well that day. Thank God for the child and the opportunity to grow together.

Have a blessed week.

In Christ’s peace,
Father Jacek