The Office for Marriage and Family Life provides the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington (CDOW) parishes with Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers promoting marital enrichment and parental support.
“Marriage and Family Life Corner”
MARRIAGE MOMENTS
Aug. 7th: August has 2 full moons (Aug. 1st & 30th) Rare but thought provoking. A full moon symbolizes completion, fertility, abundance and transformation which are marriage worthy qualities. Ponder these qualities throughout the month.
Aug. 14th: Aug 15th is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, Through Mary Jesus came into the world. She nurtured him, witnessed his passion, and stood by the apostles at Pentecost. Mary’s life mirrors God’s relationship with us during times of bliss, agony, and fear. Despite being the mother God, she focused on those in need; the lowly. Let go of self-importance today and be lifted up with Mary.
Aug. 21st: “Observe what is right, do what is just” (Issaiah 56:1) Of course, easy to say, difficult to live out. Commit as a couple to doing at least one work of justice (service) this week.
Aug. 28th: At the beginning of August, I wrote that August has 2 full moons (Aug. 1 & 30) symbolizing completion, fertility, abundance, and transformation. Good, BUT – it can also be a time of friction, polarity, and more-intense emotional energy. Reflect on how your life together has reflected both this past month.
PARENTING POINTERS
Aug. 4th: On Aug. 6th, & 9th, 1945 the USA bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Have we learned anything since then? “Not everyone is going to be a friend, but no one needs to be an enemy.” (Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference) How do you and your children deal with people you don’t like? Avoid them? Try to understand them? Gossip about them? Confront them? Fight with them? Other?
Aug. 11th: “A woman…was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.” (Revelation 12:2), Perhaps you who are mothers experienced great pain in giving birth. Perhaps not. Perhaps you who are fathers joined emotionally in the angst of giving birfth. Either way reflect together today about what bringing a new life into the world has meant for you.
Aug. 18th: There is more to parenting than proving food, clothing, and shelter. A reliable income helps; but focus on high integrity. Think of a way you can be an example of integrity during this week.
Aug. 25th: Who has known the mind of the Lord?” (Romans 11:35) As a parent you want to parent well. When your child is young, certainly you are smarter and know what is best for them. But as your child grows, it’s hard to know what is best. Pray, read, talk, listen.