These lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! How can you inspire and help families keep faith alive during the summer months?
Jacquie Jambor, the author of the original Faith First At Home program once said, “As summer begins, the possibility of families spending more time together can offer some unique opportunities.” You might want to encourage the families in your parish to make a “Summer Resolution” to spend more time having family conversations that do not revolve around schedules, school, and so on.
So what would those conversations sound like? To start, be sure that everyone understands the rules, and there are only three:
- Everyone must take a turn responding to the question or completing the statement, children and adults alike.
- When someone is speaking, everyone else listens, and no one may disagree. Respect everyone’s right to express and share his or her own thoughts.
- If the speaker says something nice about you, don’t feel embarrassed or think you need to disagree; simply appreciate it and say thank you.
Here are some conversation starters about Faith:
- What is one time in my life when I felt as if God really cares for me?
- I know God listens to my prayers because _____.
- My favorite Bible story is _____ because _____.
- If I was the pope and I could name someone a saint, I would name_____, because _____.
- The best thing about being Catholic is _____.
And some suggestions for conversations about your family:
- The best thing about being a member of this family is _____.
- My favorite family story is _____.
- What is your favorite family holiday and why?
- What is your favorite family activity to do with a family relative and why?
- The most fun we have ever had as a family was the time when _____.
In today’s fast-paced, over-scheduled, mobile-ready, text-driven, and socially-connected world, we sometimes miss those priceless moments of connection through face-to-face conversation. My niece and goddaughter, Audrey, gave me a wonderful Christmas present this year. She wants to treat me to dinner one evening because: “I love going out to eat with you and talk about whatever comes to mind.” Audrey and I have been having “Coice Days” (aunt in Polish) since she was in kindergarten. Now as a college graduate, she still desires to have a special time for meaningful conversation. Children of all ages need the gift of time with trusted adult family members. There is no better way to share family history, values, wisdom, faith, and joy!
Another possibility for family conversations is through service projects. Take time to review Mary Beth Jambor’s book, Helping Kids Live Their Faith, Service Projects that Make a Difference, available through RCL Benziger. This updated resource is based on the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching and can provide simple suggestions for practical opportunities for families to both learn about and live out a life of faith. And yes, Mary Beth is Jacquie Jambor’s daughter; keeping it all in the family!
The summer months provide an excellent opportunity for families of all ages and stages to share stories about family and faith. All it takes is a willingness to try and commitment to creating a new routine. Encourage your parish families to make the “Summer Resolution” and begin to enjoy the blessing of being together as a family.