THE FAMILY ZONE

This quote from the New Testament Book of James, gives us something to consider about the act of listening.

Being "quick to hear" might mean that we listen to what others around us or society has to say before listening to our own heart. Do we allow the gift of understanding to enter into the way we are discerning the messages we are hearing? When someone upsets us, do we pause to consider the source of the misstep or do we make quick assumptions and judgments about them and their feelings toward us?

Are we "slow to speak" by choosing to prayerfully consider our response to a comment or shared opinion and do we think about the words we will share and how they might impact our relationships?

Finally, in times of pressure, frustration, or discord, can we be patient and open to communication rather than defensive and impulsive?

It is just one line of scripture that has SO much to teach us about the way we communicate with others. Food for thought.

The STOP, THINK, DECIDE method: We can help our kids practice and learn strategies for impulse control with the Stop, Think, Decide (or Choose) method. Children STOP and listen first. They pause before reacting. Next they THINK about what is being said or happening in that moment and what their options might be. Finally, they DECIDE by choosing a response that will be most helpful in the situation.

Those four adjectives are known as the Marks of the Church. You probably learned it at one point in your Sunday catechism class but may have forgotten, though you should be familiar with those words from the Creed we share each week at Mass. Here is a quick refresher:

ONE: When we say the Church is One, we are speaking of the unity of the church: one God, one Body, one Baptism, one faith and this unity reflects the unity of the Holy Trinity. Even though we are united as one, there are different cultures, gifts, roles and ways of life that are all part of the beauty of our faith!

HOLY: We are united with God and we strive each day to be the holy people of God. We follow the saints as our examplesand we look to the Holy Spirit to guide us all on our individual paths to holiness!

CATHOLIC: This is catholic will a small C. We are universal; available to all peoples, everywhere and follow the directive from Matthew: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

APOSTOLIC: Our church was founded by the Apostles and is passed down through Apostolic succession by the Pope and our bishops.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines, in more depth, what these four marks mean in #811-870.

Affirmations are positive statements that have the power to rewire negative thoughts and feelings. Because of something called neuroplasticity or the brain's ability to adapt, sharing affirmations with others or yourself can have a big impact. For a child, it might mean a daily mantra they repeat or something positive you tell them every day. The Bible offers affirmations to each of us to remind us of the power of God's love and our worthiness in His eyes. Here are some affirmations you can use with yourself or your family:

I am deeply loved by God! (Ephesians 3:17-3:19)

I am created in God's image. (Genesis 1:27)

God has a good plan for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I am never forgotten by God. (Isaiah 49:15-16)

1. Use the daily scripture from the USCCB: https://bible.usccb.org/

2. Check out the Bible in a Year plan from Ascension Press (A family edition is being launched January 1, 2027: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/lead-capture-offer/americas-1-religion-podcast-from-fr-mike-schmitz-the-bible-in-a-year

3. Follow this structure from Blessed Catholic Mom: https://blessedcatholicmom.com/creating-a-simple-bible-reading-plan/

Here is some guidance on Catholic Bible Apps:

A traditional prayer to start our day with Jesus:

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day
for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart,
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
for the salvation of souls, the reparation for sins, the reunion of all Christians,
and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Amen

Make summer lunch time fun and tasty with an activity you can eat!

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!