| Author | |
Blestwith8
Forum Newbie
Joined: April 29 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 37
|
| Posted: May 02 2009 at 10:35am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Hope this is the right forum. I am still figuring my way around. 
My 5 littles still at home (Ages 12 down to 6) have Zero understanding of Catholicism, the Church etc. I am not certain where to begin. So much of my own knowledge is because I was a cradle Catholic. I am making each of them a Rosary (I love to bead) and working on praying that daily.
Any good basic books I can use as a sort of home Catechism? They will not be starting CCD until Fall.
As a Mother, and especially one who has gone through trauma and loss I am finding myself looking to the Holy Mother more and more. Let me just say how comforting She is turn to, especially when your calling a Mother is being challenged. Any ideas on devotionals or books along these lines for Moms?
I guess my overall question is WHERE DO I START?!?!?!?!?
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tami
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 27 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1066
|
| Posted: May 02 2009 at 11:36am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi, and welcome!
The rosary is a wonderful, wonderful way to lead children to the Lord. You are definitely on the right track.  And since it's May, what a wonderful way to begin. Maybe looking into the different apparitions (Fatima, Lourdes, Guadalupe, esp. where she talks about her role as our Mother!!) via books and videos this month?
As for catechisms, I would start with the Baltimore Catechism. There is a First Communion, and #1 and #2 editions that many hs'ers use. You could start with the First Communion book, and work all of the children through the explanations and then the Q&A. From there, I'll bet your own knowledge of the topics will kick in. If you want more in-depth explanation of the points, there is a #3 catechism which is very rich.
You're doing a great job - looking to teach them about the truth and to know a Person, who is the Truth!
I don't want to overwhelm you, so I'll stop there. I'm sure the other women here will have much more to offer.
__________________
God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
stellamaris
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 26 2009
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2732
|
| Posted: May 02 2009 at 1:24pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Blest, are you coming from a general Christian background? I am wondering if you and your children already know basic Bible stories? If not, you might read aloud the Scriptures that go with the mysteries of the Rosary. A nice children's Bible is The New Catholic Picture Bible. Later on, you could read all the stories and more about the life of our Lord. One suggestion for Jesus's life is The Life of Our Lord for Children. Finally, a wonderful anthology of picture books written to coincide with the liturgical year is Catholic Mosaic. These books are a delight to read, many of them introduce your children to saints or sacraments, and Cay has enriched the experience by her notes, vocabulary words, and questions.
__________________
In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to  dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
Flowing Streams
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Blestwith8
Forum Newbie
Joined: April 29 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 37
|
| Posted: May 02 2009 at 3:32pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks Ladies, though I am a Parochial School alumnu it has been a long time. Having been in the Protestant Church for the last decade my children are well versed in Bible stories. However they have no real knowledge or understanding of the Saints, Sacraments and Mary. You've given me some good ideas.
Funny story, my Baptist husband has taken to doing the sign of the cross at the meal blessing and nightly prayer time. I have put no pressure on him. He is searching as well. Please keep him in prayer.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
stellamaris
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 26 2009
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2732
|
| Posted: May 02 2009 at 4:56pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Another book for you and your husband is The Faith Explained. It is well-written and covers in a thorough and yet readable way the essentials of the Faith. It would give you the background you will need to direct your children, and would hopefully answer the questions your husband might have wrt Catholic teachings. I am a convert from Protestantism, as are many of the ladies on this forum, and I'm sure any of us would be happy to both pray for your husband and answer any questions he might have.
__________________
In Christ,
Caroline
Wife to dh 30+ yrs,ds's 83,85,89,dd's 91,95,ds's 01,01,02,grammy to 4
Flowing Streams
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MarilynW
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4275
|
| Posted: May 02 2009 at 4:58pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi Blest
My children are similar ages to you ((1-12) and we have several "prayer pegs" in our day - they are linked to meal times usually and have just become part of our rhythm and routine.
- at breakfast we say a simple morning offering and read the Saint of the day. (I will recommend some Saint books later)
- at noon we say the Angelus and a Memorare for the intentions of our day
- at 3pm, before teatime, we say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
- in the evening, after dinner and before starting bath/bed routines we have our family evening prayer time. This varies. Usually my husband has a family read aloud - eg just finished Saint Patrick's Summer (great for Catechism!) and has started Our Lady of Fatima. We are trying to say the rosary each day too at the moment. ( I will post later some great resources for helping the children with the rosary). In some times we will pray Compline from the Liturgy of the Hours.
On a Wednesday morning we start school with a Gospel teatime- where we discuss the readings for the coming Sunday.
We also do various things related to the Liturgical Season.
I don't want to overwhelm you our make this post way way too long - but here are some helpful resources
1) Have you got a monthly liturgical calendar showing the feast days, seasons etc - parishes usually give them away. I am sure I have a spare if you would like me to mail it you. This will help you plan some simple activities
2) An absolute goldmine of ideas is Faith Filled Days in the Domestic Church - it has so many lovely ideas
3)There are some great Saint a Day books - I am linking a blog post of mine which has them as links to click on our religion plan
4)I have a few rosary posts on my blog - of things we have done to get the children to really participate in the rosary - I will link a couple
The Family rosary
May is Mary's Month
The Family Rosary - again
I have so many resources and books and cds I could recommend - but I think if you just get started - decide on a couple of things and do them, and just add as you can.
__________________
Marilyn
Blessed with 6 gifts from God
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Blestwith8
Forum Newbie
Joined: April 29 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 37
|
| Posted: May 02 2009 at 6:43pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks Marilyn and other ladies. I am perusing the suggestions! 
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Family Prayer Time/Devotions-Question
