Embracing Family
Do we ever feel that parenting rests entirely on our shoulders? Does this leave us exhausted and longing for support? We don’t need to carry this alone. Catholic parishes offer grace, community and support, reminding us that we share the journey together.
Let’s shift from “you” to “we.” We gain strength by participating in the church’s sacramental life, especially Mass and reconciliation. Actively participating — not just attending — helps us gain the most from Mass. We shouldn’t view it as a spectator event or simply another weekly task.
Participating in Mass means being truly present to Christ, to Scripture, to the Eucharist and to those around us. Reconciliation reinvigorates us, freeing us from past transgressions. We leave church ready to be the best parents God calls us to be.
Why? Because we are not alone; we have received Jesus, becoming walking tabernacles. Our church ohana encourages us to bring him to others, especially our families.
If our parish is our church ohana, how are we connecting with others? Are we greeting people after Mass and asking how they are doing? We can also volunteer in a ministry or join a small group. We can take advantage of parish faith opportunities: Bible studies, guest speakers, prayer services and missions. We can cultivate friendships so we can share the blessings and challenges of parenting.
We are stronger together than alone. By making connections, we grow spiritually and strengthen relationships with our spouses and children. If we need more support, our priests and deacons are available to help.
Let us allow our children to see our faith in parish and community life. This affirms what we teach at home and helps our children use and understand their faith everywhere. They will find strength in sacraments, service and parish life, realizing they belong to something larger — the universal church. This gives them a real identity and belonging.
Our faith calls us to bring the good news wherever we go. For families, this means consciously scheduling time to volunteer in our parish and local communities.
We’ve seen the devastation of the recent Kona lows. Are we teaching our children about our responsibility to help those suffering loss? We would find ways to help if we remembered his words: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
We must live our faith in action, showing our children that it is part of who we are, not just a Sunday activity. It helps us all become more empathetic, generous and grateful while reinforcing Catholic social teaching.
If we are struggling, let us reach out to someone in the parish. Many people are eager to help but don’t know how. By asking for help, we give them the chance to be charitable.
The reverse is also true. When someone is struggling, let us not only pray for them but also look for ways to help. Everyone in our parish, young or old, should feel love and support from our ohana. This realization can also ease parental stress and burnout.
Our parish keeps us focused on our ultimate calling as parents: raising our children to know and love God.
Let us start today by choosing one new way to connect with our parish ohana: We can introduce ourselves to another family, volunteer at an event, or join a ministry or group. Remember, our church is our spiritual family, a place of strength and wisdom for parenting with love, patience, purpose and faith.
Let us take the first step to build and deepen mutually supportive relationships, encouraging ourselves and others to walk together in faith.
Questions or prayer requests? Please email Sarah and David at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com. We would be honored to lift you in prayer and respond.