For six remarkable days beginning today, Pope Francis will make his very first papal visit to the United States. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church will visit three cities, tour six cathedrals, speak to hundreds of elected officials and touch thousands upon thousands of lives. His visit comes at a critical time. While President Obama and Pope Francis share similar views on issues that include criminal justice reform, immigration, climate change and economic equality, they don’t quite see eye to eye on other hotbed issues, such as same-sex marriages and abortion. For Republican and Democrats alike, the pope’s commentary and insight on specific political issues may be hard to hear. But for millions of American Catholics, the pope is far more than an influential political leader. To them, Francis is a spiritual leader, a moral compass offering direction in these hectic and confusing times. His visit is a once-in-a-lifetime…Keep Reading
With a new school year comes a slew of after-school activities and busier-than-usual schedules. Between running from school to soccer games and dance recitals, how can you make sure your family stays connected? While carving out another chunk of time may sound impossible, setting aside a time each day to pray and give thanks can have a positive impact on the outcome of your day and reconnect your family in faith. Read on to see how… Morning Prayer We know, mornings are rushed as it is. But dedicating a few early moments to pray will set the tone for the rest of your day. Before everyone jet sets out the door, take each other’s hands and gather in a circle. Have each family member contribute one thing they’d like to pray for that day—patience, understanding, confidence, even the strength to focus during a math test. Narrowing the focus to one…Keep Reading
As the saying goes, children are our future. The same rings true for the Christian Church. With social media on the rise, and a number of digital distractions at every turn, how do you keep youth members engaged in the religion? Christian musicians around the world are working to tackle this issue. Traditional hymns, while timeless and beautiful, may not resonate with younger generations. Artists are creating songs with modern compositions as a vehicle to spread God’s word in a way that’s appealing to today’s youth. In essence, it sounds very similar to secular music they’re already listening to—just with a much more meaningful message. As a Church leader, youth group is an excellent platform to both learn about issues young people may be facing in their religion and to engage them in worship in a manner they feel connected to. Update your youth group’s playlist and introduce your teen…Keep Reading
A candlelit dinner and a bouquet of red roses have stood their ground as anniversary essentials. But as popular as the two may be, they create more of a memorable date night than a celebration of the life you’ve built together. This year, spend your anniversary honoring your marital triumphs, remembering the unforgettable memories you’ve made together, and connecting in the faith your share. With the launch of our new Anniversary Prayer Pack, we’ve compiled a list of ways to incorporate your faithful blessings into gifts that will help you enjoy a more meaningful celebration—and grow even closer in the process. Create a “Remember when?” Jar Life is busy. Days seem to fly by like seconds and before you know it, an entire year has passed. It’s easy to loose track of time, but even the fastest and most mundane days have moments worth celebrating. Create a space to hold…Keep Reading
