Dear Parents,

Praying for you and your family.

I wanted to share an email from Mrs. Okula, the Principal of St. Jane School:

Dear Parents,

The tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and subsequent events that have unfolded in recent weeks have deeply affected our nation and no doubt have touched the hearts of our school/parish community. I personally have been at a loss - I am saddened by the disregard for human life, have been confused on how to best engage in conversations about racism, and as I often do, have turned to prayer for guidance.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Okula

I agree completely with the principal.

As a parent of four children, our conversations at home have been both difficult and grace-filled talking about these topics.

Please know that my family is praying for your family, peace from God, and the end to racism of any kind.

Here are some online resources that maybe helpful: 

Bishop Alfred Schlert Homily – June 7^th:

Bishop Alfred Schlert Homily - ‘There are No Valid Reasons for Racism, which is evil. None.’

Ascension Presents Podcasts:

Healing the Racial Divide – Ask Fr. Josh Johnson Podcast

An Invitation to Pray: Rosary for Racial Repentance (with Tara Winder) – Ask Fr. Josh Johnson Podcast

Reconciling the Body of Christ (with Fr. Josh Johnson) – Fr. Mike Schmitz

Other Podcasts:

Racism, Riots, & a Catholic Response – Counsel of Trent

Talking to your kids about Racism, Riots, and Real Reparation – Messy Family Podcast

PBS:

https://www.pbs.org/parents/talking-about-racism

Healthy Children:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Talking-to-Children-about-Racism.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/How-to-Help-Children-Build-Resilience-in-Uncertain-Times.aspx

NAECY:

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2018/teaching-learning-race-and-racism

God bless,

Kevin Kimmel

Global Teen/Young Adult Life Event from June 21^st - Downside Up - Hurry Up & Wait

Global Teen/Young Adult Life Event from June 14th - Downside Up - Day Before Tomorrow

Global Teen/Young Adult Life Event from June 7th - Downside Up - Winning Last Place

Global Teen/Young Adult Life Event on May 31^st at 5:00 p.m. - Lonely Together

Global Teen/Young Adult Life Event from May 17th: Featuring Joel Stepanek – God in the Mirror

Global Teen/Young Adult Life Event from May 10th: Featuring Joel Stepanek – God in the Uprising

Global Teen/Young Adult Life Event from May 3rd: Featuring Ennie Hickman – God in the Pain

Global Life Event from April 26th: Featuring Mari Pablo - You Won't Find Jesus Here

Global Life Event from April 19th: Featuring Mark Hart

Global Life Event from April 9^th: Featuring Fr. Mike Schmitz

Global Life Event from April 5^th: Featuring Jackie & Bobby Angel

Global Life Event from March 29th: Featuring Emily Wilson

Week 8: Jesus' Power Lives in Us

Week 7: Jesus’ Power Brings Hope

Week 6: Jesus' Power Helps Us When We're Lonely

Week 5: Jesus' Power Takes Action

Week 4: Jesus’ Power Means We Don’t Have to Fear Death

Week 3: Jesus’ Power is Unexpected

Week 2 - Jesus' Power Calms Our Worries

Week 1 - Jesus' Power Calms Our Fears

Ways to Strengthen Catholic Families Handouts:

Jesus Family Handout

Mary Family Handout

Mary Scavenger Hunt

Mass Family Handout

Prayer Family Handout

Movie & TV Family Handout

Growing a Family Culture by the Messy Family Project

Articles:

Holy Friendship in a Hypersexualized World – Bill Donaghy – June 2^nd, 2020 - https://tobinstitute.org/holy-friendship-in-a-hypersexualized-world/

Thank God for the blessing of technology. However, be careful how much time is spent on devices for your family. Here is a great website with a lot of ideas for activities & games for children other than electronics: https://www.screenfreeparenting.com/screen-free-activities/

You are a Parent Forever In the Line of Malchizedek–The Common Priesthood in the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life – By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak – May 27, 2020  - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/05/you-are-a-parent-forever-in-the-line-of-malchizedek-the-common-priesthood-in-the-liturgy-of-domestic-church-life/

Kids Aren’t Projects: The Myth of Parenting “Techniques” (And What To Do Instead) – By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak – May 26, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/05/kids-arent-projects-the-myth-of-parenting-techniques-and-what-to-do-instead/

“Imperfect People Need Not Apply” Does the Domestic Church Discriminate? – By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak – May 21, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/05/imperfect-people-need-not-apply-does-the-domestic-church-discriminate/

“The Parish Exists To Support the Family Not The Other Way Around.” Popcak Interview with The Angelus on Domestic Church Life – By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak – May 20, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/05/the-parish-exists-to-support-the-family-not-the-other-way-around-popcak-interview-with-the-angelus-on-domestic-church-life/

“It’s Just Easier to Do It Myself” (And Other Lies Satan is Using to Undermine Your Domestic Church) – By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak – May 13, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/05/its-just-easier-to-do-it-myself-and-other-lies-satan-is-using-to-undermine-your-domestic-church/

“I’m Just Not Affectionate” A Wound God Wants To Heal – By Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak – May 7, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/05/im-just-not-affectionate-a-wound-god-wants-to-heal/

Catholic Teacher Offers Homeschooling Tips for Parents - May 5, 2020 - https://media.ascensionpress.com/2020/05/05/catholic-teacher-offers-homeschooling-tips-for-parents/

How to Pray the Rosary Everything You Need to Know – by Jeannette Williams – May 4, 2020 – https://media.ascensionpress.com/2020/05/04/how-to-pray-the-rosary-everything-you-need-to-know/

Your Family: On a Mission From God – by Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak – April 30, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/your-family-on-a-mission-from-god/

The Point of Family Prayer Is “Love” Not “Getting it Right” – By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak – April 30, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/the-point-of-family-prayer-is-love-not-getting-it-right/

Serving the Spirit of Others: Spiritual Works of Mercy – by Allison DeBoer - https://media.ascensionpress.com/2020/04/29/serving-the-spirit-of-others-spiritual-works-of-mercy/

Discipleship Discipline: A Saintly Approach to Parenting – By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak – April 28, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/discipleship-discipline-a-saintly-approach-to-parenting/

Hey Parents. Tired of “Losing It?” Here’s What To Do Instead.- By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak – April 24, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/hey-parents-tired-of-losing-it-heres-what-to-do-instead/

“Watching Mass” With Your Family. Futile or Fulfilling? What Makes the Difference. - By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak – April 23, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/watching-mass-with-your-family-futile-or-fulfilling-what-makes-the-difference/

A Tribute to Our Furry Quarantine Companions by Allison DeBoer – From Ascension Press – April 16, 2020 - https://media.ascensionpress.com/2020/04/16/a-tribute-to-our-furry-quarantine-companions/

Older Articles:

Stuck at Home? Your Family Can Still Be a Blessing To Others – By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak – April 22, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/stuck-at-home-your-family-can-still-be-a-blessing-to-others/

Gentle Discipline: The Power of Catching Them Being Good – By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak – April 17, 2020 - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/gentle-discipline-catch-them-being-good/

Nailed It! Do I Have to Be “Crafty” to be a Catholic Parent? - By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/nailed-it-do-i-have-to-be-crafty-to-be-a-catholic-parent/

Parents, Is Sheltering In Place Burning You Out? There Might Be a Simple Solution - By Rachael Popcak & Dr. Gregory Popcak - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithonthecouch/2020/04/parents-is-sheltering-in-place-burning-you-out-there-might-be-a-simple-solution/

How are You Coping With Corona Take Our Quiz by Dr. Gregory Popcak

Finding Spiritual Consolation in Times of Pandemic - by Dr. Gregory Popcak

Quarentine Blues: How Can Your Family Cope While You’re All Cooped Up - by Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

The Church At Home: Celebrating the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life - by Rachael Popcak and Dr. Gregory Popcak

Understanding the Liturgy of the Domestic Church - Dr. Gregory Popcak

Seven Ways to Manage 'COVID Stress Syndrome' - Dr. Gregory Popcak

Talking to Children About COVID-19

The coronavirus has been upsetting to everyone. Our usual coping mechanisms of coming together in times of stress are now being discouraged and we are forced to keep our distance from each other. For families caring for a child, youth or young adult, not seeing friends and worry about the possibility of getting sick may heighten anxiety. The following resources are to help families support their children in through this difficult time:

• Resources from Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/resources-for-families-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
• Supporting Kids During the COVID-19 Crisis: Tips for nurturing and protecting children at home https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis

• How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids https://childmind.org/article/how-to-avoid-passing-anxiety-on-to-your-kids/

• Video Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus https://www.facebook.com/HumanityCrew/videos/201670141106110/

Articles by Jim Gontis:

(Director of Religious Education for Harrisburg Diocese)

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart

2019 Rosary Quotes

Baptism and Confirmation

Catholic Teaching on Angels

Divine Mercy Devotions

Four Marian Dogmas

Parent-Booklet-on-Divine Mercy and Rosary

Paschal Mystery

Prayer - the Fuel for Our Spiritual Engines

The Importance of Parents Bringing Their Children to Holy Mass

The Last Things

Trinity the Most Holy Key Points