January 22, 2025

The family is the “sanctuary of life,” said St. John Paul II. As we mourn today for all lives lost to abortion, pray for mothers and fathers to accept courageously the children in their womb and give them the gift of life.

January 21, 2025

“Do not let the sun set on your anger.” (Eph 4:26) Great biblical advice! Even if an issue is not completely resolved, make it a point to say “I’m sorry” and “I love you” after an argument and before bed.

January 20, 2025

Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. today by serving others somehow, maybe someone “forgotten” by society (the homeless, elderly, disabled, etc.). Children will learn from your example.

January 19, 2025

“As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.” (Is 62:5) A couple’s wedding day “glow” is a sign of God’s love for his people – what a beautiful reminder of the sacramentality of marriage. Even after many years, do you rejoice in your spouse? Pray for those graces today.

January 18, 2025

“The two dimensions of conjugal union, the unitive and the procreative, cannot be artificially separated without damaging the deepest truth of the conjugal act itself.” – St. John Paul II, Letter to Families, no. 12. The Church’s teaching on openness to life has everything to do with the very meaning of love and marriage; it is a treasure to us.

January 17, 2025

Is technology interrupting your family time? Try having a tech-free time every day, maybe for just an hour, or after dinner, or one whole evening. Enjoy just being with your family.

January 16, 2025

Do you know any engaged couples getting married this year? Send them a note to let them know you’re praying for them and looking forward to celebrating their wedding day with them.

January 15, 2025

Help strengthen marriage by remembering your friends’ and family members’ wedding anniversaries. A simple “congratulations” by phone, text, email, etc., lets them know you value their commitment and are praying for their marriage.

January 14, 2025

We’re back in ordinary time now – but remember that daily marriage and family life is anything but “ordinary”. It is a sacramental sign of God’s presence in the world and a way to show Christ’s love in the little moments of daily life.

January 13, 2025

One of the spiritual works of mercy is “counsel the doubtful.” Is your spouse feeling doubtful or unsure about something, maybe work or a big decision? Take time to listen, understand and (if requested) offer advice.

January 12, 2025

“He saved us through the bath of rebirth.” (Ti 3:5) As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, remember each of your family members’ baptisms, too. Share stories from each other’s baptism days, bless each other with holy water, and enjoy a special celebratory treat together.

January 11, 2025

“Fatherhood and motherhood represent a responsibility which is not simply physical but spiritual in nature.” – St. John Paul II, Letter to Families, 10. Parents, take seriously your task in nurturing your children’s faith. Godparents are a great help here.

January 10, 2025

Courtesy goes a long way in marriage. Pope Francis calls “May I?” one of the three “magic words” of family life. Being polite and kind to your family members is always a good idea.

January 9, 2025

“The family is…the place where an individual can exist ‘for himself’ through the sincere gift of self.” – St. John Paul II, Letter to Families, 11. Are people in your family cherished for their inherent goodness, beyond any “usefulness” or skills they bring to the family?

January 8, 2025

Tomorrow is the last day of the Christmas season. One last chance this year to sing Christmas carols, enjoy Christmas treats, and rejoice in our Lord’s birth!

January 7, 2025

One practical way to help the poor this month: keep in your car or purse some small toiletries and snacks to give to a homeless person you may encounter. A smile and word of kindness are great gifts, too.

January 6, 2025

Today is the traditional date for the Epiphany, when the three wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Can you give a gift to someone you love today? Maybe the gift of kind, uplifting words to your spouse?

January 5, 2025

“Go and search diligently for the child.” (Mt 2:8) Despite Herod’s evil intentions, his words in themselves are true. During the Christmas season and always, let us “search diligently” for the Christ Child through prayer and service to others.

January 4, 2025

January is poverty awareness month. How can you as a family help the poor, especially those in your own community? At the least, remember in your prayers today those who are struggling to meet their basic needs.

January 2, 2025

Little gestures go a long way: buying your spouse’s favorite treat, complimenting him or her, and so on. These are all simple ways of re-affirming your love and strengthening your bond with each other.

January 1, 2025

Today on Mary’s feast day, ask our Blessed Mother to bless your family throughout this new year. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

December 31, 2024

New Year’s Eve is a great time for a family “year in review.” What were some highs and lows from the year? How did you grow as a family? What do you hope for in the new year?

December 30, 2024

Shorter days and colder weather mean more time inside. Resist the temptation to be always plugged in. Winter evenings are great for family time: games, chatting, looking at family pictures, etc.

December 29, 2024

“As the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” (Col 3:13) A big part of being a holy family is giving and receiving forgiveness. “I’m sorry / I forgive you” are part of the daily litany of the Domestic Church. Never hesitate to say these healing words.

December 28, 2024

Today’s feast day is a stark reminder of the evil in the world, even after the beautiful event of Christ’s Incarnation. Pray today for all the innocent children whose lives are threatened by abortion, abuse, or violence.

December 27, 2024

Don’t take down those decorations yet! The Christmas season has only just begun. So keep playing Christmas music and rejoicing with your family at our Savior’s birth.

December 26, 2024

It’s still a good time for a Christmas movie. Both “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” have family themes that can lead to good discussion afterwards.

December 25, 2024

“By his Incarnation the Son of God united himself in a certain way with every man.” – St. John Paul II, Letter to Families. Jesus draws near to you and your family. He lived in a family, and wants your family to be a little holy family too.

December 24, 2024

Spend time today amid the last-minute hustle and bustle to be prayerful and silent with your family in anticipation of Christmas morning. “O holy night, O night divine!”

December 23, 2024

Acting out the Christmas story as a family (or group of families) is a great way to experience the beauty and power of Jesus’ Incarnation. If acting isn’t your strong suit, reading the Gospel narrative out loud makes it come alive in a fresh way, too.

December 22, 2024

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb.” (Lk 1:41) Infants and young children can teach us so much about joy, trust, and the important things in life. Pray today to have the heart of a child, and give thanks for the children in your life.

December 21, 2024

Visiting extended family this Christmas? Consider proactively scheduling in time for a date with your spouse. Parents will have free and willing babysitters, and all spouses benefit from a brief time of reconnecting with each other.

December 20, 2024

Advent check-in #3: Are you spending more time praying or shopping for gifts this Advent? There’s nothing wrong with buying gifts, but there’s also still time left to make Advent prayerful and Christ-centered.

December 19, 2024

Christmas can be a difficult time for those who lost loved ones recently or who are without a family. Is there someone your family could reach out to and encourage?

December 18, 2024

Advent is a time of waiting, and waiting is hard! Sometimes we wait for something that may never come (restored health, financial security, a child, reconciliation). As Advent shows, what we are really waiting for is Christ, who never disappoints.

December 17, 2024

O Sapientia: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care…” Today begins the 8 days of “O Antiphons” leading up to Christmas Eve. Pray the O Antiphons or sing a verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” each day leading up to Christmas.

December 16, 2024

If you are doing a cookie exchange this year, go as a family to share cookies and visit with shut-ins and people having a hard time this month.

December 15, 2024

“Have no anxiety at all, but…make your requests known to God.” (Phil 4:6) Do you pray together as a family about the things that cause you anxiety? Praying out loud lets you hear what is in the hearts of your spouse and children.

December 14, 2024

The world is often dominated by consumerism at this time of year. Meditate on these words from Saint John of the Cross, whom the Church celebrates today, “Now that I no longer desire all, I have it all, without desire.”

December 13, 2024

Have you set up your Christmas tree yet? The USCCB website has a beautiful blessing for the Christmas tree that is well-suited for family prayer. www.usccb.org/advent

December 12, 2024

Holiday traditions tip #2: Enjoy coming up with (and tweaking) your family’s unique holiday traditions, and don’t be afraid to try something completely new this year. Over time it will become clear which traditions are keepers and which become amusing family stories.

December 11, 2024

Walk or drive around your neighborhood to look at Christmas lights tonight. Afterwards over hot chocolate, read Isaiah 9:1-6 out loud: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. …”

December 10, 2024

Holiday traditions tip #1: For newlyweds, blending each other’s Advent and Christmas traditions is fun but also challenging. Take time to learn what your spouse’s childhood traditions are, and why they matter to him or her.

December 9, 2024

A simple prayer for the Domestic Church today: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!” Meditate on an image of the Miraculous Medal today with your family.

December 8, 2024

“Although they go forth weeping…They shall come back rejoicing.” (Ps 126:6) Every marriage faces times of sorrow and weeping. Trust in the Lord’s care for you as you await the promised time of rejoicing.

December 7, 2024

Advent check-in #2: Take a look at your schedule the next few weeks. Is your family “booked” or split up most evenings, or do you have time to be together? There’s still time to make Advent prayerful and peaceful.

December 6, 2024

Happy Feast of Saint Nicholas! People have been celebrating his feast with fun traditions for centuries! Find a small way to celebrate with your family today: have a special treat, exchange small gifts, etc.

December 5, 2024

When you receive Christmas cards in the mail, pray that evening for the people who sent the card. Display the cards visibly in your home to remember those family members and friends throughout Advent.

December 4, 2024

Shorter days in the winter can make people feel sluggish or even depressed, with negative effects on family life. Try to spend some time outdoors on sunny days and keep your home well-lit and cheerful this St. Nicholas Day.

December 3, 2024

St. Francis Xavier traveled the world teaching the Gospel. Some families are called to this, but all families are called to be missionaries to their own members and all whom they encounter. How can you share the Gospel today?

December 2, 2024

Advent check-in #1: Does your family have a plan for Advent this year? It’s not too late – even simple traditions like the Advent wreath and Christmas crèche help prepare your hearts and home for the coming of Jesus.

December 1, 2024

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from…the anxieties of daily life.” (Lk 21:34) Advent is a time of watchful expectation. What anxieties make you “drowsy”? Talk about them with your spouse, and pray for peace.