Greetings from the Marian Center in Joy Valley…
And welcome to another edition of The Cause of Our Joy!
We’re going to be honest with you: we need a little break from the routine. Every week we attempt to put forward some faith-deepening and inspiring resources to help you (and us!) keep our eyes trained on Jesus, and usually that comes through some pretty serious content and exhortations from some good, Catholic sources.
Today, however, we wanted a lighter approach. Of course we want to focus on good, Catholic stuff, but rather than heavy articles on deep topics, we’re going to breath a little and have some fun as we are quickly approaching the final weeks of another all-too-fast summer.
We want to talk a little more about living with joy and fun things to do to keep your Faith strong! All of these things are on the “lighter side”, but they can still be avenues to Grace for you and for those around you!
So, without further ado, let’s get into this!
Choosing Joy
Joy is a theme in our lives – we live at the Marian Center in Joy Valley and we write a weekly email called The Cause of Our Joy, but to be perfectly honest, joy is not always the first thing on our minds and in our hearts when we wake up in the morning. In fact, usually the need to do last night’s dishes, the day’s tasks, and coffee are pushing us out of bed in the morning rather than true, God-gifted joy. So, how do we start to turn that tide?!
We found a resource from Catholic Exchange that has some practical thoughts and suggestions for choosing joy, especially at times when joy doesn’t feel natural.
Cringe-free Movies!
Sometimes, after a long week, you just want to sit and relax and watch a good movie. Perhaps you look around on Netflix or some other movie provider just trying to find something decent and faith-friendly. Unfortunately, it’s incredibly difficult to find a film that doesn’t require you to fast-forward through parts of it or just turn it off in disgust. So, we hit the internet looking for a good source for solid, dignified movies and we found one!
Kendra Tierney from Catholic All Year has a list with suggestions for family movie night and also notes any caveats or warnings for a parent to be aware of, especially for younger children.
Nifty Things in the News
For God there are no coincidences! Have you ever had a serendipitous moment that led to a deepening of Faith or just a good thing happening to you? Read this story about a priest who dialed a wrong number and God brought about great things from the apparent “mistake”!
Not all of us have finesse in the kitchen. In fact, for some of us, the microwave is one of our most favorite inventions! If this is you, then you will be able to identify with Fr. Adam Young, a cook on The Food Network’s hit show “Worst Cooks in America”! It’s a comical culinary boot camp for those who struggle in the kitchen! We found the article fun and we love to hear about priests engaging in the world and evangelizing through mass media!
Holy Cuteness!!
Here’s a little dose of cuteness! Have you ever wondered what some of your favorite saints looked like as a child? 12 Photos of Saints as Children has some adorable pictures to check out (we thought St. Edith Stein was especially darling!)
Marian Minute
On Thursday, August 22, the Church celebrates another glorious feast of Our Lady, the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Here is a great article explaining Mary’s role in Christianity by drawing from the wisdom of several saints and other holy people.
The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together
This familiar line can be attributed to venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton, a priest who has been called the Rosary Priest. He devoted his priesthood to spreading devotion to our Blessed Mother and encouraging family prayer, especially the Rosary. Our friends, Tom and Noelle Crowe, tell how he helped to work against atheistic communism and worked with the CIA to promote the Rosary in Cathoic countries to help combat its ideologies. To hear more about Fr. Peyton, listen here.
If you’re feeling like your family prayer life is lagging a little and could use a boost, perhaps this article will appeal to you, 5 Ways to Prioritize Family Prayer When You Have Little Ones.
Sunday’s Readings
The Second Reading talks about fixing our eyes on Jesus. “For the sake of the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross.” In this week’s Gospel, Jesus talks about how He did not come to bring peace. Because of following Him, houses will be divided-mother against son, sister against sister. Following Christ is not going to be easy, but the reward and joy that lies at the end, is worth the sacrifice.
Family and Kids’ Activities
To celebrate the Coronation of Mary, here is a printable picture of Mary for the kids to color along with interchangeable crowns.
We’re sure you’ve seen all kinds of subscription boxes focusing on topics ranging from learning and meal preparation, to cleaning house. We came across one to help Catholic families live the Liturgical year!! What a great idea. We may have to subscribe ourselves or give it as a gift. Follow this link to find out more information.
Saint Spotlight
St. Helena, mother of Constantine and finder of the True Cross has her feast day tomorrow, August 18. But, since it’s the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we won’t be celebrating her feast day this year, but her story is too good not to tell!
Marian Center Update
The Marian Center is hosting the Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit until Saturday, August 31. Don’t miss it! Find out more here.
REMEMBER: Marian Center Kids Camp will be held Aug 20-22 from 9 to Noon each day. K-5.
September 28 – Mass and celebration of the Archangels along with dedication of St. Juan Diego
To Christ Through Mary,
Katie Moe and Lori Mercer
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