Family Life Resources

September 2018

Marriage Moments & Parenting Pointers APRIL - 2019     I offer you these tidbits of wisdom as prayer prompts to remind you (and your constituents) of the sacredness of marriage vows and the value of every child. The commitment to love a spouse forever, and the generous gift of life parents offer a child are indeed spiritual under-takings and cannot be done alone. May the God of Love be with you and your work. *FOR MORE extended marriage and parenting articles, plus archived Marriage Moments and Parenting Pointers, go to: www.SusanVogt.net   *BLOG: Living Lightly. www.SusanVogt.net/blog    *TWITTER:@Vogt_Susan *EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & MINISTERS: You are welcome to reprint these MM's and PP's in bulletins, newsletters, and on your website with proper credit, ("By Susan Vogt, www.SusanVogt.net") When used on a website, please also link to my website:  www.SusanVogt.net    *To SUBSCRIBE, click here.    *ESPAÑOL:Para opciones en español clic aqui.       MARRIAGE MOMENTS*   827. Apr. 1: (April Fools Day) Remember a foolish thing you did or thought when you were dating. It might have been embarrassing at the time but often these memories make for a good laugh after some time has passed. Don't belittle your spouse; just speak for your own foible.   828. Apr. 8: Apr. 5-13 is  National Week of Conversation. (https://tinyurl.com/yxkccqml) In marriage there is plenty to disagree about. You don't need a special week to remind you to talk. The challenge is to talk about contentious issues in a respectful, productive way. Click here  (https://tinyurl.com/yx9t22of) for tips on Skills, Pitfalls, and First Aid.   829. Apr. 15: Holy Week is a sober time for all Christians as we remember a sacred meal (Holy Thursday), suffering (Good Friday), uncertainty (Holy Saturday) and rebirth (Easter). Talk about times in your marriage of special meals, suffering, uncertainty, and rebirth.   830. Apr. 22: What a coincidence that this year Easter (Apr. 21) and Earth Day (Apr. 22) are only one day apart. Easter reminds Christians of the resurrection - that the death of the body is not the end of the world. Earth Day reminds us all that we humans have a duty to protect our little part of the world - planet Earth. Hmmm.   831. Apr. 29: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them." (John 20:23) In any marriage there are times that we hurt each other - perhaps inadvertently but sometimes out of anger or selfishness. Forgive each other lest your love die.  *Marriage Moments go out to individuals on Mondays. For Sunday bulletins use the Sunday immediately before the above date.    PARENTING POINTERS* 827. Apr. 5: April 5-13 is National Week of Conversation. Although this is geared to adults, help your children learn conversation skills by practicing a difficult conversation (maybe bedtime, chores, allowances...) Click here and scroll to skills (https://tinyurl.com/yx9t22of)  for some guidelines. 828. Apr. 12: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (https://tinyurl.com/okl5ywv). Certainly you don't abuse your child, but it happens in some homes. You can help. See these tip sheets (https://tinyurl.com/ya9y6vyp)  for ideas. 829. Apr. 19: Why do we call Good Friday - "Good"? Isn't it all about Christ's suffering and death? Yes, BUT, sometimes we have to go through suffering to get to the good stuff. (think childbirth, raising a child, etc.). Talk with your child about how a hard or sad time eventually led to good. 830. Apr. 26: Greet everyone you see today with a smile. It doesn't take any time or money. It's easy. All you have to do is remember. Challenge your child to join you in this "game" for one day. Help each other remember. * Parenting Pointers go out to individuals on Fridays. For Sunday bulletins, use the closest Friday.     © 2019 Susan Vogt MAIL: 523 E. Southern Ave., Covington, KY 41015  PHONE: (859) 291-6197, FAX: (859) 291-4742  E-MAIL: SusanVogt1@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.SusanVogt.net

Beliefs and Teachings

• Questions and Answers about Girl Scouts of the USA and the Catholic Faith

Marriage Resources

• For Your Marriage
• Unique for a Reason

Marriage and Parenting Resources

www.SusanVogt.net

50-Hues-of-Holiness

Morality & Ethics at a Glance:

• Abortion
• Gifts of Grace Adoption
• Birth Control
• Contraception and Sterilization
• Early Teachings on Homosexuality
• Homosexuality
• Chastity Questions
• The Stem Cell ?: Embryonic vs. Adult
• Catholic Answers Guide to Just War Doctrine
• A Pastoral Response to Pornography - "Create In Me a Clean Heart"
• Video game addiction

Additional Resources:

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Indiana Catholic Conference (public policy)
• The Vatican website
• National Catholic Bioethics Center