40 Days of Seeking Him 2011 ~ Day 21

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Today I wanted to focus on a different ‘theme’ from Monday’s post. This one is the statement "The family that prays together, stays together."

Through most of the year, our core prayer life as a family seems to be centered around grace before meals and attending Mass together.  Other prayer times often happen while Mr. O is at work, although we have tried to say the Rosary together as a family at times. 

Lent, however, has provided us with the opportunity to participate in group prayer as a family with others in our church community.  Our parish has a weekly Soup supper followed by Stations of the Cross.

 

We went for the first time last week.  The boys, of course, enjoyed the food component.  The group in charge of the food that week was busy making grilled cheese sandwiches to go with the soup.  That was a big hit with pretty much everyone there.

After time for food and fellowship was over, everyone entered the nave for Stations of the Cross.  One of our deacons processed from station to station with altar servers in attendance.  Readers took turns reading with some parts of the Stations involving the entire group.  There was plenty of up and down with the kneelers, which none of the boys complained about.  I actually wonder if they welcomed having more motion compared to the Mass.

As it was the World Youth Day group hosting last week, the Stations of the Cross they used was written for teens and on the short side.  Even though it was written for teens, both Mr. O and I felt that they were speaking to us as well.  And, the language was simple enough that D was able to understand most of the reflection component.

I love the chance to reflect upon the last hours of Christ’s life as we prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Easter.  There is a Stations of the Cross for children here.  Doing a search will bring up many options.  There’s an interesting one hosted by the Diocese of Manchester that allows you to do the Stations virtually.

While most Catholic churches have plaques or pictures lining the walls for physical movement, you can bring this practice into the home with pictures.  One friend in Ohio had a Lenten centerpiece with one small cross for each Station of the Cross.  I wish I had snapped a photo so I could not only share it here, but also make our own.

Tonight we are planning to attend again.  The boys actually asked me as we were leaving last Friday if we could go back this week.   I am sure that the food has something to do with it.  However, I believe that while food might get some in the door, the opportunity for spiritual growth may have them wanting to go back.  And, this Catholic mama is happy for the chance to pray together as a family.