Catholic mamas -- April/May thread

[sarahsmiles]

I hope no one minds that I took it upon myself to start a new thread. Since it's so near the end of April, I thought I'd give us a bit longer span this time.

And so there's some original content -- does anyone have any suggestions of saints who have a special relationship with elderly folks? I'm really struggling with some elder care issues and would love some heavenly support!

[wolfmom]

i'm not sure about saints for the elderly but I just wanted to stop in and say "hi"! I will get back here tomorrow but I'm headed for sleep now!
peace and health all!

[DiannaK]

thanks!!

Hello every momma!

Went to Adoration BRIEFLY (I had one of the boys with me) on Monday .... when I walked in, I burst into tears.

Has this happened to anyone else??

[moonshoes]

HI mamas - just subbing.

I need so much help with my spiritual life right now, I am struggling so much with issues with my kids (medical) that I feel that I don't even have a second to spend with God. And I need him morenow than ever. I'm just glad you are all here for support.

~Catherine

[flower01]

Catherine - I don't know what you're going through, but I know that since having a baby finding time for prayer has been the most difficult. I ho pe you can find little ways to strengthen and encourage you. For me, in difficult times my devotion to the Divine Mercy has been most helpful. Often, I can't pray much more than to recite the line "Jesus, I trust in You" 3 times.

[Katwoman]

Originally Posted by DiannaK

thanks!!

Went to Adoration BRIEFLY (I had one of the boys with me) on Monday .... when I walked in, I burst into tears.

Has this happened to anyone else??

I haven't had it happen to me in adoration. But I've had it happen when I'm undergoing a lot in life and arrive somewhere that feels safe/homey/supportive. Kind of like I kept it all pushed out of my mind until love hits me head on and then the tears start to flow.

I'm wondering if anyone has/had trouble with their preschoolers not wanting to pray. We've done nightly prayers forever and all of a sudden my 3/4 year olds don't want to say good night to God. I'm struggling because I don't think arguing and forcing them to say prayers is actually making for a good relationship with God. (Which is my point of praying.) But I don't think it's okay message to say "if you don't feel like being grateful/loving, you don't have to be". So far I've given them the option of singing a Mass song, praying by themselves, or together with me. Has anyone tried anything else? It's really important to me that they don't participate because they have to or just to shut me up.

I do realize their relationship with the Lord is between them and the Lord. I just grew up with a very non demonstrative parent and it was hard for me to understand what was going on in my faith community until I was an adult. I don't want my kids to miss out on the richness of our community.......

[misseks]

Just poking in after some lurking. : Alleluia.

[BMG580]

Hi ladies. :

Thanks for the new thread!

[DiannaK]

Originally Posted by Katwoman

I haven't had it happen to me in adoration. But I've had it happen when I'm undergoing a lot in life and arrive somewhere that feels safe/homey/supportive. Kind of like I kept it all pushed out of my mind until love hits me head on and then the tears start to flow.

makes perfect sense .... same reason I will sometimes cry at Mass, even though I'm not really upset, per se.

[moonshoes]

thank you all so much for your prayers and support. I never in a million years expected to have two children with special needs, and one of them facing surgery for two different medical conditions. I feel a bit shellshocked by it all I guess.

I really do need to turn to Jesus right now, my prayer life seems to always take a back seat when it really needs to be a priority.

I cry at Mass every week. I can't help myself. My congregation must think I am nuts.

Love to all of you:

[moonshoes]

Originally Posted by Katwoman

I'm wondering if anyone has/had trouble with their preschoolers not wanting to pray. We've done nightly prayers forever and all of a sudden my 3/4 year olds don't want to say good night to God. I'm struggling because I don't think arguing and forcing them to say prayers is actually making for a good relationship with God. (Which is my point of praying.) But I don't think it's okay message to say "if you don't feel like being grateful/loving, you don't have to be". So far I've given them the option of singing a Mass song, praying by themselves, or together with me. Has anyone tried anything else? It's really important to me that they don't participate because they have to or just to shut me up.

I meant to respond to this. I do have a son who is like this. for the past two years (he's 5 now) he refuses to pray or he acts obnoxious and disruptive. I basically have said to him that he doesn't have to pray if he doesn't want to but he does have to be respectful while we pray. Of course, with him it is a reminder every time we pray, but while he doesn't join in, I still feel he is reaping the benefits. I think by being a good model, he will have something to fall back on if/when he decides to join in.

I also try to weave in discussions about God, Jesus and Mary throughout the day so that we are talking about our religious life without it being "forced" so that he is learning about our faith without even realizing it. I read books and do religious-themed crafts, so I think he is living a prayerful life in the sense that his daily life is connected to God in some form.

[Fay]

St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of the elderly. He is also the patron saint of missing persons and lost objects. My older son enjoys a lovely little prayer for St. Anthony's intercession.

My younger son (2 years old) doesn't like to sit down and pray, but he enjoys hearing me pray as we walk outside or while doing various activities. I also sing hymns and spirituals throughout the day, especially while driving, and he loves to hear me sing even if I'm off-key, LOL.

Catherine, both of my sons have developmental delays. When things are really tough, daily Mass is what helps us the most. I pray that your family will find peace.

[Peppermint]

Just here to sub, I read through and am praying for all of your intentions!

[flower01]

Catholic moms, I really need your prayers. I love my husband, but he has really let me down...over and over. I don't know what to do...because of problems in the past I'm actually kind of isolated from my family and friends. So I don't feel like I have anyone to turn to. I don't know what to do when someone says they love you, wants to provide for you, and then doesn't. He is a good man, but financially he has ruined us and I thought things were getting better...apparently they aren't. We have a 2nd baby on the way and I am so scared.

[wolfmom]

Hey all! I'm just checking back in. Catherine, I'm so sorry that your little ones are having challenges. Surgery is always scary, especially for our precious children. I will keep your family in my prayers.

I am doing better and I think I have finally found a new doctor (well NP actually) who will actually listen to me and address my very real concerns. I had a slew of blood work done and even got an MRI tonite. Now I just have to go for the rest of my physical and to get the results. I am so glad that someone finally seems to be on my side and wants to help me feel my best! Thank Godde!

My son's first communion was fantastic. I am so thankful for my small, but wonderful church. Our new priest is great. I thought he was good but I am realizing more and more what a gem we have been given. He was definately hand picked for our unique community.
I also get very emotional sometimes. Holy Thursday I was on the verge of tears for most of the service. I'm not sure why but it was nice to know that I can still be moved by something I have seen every year for my entire life! (That's what we cradle catholics get!)

Flower - I will pray for you and your husband. I'm so sorry that things are not working well right now. I can't really give advice since i don't know you or your situation but I will recommend one thing. My father RAVES about the Marriage Encounter program. I don't know if your husband would be willing, or if it would apply to your situation but I know that it has really helped many couples, even those on the threshold of divorce. Anyway, I will light a candle for your family tonight.

Peace all - I have to get to bed since I am running in a 5K in the morning with my kids and mom. Wish me luck!

peace and health,

[JMJ]

Wow, it sounds like some of you mammas are going through some tough situations. Prayers for you all.

[Katwoman]

Originally Posted by moonshoes

I think by being a good model, he will have something to fall back on if/when he decides to join in.

so I think he is living a prayerful life in the sense that his daily life is connected to God in some form.

Both very good points! Thanks! I struggle with boundaries when it comes to this issue. I feel like I really would have benefited from a relationship with God when I was growing up, but I didn't have any models of that. So I'm trying to learn to "vocal" about my relationship/faith - I always kept it close to my heart or in my head - , trying to encourage my kids to honor their existing relationship so they don't lose it as they grow, and trying to stay out of the way of the Lord so his will can be done. (Because His way is so much better than mine.) But my boundaries are new and I seem to stray into His way or try and wrestle His "responsibilities" from him. (Meaning a relationship with my kids.) Must keep working at these things!

Having children with medical issues is so hard! I will keep them - and you/your DH - in my prayers. May the Peace of the Lord rest with you!

[moonshoes]

Hi mamas, just bringing us back to the front page1

I wanted to thank you all for your prayers and support. It really helps.

[sarahsmiles]

Howdy everyone. Prayers for all who need it.

It looks like we're moving in a few months (after the baby is born) and I'm getting nervous about finding a new parish. I believe there are 2 in the town we'll be living, and I visited one and wasn't impressed. I just feel like I'll be depriving the kids of the richness of the Church. We have been so blessed in our current parish. I still struggle with my own sinfulness, but at least I'm not worried about whether the Eucharist is valid or having to try to calm my temper from homilies ...

I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. The Church is the Church everywhere and maybe this will be good for me, from a humility standpoint. I just worry because our parish really strengthens families in their Faith, and that's what we all need, right?

[DiannaK]

Originally Posted by sarahsmiles

Howdy everyone. Prayers for all who need it.

It looks like we're moving in a few months (after the baby is born) and I'm getting nervous about finding a new parish. I believe there are 2 in the town we'll be living, and I visited one and wasn't impressed. I just feel like I'll be depriving the kids of the richness of the Church. We have been so blessed in our current parish. I still struggle with my own sinfulness, but at least I'm not worried about whether the Eucharist is valid or having to try to calm my temper from homilies ...

I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. The Church is the Church everywhere and maybe this will be good for me, from a humility standpoint. I just worry because our parish really strengthens families in their Faith, and that's what we all need, right?

hmmm .... are there other parishes in the surrounding area??
I'm a dual-parish girl at present ... love our local parish, LOVE our priest, but we are in the middle of building a new church, and all the upheaval that comes with it. Also, I work every weekend, and our Mass times are not congruent with my work schedule.
Enter Parish#2 ... large parish, has Masses that I can go to even when I am working, has a WONDERFUL Moms group, has a school, etc.

I tend to go back and forth between the 2 ... there are things that I love dearly about both places.

I know the Eucharist is the same, but I enjoy being a part of the Church community, and it's easier for me to do that, if I enjoy the church(es) to which I belong.