Everything I Have is Yours
(2 minute read) Does it ever bug you at times, like it does me, that after doing a lot of hard work, other people are appreciated and your work is taken for granted? We’re all familiar with the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32). Usually, I relate to...
Can Anything Good Come From Nazareth? (Jn 1:46)
(2 minute read) Have you ever had the experience like Nathaniel when Philip told him they had found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth? Nathaniel discounted anything Jesus could offer him because Jesus was from the wrong side of the tracks, so to speak. Philip simply invites Nathaniel to come and...
The One Best Way?
(2 minute read) Sometimes we can think that our preferred way of relating to God is the one best way. We can assume that most other people prefer that way as well. This is what social psychologists call the false consensus effect—where a person assumes that the way they think...
3 Tips for Using Good News for Families in A Parish
(1 minute read) Have you heard of the monthly feature from Ablaze Family Ministries: Good News for Families? Each month, we release a short video teaching on a theme related to something happening in the liturgical calendar for that month, along with a downloadable PDF with ideas for how families...
The Importance of Cultivating Soil
(2 minute read) There is a distinction between doing family ministry and ministering to families. To use the parable of the Sower and the Seed as our model, doing family ministry is offering “good seed” through opportunities, programs, and events targeted to families. It means making sure schedules are "family-friendly,"...
Parish Tool Kit
Our good friends over at the Office of Marriage and Family Life in the Archdiocese of Baltimore created a preliminary "Parish Tool Kit" to help parishes assess their current situation, and find areas where they can become more Family-friendly. From facilities and programs, to liturgy and culture of the parish,...
“We’ll Do It For You!” Just Doesn’t Work
Authored by Fr. Erik Arnold (Ablaze Content Advisory Team) Years ago, a shift took place in many of our parish religious education and faith formation programs. It started with a good intention as priests and parish staff began saying things like, "What can we do to help take the burden...
How Can We Help You Serve Your Families?
How can your parish become more family friendly? Want to help parents not only DESIRE to help their children encounter the Lord, but actually BE ABLE to do it? Want to help families to accompany one another as they grow in faith?Want to encourage and equip families who are faithful to...