šš«š¤ Christās peace and presence be with you. I have really been enjoying the beautiful fall weather weāve been having in this area. Crisp mornings, highs in the mid 60ās, and very colorful sunsets. I know Iāve mentioned Fr. Mike Schmitzās āThe Catechism in a Yearā podcast in previous messages, but I have to share a couple more episodes with you today.
The episodes for Day 287: The Gratitude of Children and Day 288: The Duties of Parents really go hand in hand. I am a child and Iām also a parent, so I can really relate to both sides of each of these episodes. I have to tell you, they are really convictingā¦in a good way.
As I was listening to Day 287: The Gratitude of Children, that took me back to my childhood. My parents did many things for us kids, teaching us lessons, not knowing if we would accept them, but hoping we would take them to heart. There are things that no one other than our families can teach us, by living together as a family unit, a community. One story from my childhood, that I have shared on multiple occasions was about going to Mass one Sunday. There are six of us in the family. Us kids were in our early to mid-teenage years. We had a late start that Sunday morning and we were trying to make it to the last Mass being offered that day. If I remember correctly, Mass was at 12:45pm. We were cutting it close to making it on time and thenā¦the car wouldnāt start. I donāt remember what all Dad did to try to get it to start, but the next thing I remember was the entire family getting on bicycles and riding to Mass. Did we make it before Mass started, no. Was I sweaty when I got there, yes. Do I remember what the readings and Gospel were about that day, no. Did I learn a lesson that day that will stay with me the rest of my life, yes! That day, I learned how important it was, and still is, to make sure I go to Mass, to receive Christ into my body each week. It would have been very easy for Mom and Dad to just blow off Mass, so Dad could try to fix the car. We only had one car and he needed it to get to work on Monday. They showed me that it was more important to go to Mass, than to fix our only car. Honestly, I donāt know if I would have learned this life lesson any other way.
Day 288: The Duties of Parents had me thinking more about how I failed in my responsibilities as a young parent of three. Really, itās so much easier to beat ourselves up over our failures. Iām sure my girls would agree with me on some of my failures, but I would guess their list of my failures is probably not as long as mine. The thing is, Iām still their parent and always will be. Yes, our relationships have changed throughout the years, but they will always be my girls. Until I take my final breath, and maybe even after Iām gone, I will continue to guide them the best way I know how, to live their life to the fullest. And Iām not talking about money.
Take a listen to these two episodes. What memories do they bring to mind for you? We canāt change the past, but how can they guide your actions today and going forward, as a child and a parent?
Bless others and be blessed.
Shelly :0)
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#Fr.MikeSchmitz ā The Catechism in a Year
Day 287: The Gratitude of Children (2026)
Day 288: The Duties of Parents (2026)
