A devastating tsunami, like the one that hit Japan a year ago. Wars, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, epidemics. Parents, grandparents, and other concerned adults wonder if, when, and how to talk to children and young people about the natural and man-made disasters that show up in news headlines and photos. Continue »

Lent is a season rich in symbols and meaning. Here are some suggested ways to help you and your family grow spiritually during Lent. Choose the ones you think your family would enjoy the most. Continue »

“Oh, why did Leap Year Day have to fall during Lent?” I heard my daughter groan. She is a Leap Year Day baby—born twelve years ago, on February 29. Continue »

Have you ever been surprised by your children’s reaction to something you did for them? Perhaps you brought home a small toy for your son, and he continued to thank you for several days afterwards. Continue »

“Never give up hope!” Our friends, Bill and Cynthia, were crying for joy as they shared some remarkable family news with my wife and me. We had shared many things over the years—we were neighbors and fellow parishioners, and our children all attended the same Christian school. Continue »

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” said the priest. It would have been more accurate to say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the moth-wing, and the Holy Spirit.” The priest’s eyes squarely focused on our son, Emery, he failed to see that in his second scoop of holy water, he’d also scooped up a dead moth floating in the baptismal font. Continue »