Catholic Life and Reflection
First Eucharist
Congratulations to each of our students from St John the Apostle celebrating their First Eucharist this weekend. Thank you to Fr Michael who came and spent time with these students on Thursday, giving them a little encouragement and practice in preparation.
Whole-hearted Parenting
One of my most favourite spiritual thinkers is Fr Richard Rohr. I receive his reflections in me email once a week and while I endeavour to read them all I don't always get to them amidst the busyness of life itself. Like us all.
I recall one reflection that touched my quite deeply as a parent, reminding me that I don't need to be perfect. That I am simply enough. In his reflection he references Brené Brown, another person that inspires me. I'd like simply to share it with you here, hoping that there may be something for you in this piece as well:
Researcher Brené Brown knows the importance of vulnerability and open-heartedness. In her book Daring Greatly, she offers a parenting manifesto that can serve as a touchstone when we feel afraid or resist vulnerability. You might read it aloud to a child, someone you love, or yourself:
Above all else, I want you to know that you are loved and lovable. You will learn this from my words and actions—the lessons on love are in how I treat you and how I treat myself.
I want you to engage with the world from a place of worthiness. You will learn that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy every time you see me practice self-compassion and embrace my own imperfections.
We will practice courage in our family by showing up, letting ourselves be seen, and honoring vulnerability. We will share our stories of struggle and strength. There will always be room in our home for both.
We will teach you compassion by practicing compassion with ourselves first; then with each other. We will set and respect boundaries; we will honor hard work, hope, and perseverance. Rest and play will be family values, as well as family practices.
You will learn accountability and respect by watching me make mistakes and make amends, and by watching how I ask for what I need and talk about how I feel.
I want you to know joy, so together we will practice gratitude. I want you to feel joy, so together we will learn how to be vulnerable.
When uncertainty and scarcity visit, you will be able to draw from the spirit that is a part of our everyday life.
Together we will cry and face fear and grief. I will want to take away your pain, but instead I will sit with you and teach you how to feel it.
We will laugh and sing and dance and create. We will always have permission to be ourselves with each other. No matter what, you will always belong here.
As you begin your Wholehearted journey, the greatest gift that I can give to you is to live and love with my whole heart and to dare greatly.
I will not teach or love or show you anything perfectly, but I will let you see me, and I will always hold sacred the gift of seeing you. Truly, deeply, seeing you.
For a full reading of Fr Richard's reflection and the references to Brené Brown's work please visit this site.