Finding Joy in Family Life

Warmer days, vacations, graduations, weddings, and outdoor celebrations highlight the importance of family time. Growing up, we cherished gatherings with extended family— aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. These moments brought us closer and created lasting bonds.

     Mealtime was special; we prepared beloved dishes and desserts from treasured recipes handed down through generations. The kitchen buzzed with laughter and conversation, and the delightful aromas of freshly baked bread invited us to the table. These meals symbolized love, containing stories from our heritage.

     As our family spread across different locations, we maintained our traditions. We prioritized family time, with Sunday Mass grounding us regardless of where we were. Exploring and learning the history of different Catholic churches on vacations was joyful, especially during a summer trip through Spain, France, England, and Portugal, where we prayed at sacred sites like Lourdes and Fatima.

     These experiences shaped our appreciation for family bonds. Now, we strive to pass on these values to our children through cooking, attending festivals, and game nights, fostering a sense of closeness, and nurturing our path toward holiness.

     In our fast-paced world, we find strength in our traditions. The shared laughter, experiences, and challenges remind us that we are united by God's love and our Christ-centered shared values, as we honor the memories of the past while creating new memories together.