Stay Family Focused!!

By John C. Preiss

Activity and recollection each play a vital role in the life of the family and the individual. While activity—sports, school, work, social events—drives our growth and learning as human beings, recollection is the essential ingredient for the growth of our souls toward God and heaven. In today’s busy world, many families find themselves so engaged in the former that they have little time left for the latter.

The relentless pace of modern life can easily crowd out opportunities for quiet, prayerful reflection. Yet, recollection—moments set aside for prayer, worship, and spiritual conversation—is just as critical for our well-being as any activity. It is in these moments that we encounter God, nurture our faith, and guide our children toward understanding and holiness. The Catechism teaches that prayer is “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God,” and even small, consistent moments of prayer can make a profound difference in family life.

Making time for recollection is not just a suggestion; it is a necessity for Christian and Catholic families. Attending Mass faithfully and as often as possible anchors the week in grace and reminds everyone that God comes first. Praying together as a family—whether it’s before meals, in the morning, or at bedtime—creates a rhythm of faith that permeates daily life. The practice of daily prayer, participation in the sacraments, and regular scripture reading are ways to keep God at the center of the home.

Involving yourself in the formation of your children is a sacred responsibility. By modeling commitment to prayer, sacramental life, and moral choices, parents set expectations that shape their children’s understanding of faith and virtue. Socializing with other Catholic or Christian families builds lifelong friendships and provides accompaniment on the journey, reinforcing shared values and offering support when challenges arise.

Living a sacramental life—frequent participation in the Eucharist and Reconciliation, observing holy days, and celebrating the liturgical seasons—helps children see that faith is not just a Sunday ritual but an integral part of everyday existence. This engagement and commitment become part of the fabric of family life, carried forward in the very being of young children.

It is never too late to choose a fresh start. Parents can always decide to realign their priorities, making careful choices that do not compromise their relationship with God. This intentionality sets a clear expectation: God always comes first. When children witness their parents making faith a priority—choosing prayer over distraction, worship over busyness—they internalize these values and carry them into adulthood.

The world is full of unsafe and immoral influences that can easily lead families astray. But when a family is rooted in faith, regularly recollecting itself before God, it becomes a light that cannot be overcome. Building homes that reflect the Holy Family—places filled with peace, prayer, and love—offers children a foundation that will sustain them through life’s challenges.

In summary, balancing activity and recollection is essential for family life. By making time for prayer, worship, and spiritual formation, parents guide their children toward understanding and holiness. The Holy Family stands as our model, reminding us that it is possible to live with God at the center, even in a busy world. With faith, intentionality, and commitment, families can thrive and grow together, carrying the light of Christ into the world.