Chapter 16: Training Children for Tribulation

1.  Whose lives have you chosen to be involved with for the sake of Christ?

2.  How does our Catholic recognition of the efficacy of suffering on earth (offering it up) in light of eternity help put struggles into perspective (CCC 2015-2016)?

3.  When has your own trust in God been tested?  What helped you to cling to Him?

4.  Think of some times when you've had the urge to step into a situation that was difficult for your children and "fix" it for them.  What happened?  What are some ways you can train your children to cope with trouble in a godly, mature manner?

Action point-Pray and meditate upon Bl. Mother Teresa's version of the Paradoxical Commandments:

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Be good anyway.

Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People need help, but may attack you if you try to help them.
Help them anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Chapter 15: Training Children to Pray Effectively

1.  How do you teach your children to pray?

2.  What are some of your favorite family prayers/spiritual activities?

3.  How/when do you incorporate prayer into your daily routine?

4.  Share an example of prayer changing your perspective on a situation.

Action Point-
As training in prayer, study the Lord's prayer with your children.  Go through every line and discuss what it means.  Help them memorize it.  Then say the prayer together every morning or every night before you go to bed.  (See Catechism of the Catholic Church 2759-2865, click the purple next arrow to continue the text)