This primer on Catholic family education is designed to support parents and other caregivers who want to teach their children the basics of the faith. Noted author, TV host, and catechist Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle suggests that the best time for sharing lessons is during dinner, and she serves up a number of examples that start with a verse from the Bible, followed by key questions that lead into possible actions. In the “Learning to Love Our Neighbor” segment, for instance, viewers are reminded that love for others—including enemies—is a cornerstone of the Christian faith (Cooper O'Boyle spent time with Mother Theresa, and she champions the latter's approach of one-on-one love and ministry with the poor and needy). Since this is a Catholic curriculum, teachings about saints are shared alongside writings from the Bible. In the section on “Learning Perseverance,” viewers will learn that Saint Monica (born 332 A.D.) had the patience of, well, a saint. Although she was a strong Christian, her family (including her husband, mother-in-law, and son) treated her faith with disdain or dismissal for most of their lives. Her response was patience, coupled with lots of prayer and fasting (not long before dying, her husband embraced her faith, and her son would later convert—and was eventually named a saint himself). Sure to spark discussion, this fine guide to family lessons in Catholicism and basic Christian principles is highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)
Feeding Your Family's Soul
(2017) 75 min. DVD: $59.99. Paraclete Press (avail. from most distributors). PPR. ISBN: 978-1-61261-971-2. Volume 32, Issue 6
Feeding Your Family's Soul
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