Building Catholic Family Traditions: The Spirituality of St. John of the Cross

This lovely book would be a wonderful gift for Catholic newlyweds, for adults who have just entered the Church, or for any family looking for practical ideas on on cementing family bonds through the cultivation and practice of meaningful traditions. It's brimming with ideas covering everything from the liturgical year, Mass and prayer, to seasonal and birthday celebrations, to traditions designed to "honor and serve one another in the home." The introductory chapter offers this example of a simple holiday tradition, then builds on why such things are vital for family life: "Somewhere between the last bite of the cornbread dressing and the first bite of the pecan pie -- that's when the basket is passed around each year at our family's Thanksgiving meal. No, we don't take up a collection to pay for the turkey. Instead, we ask everyone present to drop in the basket one at a time the three small kernels of dried corn we've placed beside each dinner plate. With each kernel, we have them give one reason why they're thankful that day. It's a small holiday habit, yet we never cease to be deeply moved by the results. Most often each speaker thanks God for someone else present while misty eyes around the table begin to glimmer in the candlelight. And when the guests go home in the evening, they inevitably comment: 'I want to do that again next year.' This simple practice requires almost no preparation or expense. But its rewards continue long after the meal is over, rippling out from our table into other homes as well. Such is the power and blessing of a meaningful family tradition." The book is a practical, useful, and sweet guide to starting, or adding on to, your family's rituals. As the authors note in the introduction, "Traditions reveal the significance of our lives." It's worth the effort it takes to make those traditions come alive. They strengthen our families, and, as Pope John Paul II reminded us: "the family has the mission to guard, reveal and communicate love, and this is a living reflection of and a real sharing in God's love for humanity and the love of Christ the Lord for the Church His bride." ~~ Familiaris Consortio Building family traditions isn't something we do only to have a happier home life ... it is something we do to build up the Body of Christ.