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December 2017 Edition                                                      View this email in your browser
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Family Life Office

1229 Mt. Loretta Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52003
563-556-2580, Ext. 233
800-876-3546

www.dbqarch.org/family-life
Director of Family Life:
Matt Selby
m.selby@dbqarch.org

Secretary:
Lynne Chapman

dbqcflsec@dbqarch.org

Family Life Witness Article

"What to do when Faith Divides the Family" - by Matt Selby
The 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation occurred recently, on Oct. 31. While the past 500 years have brought some healing and progress towards reunification between Catholics and Protestants, division still remains; and nowhere is this division felt more deeply than in the family. Differences in faith can cause serious family friction, especially during the upcoming holidays when families gather and religious traditions are a focal point. Maybe you and your spouse practice different faiths;
 
maybe you have adult children who have fallen away from the Catholic faith and are practicing another faith (or no faith at all); maybe a sibling, niece or nephew, or godchild does not practice the Catholic faith; or maybe, like me, you’re a convert to the Catholic faith, and so the family you were raised in practices a different faith (I was raised as an evangelical Protestant). Whatever differences in faith you experience in your family, when tensions rise, you may be struggling with how to deal with the division.
Read More

Ways to Learn and Live the Faith

as a Catholic Family


December 1 - First Sunday of Advent

December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
  • The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. She is depicted with brown skin, an angel and moon at her feet, and rays of sunlight that encircle her. The Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego, wearing Aztec clothing and speaking in Spanish. Learn more about this feast day here
  • Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 25The Nativity of the Lord – Christmas Day
  • During the Christmas Season, we celebrate the birth of Christ, who is Emmanuel--God with us. Download these printable Catholic Christmas prayers to celebrate the joyous season with students, children and families!
  • Share the symbolism and meaning of the season with The Catholic 12 Days of Christmas, a collection of books, songs, and ideas to teach and live the faith.
December 28 - The Feast of The Holy Innocents
  • Bethlehem was a small town, and the estimated number of boys two years old and under would have been about 20. Mary and Joseph would have known the families of these children. One can only guess their feelings when they later heard about the news of their deaths. Click here for resources relating to this feast day. 
  • To learn more about the Holy Innocents, click here.

December 31 - The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 
   Wishing you and your family a   

Blessed Advent Season,

and a very Merry Christmas!


 

Marriage Matters

Pope Francis asks us, "Are we capable of counting our blessings anymore? What a tragedy to be blessed in so many ways and to be too busy to even notice."

During this Advent season, don't be so distracted that you fail to notice your blessings, and to be grateful for all you have. 

Chris Stefanik reminds us that gratitude might not change our circumstances, but it will change our hearts. Listen to Chris's reflection, "Grateful,"  in the video below.  


 

Saints of the Month

December 6 - St. Nicholas 

December 7 - St. Ambrose  

December 9 - St. Juan Diego 

December 13 - St. Lucy

December 14 - St. John of the Cross

December 26 - St. Stephen

December 27 - St John, Apostle and Evangelist

  • Learn more about the Feast of St. John here.

 

Website Spotlight


www.FORMED.org                                                        
FORMED has on-demand faith formation resources like you’ve never seen before. Billed as “the Netflix of Catholic media content,” Formed.org is an exceptional Catholic faith formation tool bundling into one platform trusted and popular Catholic videos, audio talks, eBooks, and movies all at your fingertips, on-demand on any device with an internet connection. To learn more, click here
(From https://catholicapptitude.org/catholic-faith-apps/)

Access Formed.org on the Go! Download the App here.
There's An App For That!
 
       Xt3 Advent Calendar App

Advent is a time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus, a time when we ask ourselves, “Is there room for the Baby Jesus in the Inn of our hearts?” Watch an introductory video, and learn more about the Xt3 Advent Calendar App for 2017 here
(from www.catholicapptitude.org)

Download the Advent Calendar as an App. It’s FREE!

Interest in Pinterest


December Pinterest Highlights for Families
www.pinterest.com/dbqarch

Celebrate Advent with these family-friendly resources:

Book of the Month

Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church
by Brandon Vogt


You're concerned about your child. He's stopped going to Mass. Maybe he's found another religion. Perhaps he no longer believes in God. Whatever the case, you want your child to return to the Church. But the problem is he doesn't seem interested. He tunes you out, he ignores your pleas, and he doesn't want to discuss religion. You would do anything to bring him back, but you have no idea where to begin. You've tried talking. You've tried nagging. You've tried praying. Nothing seems to work. The reality is, you need help. You need a proven game plan. You need RETURN.

For more information, a corresponding video series, and to purchase the book, visit: https://helpthemreturn.com/game-plan

This book is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: BK #241397
 

Family Movie Night

Check out this month's movie pick:

Convinced:
Why Would Anyone Become Catholic?

Why would intelligent, successful people give up careers, alienate friends, and cause havoc in their families to become Catholic? Travel around the country with Donald Johnson to discover the various means God used to convince the following people that the Catholic Faith was the home for Truth: Jennifer Fulwiler, Holly Ordway, Abby Johnson, Brandon Vogt, Mark Shea, Jeff Cavins, Scott Hahn, John Bergsma, and more.
(from Amazon.com)

Watch the movie trailer by clicking here.

This movie is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: DV #31391

Prayers & Reflections


An Advent Prayer for Families


Heavenly Father,
your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us,
a great sign of your love.
Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together
as a family this Advent.
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas,
bring us closer to each other and to your son.
Give us the grace and strength we need every day.
Help us to always trust in you.
Come, Lord Jesus,
lead all people closer to you.
Come and dispel the darkness of our world
with the light of your love.
Amen.
 

From https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever/advent-prayers 

Upcoming Events


National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
Please keep in your prayers the 1357 youth and 491 chaperones from the Archdiocese of Dubuque who will be attending the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) November 16th-19th. As they return with the energy of the Holy Spirit alive in them, may we all encourage them to grow deeper in faith through the love, support and inspiration of their Church family. Learn more about NCYC here


National Day of Prayer for Inclusion of People/Students with Disabilities
December 1: Catholic Schools & December 2 & 3: Parishes
Please join Catholic Schools and Parishes across the Country in the National Day of Prayer for Inclusion of People/Students with Disabilities and the Families Who Love Them. We ask for God's blessing on children, teachers, parents and families.
Here is a suggested Prayer and the National Day of Prayer for Inclusion Toolkit.

Winter Retreat for Persons with Diverse Abilities: "The 12 Gifts of Christmas"

Saturday, January 6, 2018: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Holy Ghost Church, Dubuque
This retreat day is designed for adults with disabilities, family members, friends, and caregivers who wish to deepen their faith. For more information, contact Jim Betzner at 563-556-2580, ext. 286 or email dbqcffpc@dbqarch.org 


The Archdiocesan Women’s Conference “Beauty in Christ” will be held on January 27, 2018 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel/Convention Complex in Cedar Rapids, and is sponsored by the Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW). Featured speakers will include author and musician Emily Wilson, and inspirational spiritual motivator and radio host Judy Hehr. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels. Space is limited. Registration is required. Register by January 10th for a reduced rate. For more information and to register online, visit the Women’s Conference website
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Family Life Office
Archdiocese of Dubuque
1229 Mt. Loretta Ave
Dubuque, IA 52003

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Archdiocese of Dubuque · 1229 Mt. Loretta Avenue · Dubuque, IA 52003 · USA

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