My RSS Feeds
Overcome Your Lenten Temptations
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Q: My 11-year-old son decided to give up sweets for Lent, but at two weeks into Lent he’s in misery about wishing to have a dessert.
I have coached him from different angles—“Look what a strong person you are becoming” or “Why don’t you choose a different sacrifice? You know you can change your sacrifice” or “When you really want that sweet and you feel angry or desperate, think of Christ’s suffering... READ MORE
Working Through Conflict
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Q: My husband and I disagree about child discipline. I grew up in a very strict home and don’t ever want to be that way with our kids. I think my husband is too severe sometimes, but when I suggest he ease up a bit, he gets very angry with me. He thinks I let the kids get away with too much. How should we handle this disagreement?
A: Why does God allow spouses to disagree, even strongly, about such... READ MORE
How to Stay Strong Spiritually During Lent
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Thursday, February 25, 2010
Q: Every year I start out Lent with great ambition and hope for spiritual growth, but somewhere along the way I lose interest and let myself slide. I really want to avoid the slide this year ... any suggestions to help me stay strong?
A: Sure! The key thing to think about is why you tend to slide. If you can identify the cause, then you can easily find the solution. In general, three things tend... READ MORE
How Much Must I Believe?
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Q: Do I have to believe “everything” to identify myself as Catholic?
A: I read the conversation that followed this question at Faith & Family Connect, and once again I was impressed by the honesty, wisdom, and compassion so evident in exchanges here at the Faith and Family online community. I had two thoughts that may be of use to those who are following this conversation.
The World around Us
First,... READ MORE
'Is It a Sin To Be Fat?'
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Q: Is it a sin to be fat? I have been overweight almost my entire life. I’ve tried all kinds of diets but there does not seem to be any permanent solution that works for me. I feel bad when I eat poorly and don’t exercise, but when I think about trying to lose weight again, I feel desperate and hopeless.
A: The easy answer to this question is that, certainly, being fat is not a sin. Being overweight... READ MORE
My Husband Doesn't Share My Passion for My Faith
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Q: My husband and I have been married for 18 years. Though he is Catholic and attends Mass weekly, I think I take my faith more seriously than he does. I say “think” because he doesn’t like to talk much about his faith. He also does not like to pray with me. I don’t want to cause trouble, but this makes me sad. I feel like we could grow closer to God and to each other if we shared our faith more. ... READ MORE
Mass Distraction
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Q: “I have four children ages four and under. I desire to attend daily mass, but my one year old is very noisy. Is it wrong for me to sit in the narthex for the entire Mass and then go forward to receive communion? I make a habit of participating even if I am in not in the actual sanctuary, ie…kneeling, sitting, standing, saying all of the responses. I just can’t seem to justify taking my noisy child... READ MORE
Finding the Right Formation
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A continuation of last week’s topic:
Q: Fr. John, can you can address the point about the children getting poor formation [in programs available at one’s local parish]? This is so common for parents and they wonder what to do.
A: We have to start by remembering that there is no such thing as a perfect formation program. Think of Jesus. He gave his 12 Apostles personalized formation for almost three... READ MORE
Is It Okay to "Parish Shop"?
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Thursday, January 14, 2010
Q: Is it required that we attend our home parish (just a few blocks away) when possible, or is it acceptable to attend Mass in another town on a regular basis? Our reasons are many, and probably too personal to go into here.
A: This question has a short answer and a long answer. I will try to land in between the extremes.
The Bottom Line
Strictly speaking, the Church is quite reasonable in what she... READ MORE
How Can a Catholic Mom Find Good Friends?
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Fr. John Bartunek, LC in Faith on Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Q: How do you recommend we interact with fellow Catholics who blatantly disregard the churches teachings on contraception or other major teaching of the Church? I feel lately like I would rather associate with non-Catholic moms than ones who call themselves Catholic but then don’t go to Mass or make me feel uncomfortable for being pregnant with my 5th in 6 years. I am just new to my community and... READ MORE
