This February take a look at these books to help imitate the Holy Family!
For Adults
“Our Not-Quite-Holy Family” by Mark and Melanie Hart
Many Catholics might recognize Mark Hart as the dynamic youth minister who has all the right answers about being and staying Catholic. Flash forward fifteen years: Mark and his wife Melanie have four children and they realize that despite all the advice they’ve doled out over the years, there’s no single formula for having a happy, holy family. In Our Not-Quite-Holy Family, the Harts offer candid, sincere, and down-to-earth wisdom from their time in the trenches of parenting.
Do you feel as if you’ve taken all the right steps to create God-loving individuals but still find your children are tuning you out? Are you trying to figure out how to have a family that is holy but still “normal” and human? If so, you’ll find comfort, encouragement, honesty, wit, and—most importantly—practical wisdom in Our Not-Quite-Holy Family.
Chock-full of amusing anecdotes about their journey raising four children, the Hart’s book reminds Catholics that being a good parent means taking time to get to know—and actually enjoy—your children.
Each chapter presents typical shortfalls and obstacles faced by Catholic parents, suggestions and ideas to think and pray about as a couple, and resources or activities to try as a couple or family.
A book for Catholics at every stage of the parenting journey—the Harts have a child in college, high school, middle school, and elementary school—Our Not-Quite-Holy Family leaves parents with a little less tension in their shoulders and a slap on the back for doing a good job—no matter what everyone else says “good Catholic parenting” should look like.
For Families
“Holy Family Prayer Book: Prayers for Every Family” by Missionaries of the Holy Family (Author), Dolan, Most REV Timothy (Foreword)
This simple prayer book, devoted to the Holy Family, offers traditional and original prayers dedicated to helping families today. Included in The Holy Family Prayer Book, are a variety of prayers that will help families stay spiritually grounded and ever-present in faith.
For Children
“The Holy Family ” by Winkler O.F.M., Reverend Jude
One of 101 titles in the St. Joseph Picture Book Series, this book by popular author Rev. Jude Winkler, OFM. Conv. is a beautiful introduction to the meaningful events in the lives of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
“Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family” Board book by Marlyn Evangelina Monge FSP and Illustrated by Mary Rojas
This beautiful board book Joseph: Guardian of the Holy Family provides a memorable way for toddlers to become familiar with Saint Joseph and his role in the earthly life of Jesus.