For realz...

I don't want to be fat anymore.

Holy Family Society

So some of these things have been on my heart for years. I've been turning them over and over especially over the last few weeks, trying to analyze how to go about using the system to overturn the status quo.  Here's my first attempt at giving some form to the ideas by putting them in writing.  I'm not content with leaving, or leaving things as they are.  I'm also not content with focusing only my needs and those of my family and to hell with everyone else. Many of the ideas could be executed right now without any permission from anyone, and many others could be modified slightly to do the same. I firmly believe that there's a reason why some many like-minded families are where we are.  I'm not hearing any voices saying, "Rebuild my Church."  I think that will be the job for our children; ours is to tend the soil, then fall to the earth and die so that afterwards, they might bear much fruit. 

Holy Family Society / Sociedad de la Sagrada Familia - A parish-based society meant to more effectively address the unmet needs of families with children at the parish level  It would be open to all members, collect annual dues, hold fundraisers and be eligible to use the parish facilities at no charge.  

Mission Statement: To support the needs of families with children and foster vocations from our parish.

Ideas for activities

• Sunday Evening Vespers
• Once a month, families gather to sing vespers together.  Potluck afterwards??

• Vocations Chalice
• Each Sunday a family (or individual) volunteers to take a special chalice home and pray each night for vocations from our parish. http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/vocation-directors/chalice-program-info.cfm
• Prayer for Vocations
• A prayer is offered after each Mass for vocations from our parish.  Something like, "Heavenly Father,We ask you to bless our diocese with selfless hearts that are willing to serve You, by serving Your Church. Lord Jesus raise up from our homes those called by the Father: courageous and humble men to the Priesthood, faithful people to Consecrated Life and holy men and women to the sacrament of Marriage. Holy Spirit, help us to live our universal vocation to holiness, by listening to the Father’s voice and responding with a sacrificial love. Holy Mary, Model of Vocations, teach us to hear and follow your Son. Holy Mary, Queen of Priests, sanctify our priests and obtain for us many more. Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for our families and intercede for our children."
• Playground
• Donate the money, supplies and manpower to construct a sturdy, safe playground for the children of the parish.
• Adoration with song
• Once a month, gather together with our families for a time of praise and adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, ending with Benediction.
• Girls' Altar Guild
• Young ladies of the parish help to make, repair and launder the altar linens and dress the altar for Holy Mass.  
• Troops of St. George
• A program that teaches boys and their fathers outdoors skills and provides opportunities for father/son campouts
• Picnic Tables
• Tables for outdoor seating and/or dining, donated for the use of the parish
• Vocation outings
• Day trips to monasteries, convents and seminaries to gain exposure to the rich diversity of life consecrated to God
• Days of recollection
• "Mini-retreats" for families with opportunities for confession
• Family retreats
• Annual day retreat offered with specific topics for moms, dad and kids.  Childcare provided for very small children.  Adoration, confession and Holy Mass
• Family movie nights
• Opportunity for fellowship and fun with other families. Good wholesome movies shown with childcare provided for very small children.  
• New mother cooking blitz
• Once a quarter (or as needed) cooking "blitz" utilizing the parish kitchen and focusing on batch cooking and preparing ready to eat frozen meals for new or expectant mothers.  An on-sight donated deep freeze would hold meals until needed.  Also could be used for helping out when a mother is sick or a family is experiencing an acute crisis or need.