Ways to Live the Catholic Faith in Your Family
Archdiocese of Dubuque Family Prayer Resources Web Page
March 2 - Ash Wednesday
 Observing the Lenten Season
Lent is an opportunity to share with our children the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Consider how you might help others in need by giving your time, talents, and treasure together as a family.
March 19 – St. Joseph , Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
March 25 - Annunciation of the Lord
 The Feast of the Annunciation focuses on the Incarnation: God became man.
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March 3 – St. Katharine Drexel
March 7 - Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
March 14 – St. Matilda
- Patron of Parents of Large Families
- Learn more about St. Matilda here.
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Year of the Amoris Laetitia Family
Pope Francis has declared a Year of the Amoris Laetitia Family from March 19, 2021 through June 26, 2022 when the World Meeting of Families will take place in Rome. Learn more about this year, read a statement by Archbishop Jackels, and find resources for celebrating it, by visiting: https://dbqarch.org/year-of-amoris-laetitia.
Additional Resources can be found here:
- United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): News, events, and resources
- Loyola Press: Prayers, videos, parish resources, and more!
- Catholic Current: Resources for marriage, parenting, family life, NFP, dating, podcasts, and more!
- A Prayer for the Meeting of Families (June 22-26, 2022)
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Website Highlight
 Don't be a consumer...be a DISCIPLE! What does it mean to have your BEST LENT EVER? Your journey and how God moves in your life will be as unique as you are. God wants to fill your soul, certainly, but he also wants to work through you to transform the lives of those around you. Think of some of the people God has placed in your life. A friend who is dissatisfied and wants more from life. A spouse who has drifted from the faith. A child who has never known the spark of the Divine. This Lent, be a disciple to them. Invite them to explore the life-giving power of generosity, or to discover a new or deeper relationship with Jesus. Whichever path will meet them where they are...be bold...offer them the chance to walk it with you.
To sign up for BEST LENT EVER, a FREE daily Lenten Experience with Matthew Kelly (from Dynamic Catholic), click on the link above and enter your name and email address. You'll receive two short, inspirational videos each day to help you slow down, think, and connect with God. Then, use the wisdom you gain to do something generous and live the Gospel each day!
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Marriage Matters
Lenten Resolutions for Married Couples
Inspired by Pope Francis
 Are you wondering how to grow in holiness this Lent, together with your spouse? Try following some advice from the Pope! In his homilies and addresses, Pope Francis has spoken quite directly about how husband and wife should treat each other, about prayer within the family, and other ways the family lives its identity as a “domestic Church.” This Lent, consider committing with your spouse to these "Lenten Resolutions for Married Couples."
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Book of the Month
How to Heal Your Marriage and Nurture Lasting Love
by Dr. Greg Popcak
 This book helps you and your spouse to learn more about how to incorporate Dr. Greg Popcak's "Eight Simple Ways to Make Your Marriage Great" into your marriage and your everyday life. Dr. Popcak shows you how to heal the hurt in your marriage and develpp the crucial habits necessary to resolve conflicts, renew the love you once had, and discover the passion you always wanted. Take the guesswork out of buidling a stable, healthy marriage. Discover a step-by-step plan for making your marriage everything you want it to be!
- Purchase this book here or here.
- This book is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center (#BK 241457)
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Parenting Pointers
Finding Prayer Time During Lent
One of the real challenges that we too often face in our busy lives is finding time to be together as a family. It  is especially difficult to find opportunities to pray together. Here are a few possibilities for praying as a family during Lent or at any other time of the year:
- Prayer Before Meals - Pause for a minute to give thanks.
- Pause during the morning rush to simply ask God to be with you as you go about the day.
- Special Occasions - Give thanks for birthdays, anniversaries, or as you start a new endeavor.
- Start a New Lenten Tradition or Simple Family Ritual - e.g. Trace a cross on a loved one's forehead each morning or at bedtime.
- Pray for One Another - Hold one another up to the Lord, even when you are not physically together.
- Attend Mass together as a family.
- Spend some time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Create a Lenten Space in Your Home - Include a crucifix, candle, Bible, holy water, etc.
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Movie Pick
Miracle of Marcelino
 Based on real-life events, this is a heart-warming tale of an orphaned boy caught in the midst of the Mexican revolution. Left on the doorstep of a monastery as an infant, Marcelino was raised by Franciscan friars. The child grows into a rambunctious boy, fond of playing jokes on the friars with his best friend, Eleuterio. Marcelino yearns for a mother as he observes the deep bond Eleuterio shares with his mother. Marcelino's curiosity leads him to the forbidden attic, where he is drawn to a friend...hanging on a cross. This newfound friend is so full of love that Marcelino is compelled to visit often. Because of the faith of the child, an unexpected miracle occurs and Marcelino's greatest wish is granted. Discover the amazing story of a young boy's innocence and the miracle he created. This movie (shown in black and white) was originally filmed in 1955, was the Grand Prize Winner at the Cannes Film Festival, and has become a beautiful classic film.
- Watch the movie trailer by clicking here.
- Read a brief reflection on the film, written by Fr. George P. McKenna
- Purchase the restored original DVD version of the movie here.
- This movie is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: #DV 30085.
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There's An App For That!
YOUCAT Daily
 YOUCAT Daily is an ideal daily companion for those who are seeking more and want to grow in their faith. The unique format consists of an awesome trio: the gospel of the day, the matching YOUCAT (Youth Catechism) or DOCAT (Social Doctrine) question, and a short inspiration from the international community. Keep growing in faith with a daily 5-minute dose of the Holy Gospel! YOUCAT Daily is available at any time online and as a free app, and offers the following, and more:
The Gospel of the Day: Gives you the opportunity to connect with the universal Church. Every day the same gospel is read all over the world.
YOUCAT Questions: Scripture and tradition belong together. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains what Christ taught the apostles and what we as Catholics believe since the foundation of the Church.
DOCAT Questions: A summary of the social teaching of the Catholic Church. It inspires to put the Gospel into practice and to give answers to the different social questions.
Inspiration: Room for testimonies, quotes from saints, and on Sundays there is a challenge for the week.
Social Media Feed: Follow the latest articles via the integrated social media feed.
Track Your Progress: Stay motivated by collecting badges and creating series.
- Click HERE to download on iPad or iPhone.
- Click HERE to download on Android.
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Interest in Pinterest
March Pinterest Highlights for Families
from the Archdiocesan Education Resource Center: www.pinterest.com/dbqarch
Check out these March Pinterest topics focused on the family - the Domestic Church!
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Embracing Inclusion
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
 Each year, March is set aside as Disability Awareness Month, since the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Declaration in 1978 which stated, “There can be no separate Church for persons with disabilities. We are one flock that serves a single shepherd.” Including persons with disabilities in all aspects of parish life continues to be our guiding principle. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Disability Inclusion ministry provides valuable education, resources, retreat opportunities, and support to help parishes and Catholic schools reach these goals.
Lent: Practicing Corporal/Spiritual Works of Mercy
Lent can be the perfect reminder to practice works of mercy, especially in ministry to the poor and the disabled. As we think about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Lent can be for us a journey of mercy.
For additional information and resources for inclusion of persons with diverse abilities, please contact Lynne Chapman at l.chapman@dbqarch.org or 563-556-2580, ext. 246.
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Prayers and Reflections
A Family Prayer for Lent
God of love and care,
We know that Jesus came to bring us closer to You and to one another.
May who we are, and what we give to others this Lent,
truly help to make the world a better place.
God of reconciliation,
During Lent, teach us to be true friends of one another
and especially those who are in need.
Guide us in being generous and forgiving.
May we follow faithfully, speak courageously, and live joyfully
the Good News of Jesus Christ who brings peace to our world.
As we journey through the Lenten season,
help us to let go of our personal wants and needs.
Help us to change our selfishness into generosity.
Turn our unkind words into gentle, thankful words.
May our thoughts and actions reveal your love.
Help us to welcome others and be a source of life-giving energy.
May we follow, speak, and live the way of Jesus Christ
as we look forward to the promise of the Resurrection.
We pray in Jesus' name.
Amen.
For more Catholic Lenten Prayers, click here.
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Upcoming Events
2022 Archdiocesan Men’s Conference
Saturday, March 19, 2022 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids (with live-stream available)
 Mark your calendar for the 26th Annual Men’s Conference! This conference will be held on the Feast of St. Joseph, and will highlight the example of St. Joseph as a model for all men. The keynote speaker will be Mark Hartfiel, vice-president of Paradisus Dei, a ministry that produces the “That Man is You!” men’s program. The lunch session will be presented by Devin Schadt, the founder of the Fathers of St. Joseph men’s ministry. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels. For more information and registration, please visit www.archmensconference.org.
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Archdiocese of Dubuque
Marriage & Family Life Office
1229 Mt. Loretta Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 556-2580, x233
www.dbqarch.org/family-life
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