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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Marriage & Family Life Witness Article
Event for Grandparents Set for August 25
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In the United States today, only 43 percent of people under age 40 say religion is very important to them, compared with 60 percent of adults over age 40, according to a 2018 Pew Research Study. In a world where religion seems to be becoming less and less important to young people, how can Catholic grandparents pass on the faith to their grandchildren? How can they also reach out to adult children who may have stopped participating in the church?
Those two essential questions are at the heart of a one day event called “Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith” that will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly on Aug. 25.
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Ways to Learn and Live the Faith
as a Catholic Family
 August 5-11 - Knights of Columbus Family Week
The Knights of Columbus strive to "change lives by strengthening families." The Order realizes the importance of family activities to support, strengthen and build up families, and to encourage families to be alive and live the Catholic faith with joy and love for one another. The K of C's focus on bringing families together: "to pray together, play together, grow together, and serve together." (https://kofcknights.org)
August 6 - Transfiguration of the Lord
August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 22 - Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Bishop Barron on the Queenship of Mary (video)
August 29 - Martyrdom of John the Baptist
- Learn more about this memorial here
End-of-Summer Ideas for Families:
Additional Family Activities:
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Marriage Matters
 Be Present
In marriage and family life, being present in the moment can be a challenge. There are so many distractions that keep us from focusing on the most important relationships in life. Take a look at this one-minute video by Chris Stefanick to be inspired and challenged to "Be Present" with your spouse and children.
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Saints of the Month
 August 1 – St. Alphonsus Liguori
August 4 – St. John Vianney
- Learn moreabout St. John Vianney here
August 8 – St. Dominic
August 9 – St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
- Learn more about
St. Teresa Benedicta of
the Cross here
August 10 – St. Lawrence
August 11 – St. Clare
 August 14 – St. Maximilian Kolbe
August 21 – Pope St. Pius X
August 24 – St. Bartholomew
August 25 – St. Joseph Calasanz
 August 27 – St. Monica
August 28 – St. Augustine
- Learn more about St. Augustine here
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 Website Spotlight
Wee Believers makes creative Catholic toys and activities for kids. Use their fun resources to help your children or grandchildren learn about the Catholic faith.
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There's An App For That!
iBreviary is the app that brings the traditional Catholic prayer of the Breviary and all the texts of the Liturgy to your phone and tablet.
The app is broken down into three parts:
1. The Liturgy of the Hours
2. The Daily Missal for the celebration of Mass
3. Catholic Prayers and Rituals
Download on iOS or Android devices.
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Interest in Pinterest
August Pinterest Highlights for Families
from the Education Resource Center, Archdiocese of Dubuque
www.pinterest.com/dbqarch
Click here to check out the newest Pinterest board on Grandparenting!
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Book of the Month
 The Catholic Grandparents Handbook
Creative Ways to Show Love, Share Faith, and Have Fun
by Lorene Hanley Duquin
What's the difference between being a grandparent and being a Catholic grandparent? You'll find the answer to this question and much more in The Catholic Grandparents Handbook. This book offers ideas and inspiration on how you can incorporate faith, hope, love, and fun into your relationship with your grandchildren. Topics such as the importance of prayer, sharing faith, passing on family history, and preserving family traditions are explored. You'll also find valuable advice on helping grandchildren through difficult times, dealing with grandchildren who are unchurched, and building strong relationships even when grandchildren live far away. Whether you are an experienced grandparent or awaiting the arrival of your first grandchild, this handbook will support and affirm you as you grow in your role as a Catholic grandparent. (amazon.com)
For more information and to purchase the book, click here.
This book is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: BK #241419.
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August Movie Pick
Check out this month's movie pick:
Paul, Apostle of Christ
Paul, who goes from the most infamous persecutor of Christians to Christ’s most influential apostle, is spending his last days in a dark and bleak prison cell awaiting execution by Emperor Nero. Luke, his friend and physician, risks his life when he ventures into Rome to visit him. Paul is under the watchful eye of Mauritius, the prison's prefect, who seeks to understand how this broken old man can pose such a threat. But before Paul's death sentence can be enacted, Luke resolves to write another book, one that details the beginnings of "The Way" and the birth of what will come to be known as the Church. Their faith challenged an empire. But their words changed the world. (from www.amazon.com)
Please note: This movie is rated PG-13. Parents are strongly cautioned - some violent content and disturbing images.
This movie is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: DV #31612.
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Prayers and Reflections
Prayer for Grandparents
Pope Benedict XVI
Lord Jesus,
you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love on grandparents the world over.
Protect them! They are a source of enrichment
for families, for the Church, and for all of society.
Support them! As they grow older,
may they continue to be for their families
strong pillars of Gospel faith,
guardians of noble domestic ideals,
living treasuries of sound religious traditions.
Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,
that they may pass on to future generations the fruits
of their mature human and spiritual experience.
Lord Jesus,
help families and society
to value the presence and role of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded,
but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed
in all the years of life which you give them.
Mary, Mother of all the living,
keep grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage,
and by your prayers, grant that all families
may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,
where you await all humanity
for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!
http://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/prayers/popes-prayer/
 Pope Benedict’s Prayer for Grandparents was written for the Catholic Grandparents Association after their Founder, Catherine Wiley, wrote to Pope Benedict seven times requesting a prayer for Grandparents. The prayer has been shared worldwide.
This year, the Catholic Grandparents Association has requested that Pope Francis proclaim July 26, the Feast Day of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, a World Day of Prayer for Grandparents in the Universal Church. What a blessing and sign of encouragement and support to Grandparents that would be!
The Catholic Grandparents Association works tirelessly to encourage Grandparents in knowing that their work in passing on the faith and keeping the flame alive in their families and our Church is not done.
To learn more about the association, check out their website:
http://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/ |
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All Are Welcome
Summer Brain Builders
 While kids do need a break from school, this doesn’t mean they need a break from learning. For kids with learning disabilities, it’s critical that they engage in activities year-round to help them retain what they’ve worked so hard to achieve. The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) offers some ways to prevent “summer learning loss” here.
For additional information and resources for inclusion of persons with diverse abilities, please contact Mindy Hart, Director of the Office of Disability Inclusion.
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Upcoming Events
Humanae Vitae 50th Anniversary Celebration - Sign-up Today!
Join in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the release of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae, which expresses the beautiful teachings of the Church regarding marriage, human sexuality, and family planning. The Archdiocesan celebration will take place on Sunday, July 22nd from 5:00-7:30 PM at St. Pius X Church in Cedar Rapids and will include a catered dinner and keynote presentation by renowned speaker Dr. Janet E. Smith. For more information and registration, visit www.dbqarch.org/humanae-vitae-event. The deadline for registration is today! For questions, contact Matt Selby, Director of Marriage and Family Life, at (800) 876-3546, ext. 233 or m.selby@dbqarch.org.
 Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith Conference - August 25, 2018
All grandparents are invited to participate in a day to celebrate the important role of grandparenting in family life. Connect with other grandparents and hear from dynamic speakers on how to leave a legacy of faith for your children and grandchildren. The day includes keynotes, breakout sessions, Mass with Archbishop Jackels, lunch, and more. The Archdiocesan “Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith” conference will take place on Saturday, August 25th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at St. Mary’s in Waverly. For more information and registration, visit www.dbqarch.org/grandparent-day. Please register by August 13th to receive the early bird price of $30 per person. For questions, contact Matt Selby, Director of Marriage and Family Life, at (800) 876-3546, ext. 233 or m.selby@dbqarch.org.
Mass for Mental Illness Awareness
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Mark your calendars for the Mass for Mental Illness Awareness, which will be celebrated on October 7, 2018 at St. Patrick Church in Cedar Rapids. The Mass for Mental Illness Awareness is an annual event. Persons with mental illness, as well as their families, friends, caregivers and health providers are welcome. The purpose is to create a spiritual environment of hope, education and awareness to decrease the stigma of mental illness. 
Celebration of Life Mass
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Mark your calendars for the Celebration of Life Mass to be celebrated at St. Athanasius Church in Jesup on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 5:00 PM. The Celebration of Life Mass is held annually at a different location across the Archdiocese. The Mass recognizes, remembers and honors all people living with disabilities, their families and those who support and empower them.
3rd Annual Archdiocesan Women's Conference
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Archdiocesan Women’s Conference, Beauty in Christ,Saturday, January 26, 2019, DoubleTree by Hilton, Cedar Rapids, IA.
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