Why Catholic Parents Can’t Just Do, “What works for us.”

April 24, 2013 By 4 Comments
mission

You hear it a lot from Catholic families, "You have to do what works for you."  I appreciate the sentiment.  People who say it genuinely mean well.  They are just trying to acknowledge the real challenges that accompany family life and extend sympathy to those who are struggling. Who could argue with that intention?  Certainly not me.   Unfortunately, while the intention is good, the delivery leaves a lot to be desired.  Catholic families must be comforted, they must be supported, they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting, Popcak Tagged With: , 4 Comments

What are we OBLIGED to do? (Or, “What?!? Are you saying that people who don’t exercise are going to HELL?!?”)

April 23, 2013 By 11 Comments
obligation

In yesterday's post on Taking Your Little Ones to Church, many people attempted to argue against my points by saying that the Church does not oblige them to bring their young children to Church. That is true. Here are several other things the Church does not strictly "oblige" us to do. -Look both ways before we cross the street. -Exercise -Take time to play with our kids -Make a budget. -Cut our grass. -Wash the dishes. -Do our laundry. -Help our kids with their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Conflict Resolution, Parenting, Popcak 11 Comments

Today on More2Life Radio–First Things First

April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

TUESDAY on MORE2LIFE--FIRST THINGS FIRST:  The Theology of the Body reminds us of the primacy of our relationships with God and others, but so many other things compete for first place in our lives. Today, we'll look at priorities:  how to set them, and more importantly, how to keep them. Call in with your questions from Noon-1pm Eastern (11am-Noon Central) at 877-573-7825 Don't forget to respond to our M2L FB  Q of the D!  In a normal day, what are  your top priorities and what … [Read more...]

Filed Under: More2Life Radio, Popcak Leave a Comment

Public Service Announcement—

April 22, 2013 By 5 Comments

Whew!  Busy day.   Just a closing thought before I hang the "back tomorrow" sign on the front door. If your initial reaction to a post by a guy you don't personally know, will never have to deal with in real life, and isn't actually addressing you directly is, "MYLIFEISJUSTFINEHOWDAREYOUCRITICIZEMEWHODOYOUTHINKYOUAREYOU HOLIERTHANTHOU JERKMYLIFE/KIDS/MARRIAGEAREJUSTFINEAND ICAN'TBELIEVE YOUWOULDHAVETHE AUDACTITYTOSUGGESTOTHERWISEANDBESIDES … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Conflict Resolution 5 Comments

Scowlvangelism

April 22, 2013 By 9 Comments
scowlvangelism

I really appreciated this comment to the Take Your Kids to Mass post. Scowling is not inherently uncharitable.  Sometimes it is the only silent way to communicate such necessary but unspeakable messages as “Your kid has been screaming his head off for five minutes straight [much more than the 'minute or so' Dr. Popcak recommends] and you are not doing anything but patting him on the head and trying to giving him a binkie.  Get the kid out of here right now so the rest of us can pray.”  … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Conflict Resolution 9 Comments

He’s not Heavy, He’s My Baby. (New Research Explains Why Carrying = Comfort)

April 22, 2013 By 2 Comments
sling me

Apr. 18, 2013 — There is a very good reason mothers often carry their crying babies, pacing the floor, to help them calm down. New research published in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on April 18 shows that infants experience an automatic calming reaction upon being carried, whether they are mouse or human babies. The study is the first to show that the infant calming response to carrying is a coordinated set of central, motor, and cardiac regulations and an evolutionarily conserved … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting, Popcak Tagged With: , 2 Comments

The Contraceptive Sanctuary: Why you SHOULD Bring Baby to Church

April 22, 2013 By 159 Comments
crying

Deacon Greg and Calah Alexander are having an animated discussion with several readers who are taking issue with parents who bring babies to Church. Here is an example of the tone of the questions to which they are responding: “When I read these posts from parents of young children who say they need God’s grace and that is why they bring their young children to Mass, I consider that to be selfish. We ALL need to look out for one another. It is NOT “all about me” as so many in this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Parenting, Popcak Tagged With: , , 159 Comments

Coming Monday on More2Life Radio– To forgive, Divine

April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

As our nation tries to put itself back together in the aftermath of last week, many are asking questions about mercy and forgiveness really asks of us.  It's a great question, and one that has a great deal of personal resonance as we reflect on how to treat those who have hurt us in big and small ways. Today, we'll look  at forgiveness actually requires, some common misperceptions about forgiveness and how to bring about healing after the hurt. Call in from Noon-1pm Eastern at 877-573-7825 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Conflict Resolution, Marriage, More2Life Radio Tagged With: , Leave a Comment

Whatchu Talkin’ Bout, Popcak? (Or, what’s all this “dignity” crap?)

April 21, 2013 By 1 Comment
dignity

I had a few people gently take me to task on my "Why do Catholics Bother?"  post which attempted to highlight the real reason Catholics are involved in healthcare, education, and social services (namely, NOT primarily to solve social problems but to stand for the dignity of the human person by means of solves those problems that undermine human dignity). The comments raised some excellent questions and I thought I would take a moment to respond more thoughtfully than a combox post would … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Personal Wellness, Popcak Tagged With: 1 Comment

Cultivating Joy

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment
joy

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:16-18).    That's a tall order St Paul lays on us.  It can be hard to remain joyful even when times are good, but it's especially challenging when life becomes complicated or downright difficult.  The first thing to remember is that while joy and happiness are related, they aren't the same thing.  Happiness is more fleeting and dependent upon our environment, while joy is a state of being that allows us to hold … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Depression, Health, Popcak, self-help Tagged With: Leave a Comment