Grow Together in faith all year long

September’s Saint of the Month is St. Joseph of Cupertino, whose feast day is September 18. St. Joseph struggled greatly with school and learning and often felt as though he did not measure up to those around him. Yet he loved God deeply, remained faithful in prayer, and trusted that God had a purpose for his life. He eventually became a Franciscan priest and is now known as the patron saint of students. St. Joseph reminds us that God does not measure us by our grades, talents, or accomplishments. He sees who we are, knows what is difficult for us, and can use even our struggles to help us grow closer to Him. As our children begin a new school and PREP year, St. Joseph of Cupertino is a wonderful reminder to bring both our successes and our struggles to God in prayer.

 Family Prayer for September

 Dear God, as we begin this new school and PREP year, help our family remember that You are with us in everything we do. Be with us when learning comes easily and when it is difficult. Give us patience when we become frustrated, courage when we are nervous, and kindness toward those who may be struggling. Help us to use the gifts You have given us and to remember that our worth does not come from being the smartest, fastest, or best—it comes from being Your beloved children. St. Joseph of Cupertino, pray for all students, teachers, catechists, and families as we begin this new year. Amen. 

Family Activity: Pray for the Year Ahead

 Take a few minutes as a family and give each person a small piece of paper. Have everyone write or draw one thing they are excited about this year and one thing they are worried about. Parents can participate too—this isn't just for the children! Place the papers in a bowl or basket and take turns choosing one. Pray a simple prayer for that person and what they shared: “God, thank You for ___'s excitement about ___. Please be close to them as they face ___.” Keep the basket somewhere visible and add new intentions throughout the month. It is a simple way to show children that prayer isn't only something we do at church—we can bring the real things happening in our lives to God. 

 September Reflection

A new school year often brings a lot of pressure. There are new teachers, new expectations, new activities, new schedules, and sometimes the feeling that we need to have everything figured out. St. Joseph of Cupertino reminds us that holiness is not about being perfect. God worked beautifully through a man who struggled, stumbled, and sometimes felt inadequate. The same is true for us. Prayer gives us a place to bring God the parts of life that are going well and the parts that aren't. This month, try replacing the question, “How did you do today?” with an occasional, “Where did you notice God today?” You may be surprised by the conversations that follow.

 FORMED September Recommendation:

This month, check out Brother Francis: “Let's Pray! A Lesson on Prayer” on FORMED. This 20-minute children's episode is a fun introduction to what prayer really is and helps children understand that they can talk with God anywhere and at any time. It includes the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, music, and simple lessons about developing a personal relationship with God. After watching, ask your children: “When do you think it is easiest to talk to God? When is it hardest?” There are no wrong answers—the goal is simply to begin talking about prayer as a real relationship with someone who loves us.