Ways Families in Crisis Can Grow During Lent

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​By: Anne DeSantis

Who Are Families in Crisis?

Families who are facing adversities come in various forms. Some families are affected by divorce or separation, some deal with health crises and sickness. Other families deal with job loss, relationship issues, or emotional/psychological traumas. During this season of Lent, families facing hard times can grow in their relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church.

Three Ways for Families to Grow

Families who are suffering and facing adversity can grow closer to God in various ways. Below are three specific ways that you and your family can grow closer to the Lord and one another during the Lenten Season.

Prayer as a Family

Daily prayer is essential to foster a relationship with God. Taking the time to pray together as a family is the best way for growth. When prayer becomes a commitment to love and serve Christ in unison, good things will happen. Carve out time each day to pray together even if just for a short while. You will be glad you did.

Accpetance of Your Situation with God's Help

We live in a world that attempts to avoid suffering at all costs. When your family is going through trauma, perhaps the best way to unite to Christ is through acceptance of your current situation as a cross that Christ will help to carry for you. This does not mean accepting evil, bad behavior, or sin. It means accepting the circumstances in your life at the current time and trusting that God will lead you through the darkness to better times. There are no magic wands in the spiritual life. Be patient with God, and He will continue to stay close to you each day.

Helping Others

Almsgiving is a wonderful way to grow closer to God as a family. Although you may be suffering yourself due to your life circumstances, the Lord can use you and your family to be a blessing to others especially those who have a worse situation than you do. Monetary giving is not the only way to give to others. We can give our time, our care, and our prayers.

Make Your Free Pastoral Consultation

The Church CARES and so does the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith. Make your free pastoral consultation with a Mercedarian friar to receive the pastoral support your may need at this time. Click the link below to make your appointment, and have a blessed Lenten Season:

Free Pastoral Consulation Link

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