FAITH AND CULTURE
ss
caring pherd ore for s that oblem dvice unless
947 in gering. chool, e and Minn. d June
others speich, George , Julia g and nieces ath by h and
y Nov. s was buried
Leading the Domestic Church
A review of Katie Warner’s ‘Head and Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family’ By Robert Jared Staudt you to better disciple and better lead those in your care, so as to stem the tide of youth drifting away from the faith—especially your own children. Refocusing on your spiritual leadership not only impacts you, but it profoundly influences your children and their own spiritual lives and future (118). Fundamentally, what does it mean to be a spiritual leader in family life? The books chapters provide Warner’s answers on how parents can work together to lead their family: 1) husband and wife fulfill unique, complementary roles, 2) they have a A review of Catholic books and literature clear mission, 3) they have strong marriages, 4) they prioritize prayer, 5) they form virtue and culture, 6) they take up their “Each chapter focuses on a key aspect of cross, and 7) they cultivate peace. family leadership, with direct guidance Many studies have found that the number one factor in from parents, sharing their insights on determining whether or not children will continue practicing the faith into adulthood is the role of parents. Warner’s book what they have found that works well for provides a call to action, helping us to realize that leading our them.” –Robert Jared Staudt families requires intentionality. We have to think through, pray about and discuss the needs of our family in order to formulate he future of humanity passes by way of the family.” Pope a plan for responding effectively to those needs. Children will St. John Paul II concluded his exhortation on the family, not practice the faith if parents do not model a life of prayer Familiaris Consortio, with these words. Parents have a great and virtue for them, taking an active role in their education responsibility in raising their children to face the challenges of the and formation. future, especially in living out the faith in the midst of the world. The raising of children constitutes a great spiritual responsibility Though the responsibilities of family life can appear daunting, and cannot be done alone. To be effective parents requires a life God provides special graces to parents to grow in holiness and of prayer—individually, as a couple and as a family. Ultimately, lead their children spiritually. St. John Paul also emphasized this Warner argues, it is God’s grace that enables us to lead, as we point, teaching that “the Christian family constitutes a specific entrust our lives and families to his guidance. revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this Just as we devote enormous amounts of energy in preparation reason too it can and should be called ‘the domestic Church.’” and planning for our careers, so we should commit ourselves If the family constitutes the domestic Church, how then should to taking up the call and duty to lead our children in the most parents approach their role as spiritual leaders of the church important aspect of life – our relationship with God, which will in miniature? In order to lead a parish, priests receive years of last beyond everything else that eventually passes away in this seminary formation. Parents, however, receive no direct training life. God has entrusted the domestic Church to parents, and it in how to lead their children in prayer and to instruct them in is leadership in the home that will determine our future. the faith. Wouldn’t we all like to hear from others what has worked for them? Frustrated by lack of guidance and support, Katie Warner began to look for answers, seeking out experienced About the Book: parents in a quest to discover the key ingredients of successful Catholic parenting. “Head and Heart: The fruit of the search emerged in Warner’s book, Head and Becoming Spiritual Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family. Each chapter Leaders for Your Family” focuses on a key aspect of family leadership, with direct guidance by Katie Warner. from parents, sharing their insights on what they have found Published by Emmaus that works well for them. The book provides helpful guidance in pinpointing the key themes of family leadership and providing Road Publishing. practical advice in living them out. Warner describes her goals Paperback 170 pages. in writing the work: This book was written in hopes of opening the floodgates to Available via Barnes and an abundance of blessings in your personal life—more focus Noble, Amazon.com and intentionality, greater mission and peace, more joy and and other book resellers. thanksgiving, a stronger marriage and deeper relationship with the Lord. But I also hope that this book will encourage
TATTERED PAGES
T
NEW EARTH DECEMBER 2015
11