Mystery of Parenthood

200 Becoming a Community of Persons, Pt. 1

On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, host Trey Cashion began a discussion arc of episodes based on Part Three of Pope St. John Paul II's 1981 encyclical on the "Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World," Familiaris Consortio. In this third part of the letter, the pope sets out "four general tasks for the family in the modern world:"
1) forming a community of persons;2) serving life;3) participating in the development of society; 4) sharing in the life and mission of the Church.
This episode focused on the introduction to part three and the first task. Trey spoke particularly on the Trinitarian relationship and how it is reflected in the conjugal love of the spouses. Remember, only God can take the mystery of parenthood. Pray, parent with  a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!

199 The Origin of the ”Domestic Church,” Pt. 2

On Tuesday, October 25, host Trey Cashion completed his review of the article, "Domestic Church? Hold On, It's Just a Family!" by Word on Fire Institute Fellow Robert Mixa. You can listen to the first episode here. Trey used this second installment as a jumping off point from Mixa's explanation that Vatican II recovered the patristic understanding of the family as a domestic church. Trey worked through sections 34–36 of Vatican II's Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, to explain how the family as domestic church carries out the Church's three offices of priest, prophet, and king. The discussion will spur you to think anew about your own family's role in advancing the kingdom of God. Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenthood. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!

198 The Origin and Meaning of the ”Domestic Church”

On Tuesday, October 18, host Trey Cashion reviewed the article, "Domestic Church? Hold On, It's Just a Family!" by Word on Fire Institute Fellow Robert Mixa. Especially in light of the recent sixtieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, Trey wanted to revisit the concept of the domestic church, an idea central to the Church Fathers that was resuscitated by the council. Listen in to learn about the origin of the term, its connection to the Jewish understanding of the family in Scripture, and how realizing we are domestic churches should lead us to a more evangelical posture as families. Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenthood. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!

Encore: The Domestic Church

On this encore presentation of The Mystery of Parenthood, hosts Trey and Stephanie Cashion talked about what makes the Church who She is, and what makes families “The Domestic Church.” They talked about how Catholic families are meant to be apostolic in nature, a sign of holiness, and a sign of what it means to be Catholic. We are the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Being Apostolic means to be a follower of Christ, and then to go out and share that good news with the world we live in. Families should represent these qualities in their purest form. This week’s memory verse was Matthew 16:18-19 which says, “And I tell you, you are Peter. And on this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.” Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenthood. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!

197 Seven Characteristics of a Catholic Disciple

On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, host Trey Cashion explained the seven attributes of a Catholic disciple. According to a series on discipleship authored by Catholic theologian Bob Rice, a Catholic disciple:
1. has their IDENTITY rooted in being a son/daughter of the Father,2. is consistent in daily PRAYER,3. actively participates in the grace of the SACRAMENTS,4. lives in OBEDIENCE to the teachings of the Catholic Church,5. participates in a COMMUNITY to grow in faith and support the growth of others,6. frequently does acts of SERVICE out of love for God and neighbor and,7. is enthusiastic about SHARING the Gospel and making disciples.
Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenting. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!

195 Andrew and Sarah Swafford: Cell Phone Usage in the Family

On this episode of the Mystery of Parenthood, Trey and Stephanie Cashion visited in studio with their guests, Andrew and Sarah Swafford, about cell phone usage in the family and by our children.  Multiple ways to set guidelines and limits for both children and adults were discussed, and challenges around this subject were addressed and tackled in a straightforward and practical manner.

196 ”This Wonderful Sacrament” - REACTION!

On Tuesday, September 27, host Trey Cashion discussed his reaction to a new video, "This Wonderful Sacrament," released by the Diocese of Austin in support of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' call for a Eucharistic Revival. Trey unpacked the different modes of unity that are on display in the Eucharistic sacrifice and, even more so, the unity it effects in us and in the Church. Listen to this important explanation of a key aspect of the Eucharist and use it to help your children develop a better love and appreciation of the Blessed Sacrament. Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenthood. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!
 
 

194 Fundamental Challenges to Parenting

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, host Trey Cashion discussed four of the most fundamental challenges parents face: inadequate time; the failure to pass on moral values to their children; work-life imbalances; and a lack of emotional bonding between parent and child. While in no way unveiling to parents challenges about which they are not aware, Trey's goal was to talk about why these four items are fundamental challenges. They are at the root of much that is difficult or draining about parenting. If we can get these challenges under better control (or mitigate them as much as possible), then family life will be more rewarding and satisfying for everyone. Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenthood. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!

Encore: Are We Friends of God? (020122)

We hope you're enjoying the last part of summer vacation before the school year begins again. Trey and Stephanie are too, so we bring you an encore episode from Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Trey gave an extended reflection on the significance of Catholic families living like they are friends of God. Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenthood. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!

176 Are We Friends of God?

On Tuesday, February 1, 2022, host Trey Cashion offered an extended reflection on the significance of parents and children alike being friends of God if we are baptized, believe in Christ's salvific action, and are striving to follow the example of Jesus Christ. How does that change our relationship to God when we remain aware that He desires friendship with us? How does that reorient our parenting when we recall that He offers friendship to us? Remember, only God can take the mystery out of parenthood. Pray, parent with a purpose, and prepare for God to amaze you. He will!