INTRODUCTION Life is the beginning and is at the heart of a family, each family at home and the Church as God’s family. Parents are co-creators with God as new life is conceived. Couples and all family members are life-giving to one another as they sustain life in all its stages from conception until natural [...]

Introduction: It is in families from very early days, playing catch or hide-and-seek that children learn how to be good losers rather than bad losers. Parents may have to work hard with some children that sulk or throw tantrums while others don’t want to try for fear of losing. Loss in life is inevitable and [...]

The Church as Family-of-God in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. Downloadable text for 2011 calendar INTRODUCTION Peace is a fruit, a product of justice and of reconciliation but peace cannot be achieved without a foundation in love. Pope Paul VI said, “if you want peace work for justice” but the motivation [...]

Introduction: Our mission in life as families is to become good sports in the widest sense of the word, which includes the ideal of the common good. In families the members learn to develop a good sporting attitude, to stand up for one another and support each other rather than be competing and comparing overly [...]

Introduction Some families are very involved in sport, some not at all. In some families everyone plays a different sport while in others they all play tennis or have another common interest. Gym is common nowadays too and is very good for one’s health. In today’s society with cell phones, TV and computers families have [...]

Introduction In many ways men and women are competing as equals but in sport there are still different standards. This is because of our physical makeup, but there are also other differences in how men and women play games. These need not be seen as obstacles to be overcome but qualities to be celebrated. At [...]

Sport is not only for the young and fit. Even older people can and need to keep as fit as possible and play what sport they can. They need to play their part in the game of life and so avoid becoming frustrated and irritable. They can look back on the many sporting events they have witnessed and share with the young how things have changed and grown.

The time we have been waiting for has arrived. The World Cup Soccer matches will be played over the next few weeks. Young people no doubt will be very involved, volunteering, helping, watching and enjoying the excitement and the atmosphere. It is also a time when things could go wrong, if selfish needs and greed are allowed to get out of hand. It is important not to lose touch with one another as families, to provide guidance and support where needed. We must also be aware of the evils of gambling, drinking, drugs, prostitution and trafficking which go along with international events like this.

Becoming parents is a joy but also no joke. The years of being a young parent are probably the years when most games are played in the home, from the peek-a-boo games with a baby, to cricket and soccer games on the lawn, board games on cold nights and TV games too. We know the saying “the family that prays together stays together” but it is vital that parents and children throughout their lifespan should play together too, should have fun and enjoy their unique relationship. Difficulties can be addressed or put aside with the good will that comes from constructive play.