What is Ecumenism?What is the need for Ecumenism?

Ecumenism refers to initiatives aimed at Christian unity. Christian unity was Christ's
dearest desire. He expressed it in his last testament as he walked towards his tragic
destiny:the Cross. He prayed in his priestly prayer "that they may all be one;even as
you,Father,are in me,and I in you,that they also may be in us,so that the world may
believe that you have sent me" Divisions in the Church openly contradicts the will of
Christ,scandalizes the world, and damages the holy cause of preaching the Gospel
to every creature. Everywhere large numbers have left the impulse of this grace for
the restoration of unity among all Christians. Every year a Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity is observed in churches all over the world. It commences on 18 January
-the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter and concludes on 25 January- the Feast of
the Conversion of Saint Paul.A different theme for this week is chosen every year.







 

Mind Your Attitude

     Very often anger,fear,mistrust,disrespect,selfishness,pride and siblings rivalry are the root causes of disharmony and disunity in the home. The cultivation of good and healthy attitudes is the responsibility of every
member of the family:"Husbands,love your wives"(Eph 5:25). "Wives, respect your husbands"(Eph 5:25)."Children,obey your parents"(Cpl 3:20)."Parents, do not drive your children to resentment"(Col 3"21) "Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other" (Eph 4:32). Good attitudes create the right atmosphere in the family. They also bring about the proper moral,emotional and social development of persons for their own adjustment and well-being in society and help them live more upright Christian lives. Parents, first,must set a good example to their children ! They are obliged to teach their children manners and to cultivate in them good values/habits and proper attitudes. St.Thomas More said: "Children should have honorable people for parents,since in this way, a seedbed of good nature and virtue is fostered in these children from the time they are born." Every Christian should pray for the blessing of the Holy Spirit who with his fruits of Charity.   Joy,Peace,Patience,Kindness,Goodness,Longanimity(Forbearance),Mildness,Faith,Modesty,Continency and Chastity,makes one holy and perfect.

Grow and help others to grow:

1.          Our purpose in life is to grow in holiness by knowing , loving, and serving God in this world so that we can be happy with him forever in eternity. Therefore, all members in the family must help each other to strive towards this purpose and goal.
2. Secondly, each one can must try and discern the will of God and accomplish it in there daily life.Parents must give their children the opportunity to discover their God-given talents and their vocation through which they can best serve God.With grace and understanding, parents will be able to discern when and how to let (their children) go and allow them to grow. This is the first step in helping children grow into responsible adults so they can face difficult situation in life and make moral & value judgements and proper choices.