The Family Room (The Quest)

Join co-hosts Mari Cleveland from St. Jude the Apostle and John Gordon and Craig Wesemeyer from St. Peter Chanel as they speak with authors, theologians, and local priests and lay leaders to provide your family encouragement, resources, and hope. Enjoy heartfelt stories and engaging conversations with Catholics who are excited to share their life experiences and acquired wisdom to help your family continue to live out your faith with joy.
Children's Books of Joy and Hope
Nov 15, 2023

Sr. Mary Josefa from The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, and Elizabeth Pham, mother and author


Join us for a lively discussion with two guests sharing God’s joy and hope through fun and beautiful children’s books. Sr. Mary Josefa of the Eucharist, a cloistered nun, gives a glimpse into the joy-filled lives of religious sisters, brought alive for children with heartwarming illustrations and captivating verse in the book Brides of Christ by The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles. Sr. Mary Josefa discusses how the book also helps de-mystify the religious life for parents to better understand how it can be a wonderful calling that overflows with joy. She shares that though the lives religious sisters lead may seem mysterious to others, their lives of prayer and sacrifice and the graces from that go beyond the cloistered walls to spill over to the world. We are reminded that the more united we are to Christ, the more we experience real, abiding joy.

We also hear from Elizabeth Pham, a mother of six (soon to be seven) children, who shares what lead her to write The World Waits, a portrayal of all of humanity’s longing for Jesus (both in the past, current, and future) through beautiful illustrations evoking a sense of joyful anticipation. Mostly targeted for younger children, it is also a book for all ages to enjoy, as Elizabeth shares how her favorite children’s books also draw in her older children and speak to her as a parent. In this book, perfect for Advent, with picture references from Noah’s Ark to the Star of Bethlehem to the tabernacle on the altar, we are reminded of God’s hand in all of history, guiding us through the darkness and on toward the light. We see how we wait for Jesus’ coming at Christmas each year, we wait for His coming in the Blessed Sacrament during Mass, we wait for His coming at the end of time, and we wait for His coming into our hearts in all seasons and situations.

Resources

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