Faith@Home

For July

The information we gather through our senses can affect what we think, our mood and even our spiritual lives. Our sense of smell, hearing, sight, taste and touch are marvelous gifts from God. This summer become more aware of these gifts by using them.

• Music sends one back into the memories of the past while creating memories for the future. It’s as close as your radio. When sitting down to supper, let music help create the atmosphere of elegance. There’s nothing wrong with a little elegance.

• Smells in a house - bread baking, cookies, the barbecue grill, garlic. One of the most important side benefits to home cooking is the smells it provides. Smells are what help make a house homey. They tell guests how welcome they are. Ever walk into your grandmother’s house and feel right at home? This July create the smells of home—bake something special or burn a fragrant candle.

• Let your family know how much you love them--create their favorite meal. The way to the heart is often through the stomach!

• Bring home a centerpiece for the dinner table. The smallest gesture can bring your supper to life.

• Gather your children into a hearty embrace. Let them enjoy the sense of comfort and security that the sense of touch provides.

Part of this material is adapted from Whole Community Catechesis in Plain English by Bill Huebsh (Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2002).