2
If you want to focus on adults, have something for the whole family.

a) Have a simple supper such as pizza, spaghetti, or “sloppy joes” for the whole family. Have a homework room supervised by adult volunteers for children as well as a video room to occupy the children while parents are part of an adult program. (Provide a meal at no cost.)

b) Provide childcare for youngchildren where they are cared for by adults.

c) Involve high school youth in caring for younger children as part of a service project.

3
Have children help preparesimple meals at the parish for their families and strengthenthe family by:

a) encouraging family activities, such as inviting families to make their own “coat of arms” where they talk about family symbols and what it means to be a family;

b) having older children be “DJs” and play each family’s favorite songs from CDs or tapes;

c) having families design a family flag or family motto to symbolize their family.

4
Host a family pot luck and do one or more of the activities listed above.

5
For infant baptisms, have “parish Godparents,” besides those selected by the family, to “walk with the family” as they raise their children.

a) Once or twice a year offer a candle light dinner for the young couples and their children. This allows them to meet others like themselves, to reflect on their experiences of parenting and to become energized to continue their parenting roles. Have the “parish Godparents” care for the children so the young couples can enjoy good conversation with other couples.

b) Include prayer rituals where parents bless their children before they leave for the evening and encourage them to continue the practice at home.

c) Occasionally invite an outside speaker on child psychology to share ideas with parents after dinner. After the project is initiated, involve young couples in planning the suppers.

6
Provide activities during the day for senior citizens and be sure to provide transportation. Involve the older adults in the planning.

7
Provide First Eucharist preparation activities that can be done in groups of three or four families. Such activities might include: making bread and studying what this involves; pressing grapes to make grape juice; selecting several Bible stories that relate to each family and sharing reflections on the stories; planning and doing a service project together. Be sure prayer and reflection on the scriptures are part of each session. These activities help families get to know each other and build community.

8
Provide for adult formation small groups that meet in homes and study a current social justice topic, scripture, or topics related to Christian living. Be sure prayer and outreach are incor-porated into the process.

9
Provide parenting programs at convenient times with childcare available.

10
As part of a confirmation preparation program, provide times when parents and teens can interact and discuss hopes and dreams as well as fears and concerns. Design the process in such a way that parents also have an opportunity to interact with teens who are not their children.

By Maureen Gallagher, Archbishop’s Delegate for the Department for Parishes