A wise woman gave me this “Parents’ Prayer” the other day and I thought it might be helpful to some of our parents. Here it is:

“Most loving Father, the example of parenthood, You have entrusted our children to us to bring them up for You and prepare them for everlasting life. Assist us with Your grace, that we may fulfill this sacred duty with competency and love. Teach us what to give and what to withhold. Show us when to reprove, when to praise and when to be silent. Make us gentle and considerate, yet firm and watchful. Keep us from the weakness of indulgence and the excess of severity. Give us the courage to be disliked sometimes by our children, when we must do necessary things which are displeasing in their eyes. Give us the imagination to enter their world in order to understand and guide them. Grant us all the virtues we need to lead them by word and example in the ways of wisdom and piety. One day, with them, may we enter into the joys of our true and lasting home with You in heaven. Amen.”


…And a number of you called and asked to have a copy of the “Swimmers Prayer” I read at Masses this weekend. Here it is, and it can be applied to any sport or situation—as the moral teachings in it (a virtuous life, inclusiveness and working together for the common good, the journey and not just the finish line—and so much more) are of value to us all. Here it is:

“Dear God, Another swimming meet is scheduled for today, I am going to be quite busy, and so I won’t have time to pray. Please bless my coach and competitors and keep us close to You. And let the friends I make today be loyal, good and true. Please help me not forget You God; each time I take the blocks, I sometimes get distracted by the noise and all the clocks. Please help me find the confidence, I have struggled for so much, and please help me find the shortest way from start to final touch. And when the droll computer writes my name across its face, please let me not think win or lose, but how I swam the race. Amen!”