With Labor Day coming Sept. 4, now is a good time to consider what the Church has to say about the dignity of work. The Catechism tells us that “work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from Him” and that man “shows himself to be a disciple of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in the work he is called to accomplish” (CCC 2427). Catholic figures such as St. Joseph and Servant of God Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, also exemplify the dignity of work. Share the stories of these holy people with the children in your life and teach them to entrust the work of growing up to Our Lord through praying the morning offering.
The deep “dolors” or sorrows that come with the cross of Jesus and the sufferings of Mary find comfort in the Resurrection. The feasts of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sept. 14, and Our Lady of Sorrows, Sept. 15, are a time to remember the agony of Our Lord and the “Seven Sorrows” of His Mother, and to find consolation in the truth that Jesus has conquered the world. Parents can help kids grasp this serious concept in a fun way by offering them seven sour candies with a sweet interior. Feast day crafts and more are at www.catholicicing.com.