As many mothers and fathers, I have a tremendous commitment to my family, friends and my faith as a Catholic woman. My abundant love and concern for these priceless treasures lead me in embracing a life dedicated to them. As mothers, we have the stewardship of caring for our children´s needs. These can be accomplished in many ways, whether our kids are in our homes or not. These imperative fundamentals can be accomplished through our prayers and acts of love for them.

Our job is to display our dedication and unconditional support. We share their joys and the sadness of their misfortunes. We can encourage them and set boundaries. By being clear on what we will and will not do is important. If we beat each other in the head with the truth, if we judge, condemn, criticize or find fault because a child is not living up to every principle we teach, we are not teaching by the "Spirit". We are teaching in "some other way". These doctrines are not of God.

As mothers, it should be clearly understood that abuse in the religion is the hardest thing for a child to handle. They cannot argue with the true principles and can be easily convinced that they themselves are hopelessly flawed. The truth taught by the "Spirit", the "Comforter", is never blameful or discouraging. It is not tormented by guilt and misery.

The "Comforter´s" allegiance to the spiritual and moral growth of our children is placing our needs aside and exhibiting the distinctive qualities and conduct displayed by a Christian person. These include generous, warmhearted, merciful and forgiving people who additionally incorporate assets of honesty, patience and forgiveness.

With much interest and enthusiasm, I am truly looking forward to hearing from all interested parents and all the people who have appointed themselves as dedicated "shepherds" to our children and teens who wish to share their stories with myself and others in the community of their unique devotion and commitments to their children.

Last Edited on August 14, 2008.