Leading by Example

I have a teen driver in my house these days, so I'm feeling acutely aware of the need to set a good example with my actions. Whenever Eric is in the car with me, I take extra care to drive more carefully and meticulously than usual. If I go through a late yellow light, I always tell him, "Be really cautious if you find yourself in this situation."

That's why I was so impressed about this article regarding a young priest in Rhode Island who has preached to the families of his parish on the topic of alcohol abuse in families. It seems that a young man in this parish tragically died at 17 in an episode that appears to have been related to drinking. This is a situation that is all too common! We, as parents, really need to question the silent messages we send to our children through our habits. Beyond the topic of drinking, I am thinking about my behavior related to prayer, learning, personal health and relationships with my family and what I'm saying to my kids with my behavior.

Click here to download Fr. Matt's homily.