www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Any future for this parish?

My brother is raising his 4 young children with NO PUBLIC broadcasting television. They do have a VCR but the children can only watch certain select videos at appropriate times of the day. They particularly like videos such as Mary Poppins, and the 2 hour long 'Best of Ukrainian Dancing' and will perform to everyones delight their best renditions of each during birthday and familly gatherings.

The oldest (7 years) was nominated as student of the month for her whole school not only because of her outstanding 'top of her class grades', but because she 'protects and befriends kids who are being picked on by bullies'. She's actually on the 'petite' side so I'm still not sure how she does this. Also, instead of watching mind dulling t.v., she teaches her 4 year old twin sisters how to read and write. The twins still can't read or write but they love to pretend, and one of the twins can memorize complete verses of Ukrainian poetry (mostly Taras Shevchenko stuff) which normal 10 year olds have a hard time with. She memorizes paragraphs of poetry by JUST listening to her sister practice and she does not think much of it. The other twin who can't really talk yet, usually smiles with approval.

Getting rid of your t.v. IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. Your children will grow up brighter, friendlier, more creative, and loving.

Iconophile,

On those days when you don't have the kids, don't sit alonr at the coffee hour. Go into the kitchen and ask "How can I help."

It's a lovely way of getting to know folks.

Sharon

Iconophile, I have been without a TV since the late 1980s, from before I was married (my oldest is now 14) and see what it did to me . My kids have read classics I didn't read until college, we play music together, have more time for family prayers, etc.

When I was single I had no TV screen; after marrying and having kids we got a screen and a VCR player. We do as a family give up movies for Lent... I occasionally see network TV at my mom's and what strikes me is that even if the program is good you are subjected to the commercials and previews, which range from offensive to stupid.
So my kids watch select movies and no TV shows. They rarely play computer games. People often comment on their imaginative play, as if this is something unusual in children!

Dear Booth, I'm relatively new at my Byzantine parish too. I know what you're going through.

The advice already given is great. Be the first to say "hello" so someone you don't know. And be a good listener. There are always little things to do around the church and if you see something that needs to be done, do it-join in. Watch out for the complainers, just listen. Smile a lot and it doesn't hurt to throw a few compliments around. Little by little you'll start being accepted. After all that, you're real job of evangelizing will begin. Don't get discouraged - the Holy Spirit is on your side!

Rose2

It's been a real learning experience. Since I last posted, I've finally attended a non-English service. Obviously, the homily and readings were lost on me, but I was able to follow along word-for-word with the rest of the liturgy. I seem to have a pretty firm grasp on the "flow." It's shocking that I get more out of a liturgy in a foreign tongue than I do out of any mass in my own rite.

Booth,

I'm glad you are finding yourself more and more at ease.

The language 'thing' is one that has astounded me as well

It's shocking that I get more out of a liturgy in a foreign tongue than I do out of any mass in my own rite.

Oh how I echo this - but I have to admit I can still get 'lost' at times though I suspect this is really because I am not able to be at Liturgy as often as I would like. However slowly I am learning the responses and last time was surprised to find myself actually joining in

Anhelyna