Our family participated in an activity that helps to show that we are Jesus' friends by loving one another.

On a shoe box our daughter decorated she wrote, "We show that we are Jesus' friends by loving one another." We all wrote our names on separate slips of paper. Each day one of us picked a name out of the box and hung it on the refrigerator door to remind us to so something loving for that family member.

Our daughter, who is in the third grade at our parish school, makes sure we as a family participate in the family activities. The special reward is that her father, who is non-Christian, also gets involved! So this is bringing our family closer as Jesus calls his followers to be.

I would like to add that I have an older daughter in the eighth grade who also attends the parish school and is an altar server. My third grader sings in the children's choir. I was brought up in the Catholic faith and attended parochial schools from grades 1-12. I can honestly say my faith has made me the person I am today. Being a surgical nurse I experience difficult situations and sometimes need an extra boost during the week. My daughters are sometimes that extra strength. I enjoy participating in my daughter's religion activities. These activities make me as a parent reflect.

Even though my husband is not a Catholic, he attends Mass frequently. He participates in projects whenever he is asked to. Because he is also in a stressful line of work, he realizes the importance of faith in God. I hope that faith stays alive in our home!