The Ministry of Parenthood

The world makes it tempting to be busy with many things–even various ministries–but The Theology of The Body reminds us that the most basic and fundamental ministry of every Christian person is parenthood. Whether or not we have children, every person was created to nurture others, to use our gifts to help others, and to support each other in becoming everything were created to be. That is what it is to “parent.” 

We’re made in God’s image and likeness and becoming like our Heavenly Father means, first and foremost, mastering the love that stands at the heart of parenthood. Every Christian is first called to be a spiritual parent, using our gifts to bless and build up others. Beyond this, some Christians are called to be biological or adoptive parents too. In either case, parenting isn’t just one ministry among many. According to the Theology of the Body, parenthood is the fundamental ministry from which all other ministry efforts flow.

If we aren’t embracing the fundamental call to motherhood and fatherhood (both spiritual and actual) and constantly striving and praying for God’s grace to be the best mothers and fathers we can be first and foremost, we’ll never have a healthy understanding of masculinity and femininity, relationships in general, God, the Church, or what it means to be a Christian disciple. Doing the work required to be an excellent parent–whether spiritual or actual–is the primary way God helps us heal the wounds that make it hard for us to love others the way He loves us. 

Parenting is hard, but not because kids are tough, or people are hard to deal with. It’s hard because healing is hard. The harder we find parenting the more God is calling us to heal, and the more God is promising to pour his healing grace into our hearts so that we can finally experience all the nurturing love he wants to give us and share that love with everyone who depends on us in any way.

  1. Focus On Skill Building—The primary focus of parenting is healing and skill building—learning and teaching the skills we need to be the people God created us to be. When interacting with others, correcting behavior, or making a change, focus on working with the other person to develop the skills necessary to address the problem at hand. What skills or virtues does that other person (or both of you together) need to increase to address the needs or challenges you’re facing? Focus on building the skills rather than simply correcting or criticizing. 
  1. Make God Your Co-Parent—Remember, we are all God’s children first and foremost, therefore, none of us have all the answers. But God does. In good times and in bad, take a moment and ask God, “Lord, how do you want me to respond to this person in this moment? Help me to love them as you love them.” We are not alone, it is important that we turn to our Heavenly Parent in all things. 
  1. Fill The Tank—Parenting is meant to lead us into closer relationship with others and with God. It’s often our reaction to jump right to correction or assumptions about another person’s behavior. It is important as a parent to put relationship first. To connect before we correct. And to ensure that all of our actions put relationship before rules. 

 

For more on seeking the ministry of parenthood, check out:

Parenting Your Kids With Grace

Parenting Your Teens and Tweens With Grace

The Corporal Works of Mommy

BeDADitudes–8 Ways To Be An Awesome Dad

Having Meaningful (Sometimes Difficult) Conversations with Your Adults Sons & Daughters

YOU Can Make A Difference. We Can Help

The Holy Apostles College online Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies degree will give you the tools you need to bring God’s grace to a hurting world.

Have you ever felt the desire to…

   –live a more meaningful life?  

   –make a difference?

   –let God lead you in exciting new directions?

If so, the online Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) Program at Holy Apostles College might be just what you have been looking for.

Our faithful, dynamic, convenient, and fully-accredited online master’s degree in pastoral studies will give you the skills you need to bless the Church, build God’s Kingdom, and make a graceful difference in the lives of others.

7 Ministry Concentrations

We offer 7 ministry concentrations to help you discover how God can use you to touch hearts and transform lives.

–Spiritual Direction                             –Pastoral Counseling

–Marriage and Family Studies          –Catechetical Ministry

–Youth & Young Adult Ministry       –Catholic Womens’ Leadership

–General Studies.

Relevant Courses

The MAPS program is designed for people who want to make a difference and live their Catholic faith fully in their life, work, and relationships. Our practical courses have been developed to help you apply your faith to the tough challenges we all face.   As a MAPS learner, you’ll choose from courses like.

-Nurturing the Domestic Church: Facilitating Family Life and Spirituality

Pastoral Counseling 1:  Spiritual Helping and Accompaniment

-Mission and Evangelization                       -Apologetics

-Pastoral Issues in Human Sexuality        -Theology of Social Media

-Spiritual Direction: Skills and Practice   -Catholic Social Teaching

And many others.  All our courses are specially designed to give you the theological insights and practical skills you need to make a difference in your family, parish, diocese, community and the world.  Plus, in every course, you will be encouraged to apply everything you are learning to the specific, ministry work God is calling you to do.

Tailored for Busy Lives

Built with your busy life in mind, the MAPS program consists of only 12 dynamic courses (36 credits).  We are accredited by nationally-recognized authorities such as  NEASC and the Association for Theological Schools to offer our MAPS degree as a fully-online program with no residency requirement.  Take as many or as few courses as you like, learn at home, and learn at your own pace. Your academic advisor will help you design a program that works best for your life today and helps you achieve your goals for tomorrow.

What Are You Waiting For?

If you feel God calling you to do more, we invite you to learn more about how the Holy Apostles College MAPS Program can help you fulfill your calling.   Ready to go?  Apply today to begin your journey!