
CV NEWS FEED // As families gather together to celebrate the holidays, one local diocesean publication wanted to capture the joys and struggles of raising a big, Catholic family.
The Diocese of Lansing published a feature-length article in their monthly diocesan magazine Faith, showing what life is like for three large Catholic families. In an editor’s note, the writers explained the importance of this article.
“While it is not always possible or prudent for every couple, the Catholic Church teaches that “Sacred Scripture and the Church’s traditional practice see in large families a sign of God’s blessing and the parents’ generosity.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2373) With this in mind, the latest edition of FAITH Magazine, the official publication of the Diocese of Lansing, set out to discover those joys – and challenges – of life for big Catholic families,” read the editor’s note.
The article highlights the lives of three families: Dwight and Emily Lindley and their nine children; Nick and Elissa Jasko and their seven children, plus one due in May; and Ryan and Anne Hendrickson and their 12 children.
In the articles, the writers explored how faith and large families are intertwined through family prayer, Natural Family Planning and the reflection of God’s love.
“God has a big family—there’s room for everybody in it,” said Emily Lindley. “Who cares if there are more people at the table? That’s the way God’s love is. There’s always someone to love and to give the love—there’s always enough.”
Emily Lindley shared with the magazine the importance of Natural Family Planning and the graces that it brings.
“(Natural Family Planning) gives God the ability to help you realize what you want and to do something bigger than you planned,” she said.
The article shared how these big families keep God at the center of their family life through praying together, attending Mass, and frequenting the sacraments as a family.
“We take time to pray together daily as a couple and as a family. We also use sacramentals like holy water, blessed and exorcised salt, blessed candles, and medals on a daily basis,” said Elissa Jasko. “We make regular family confession, family (eucharistic) adoration, and Sunday Mass a priority.”
Hendrickson’s provided a unique perspective. Their oldest child is now 30, and their youngest is 10. Already, they have five grandchildren, which they say makes life interesting.
“I don’t really know how to describe it, but when our first grandchild was born, it was just like my heart exploded,” Anne said. “You love them more, but it’s a multiplication of your love for your child thrown at that kid. They’re just so fun, and I don’t have the responsibility of making sure that they’re behaving all the time or that they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing or whatever.”
Anne said that Ryan and she didn’t do anything special; they just loved their children and taught them the faith.
“We’re not helicopter parents. We let them fall on their faces if they have to, as long as they’re not going to hurt themselves or anybody else,” Anne said. “The children all grew up in a small house with a tiny little kitchen, and everybody’s better off for it. My children have a strong work ethic, they know how to take care of themselves, and they all have a deep and abiding faith.”
