Family Conversations
by Jacquie Jambor

As summer approaches, the possibility of your family spending more time together can offer some unique opportunities. You might like to make a “summer resolution” to make a real effort at having time for family conversations that do not revolve around schedules, school, etc. Below are some suggestions for opening the conversations. Be sure that everyone understands the rules, there are only three:

1. Everyone must take a turn responding to the question or completing the statement, children and adults alike.
2. When someone is speaking, everyone else listens and no one may disagree. (Parents are not the determiners of “truth” in these discussions. Respect everyone’s right to speak their own “truth.”)
3. If the speaker says something nice about you, don’t feel embarrassed or think you need to disagree, simply appreciate it and say thank you.

Conversations About Faith
What is one time in my life when I felt as if God was really taking care of me?

What is the best talent or ability God has given me?

What is one time when I thought God answered my prayer?

My favorite bible story is...because...

When I was little, my favorite bible story was...

There are three things I believe about God. They are...

There are three things I believe about Jesus. They are...

There are three things I believe about Mary. They are...

The best thing about being Catholic is...

If I was the pope and I could name someone a saint, I would name...because...

Name one event in your life that seems like a miracle.

What is your favorite part of God’s creation?

What do you think is the most amazing thing about God’s creation?

Who is your favorite character from the bible, not counting Jesus?

Who do you think is a hero of the Church? (No fair choosing Jesus.)

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT OUR FAMILY

The best thing about being a member of this family is...

You can tell we are a family by the way we...

Other people can tell we are a family by the way we...

The most fun we have ever had as a family was the time...

My favorite family story is...

Share a story about one of your parents.

If I was a great chef and had plenty of time, what meal would I make for my family? (You have to list all the foods included in the meal -- especially dessert.)

When it comes to my family chores and responsibilities, my favorite one is:
My least favorite chore is:

Name one thing that someone in your family has taught you.

What is your favorite family holiday and why?

Who is your favorite relative and why?

CONVERSATIONS FOR A BIRTHDAY

Ask the birthday person to complete the following:
My favorite story about myself is the time that...
Everyone else offers these stories about the birthday person:
My favorite story about you is the time that...

Each person complete these statements about the birthday person--

You make our family better because of the way you...

My favorite thing about you is the way you...

I thank God for you, especially because...

Everyone complete the following:

My favorite age was...

The best birthday I ever had was the time that...

If you could live to be 100, what do you think the world might be like?

I think a person is old when they reach the age of... because...

About the author: Jacquie Jambor had an extensive background in catechetical ministry as a teacher, catechist, adult educator and Director of Religious Education. After more than twenty-five years in parish ministry, she joined the team at RCL-Enterprises. For eight years, Jacquie served as Catechetical Advisor and National Consultant. Jacquie was a religion series author and published articles in the areas of religious education, family systems, and sacraments. As a national speaker and catechetical leader, Jacquie presented workshops, retreats, and key-note presentations for diocesan conferences and leadership programs across the country.