make joy normal: Catholics in the new springtime
The Church is experiencing a profound renewal — a new springtime of faith. But what does that look like in your home? In your parish? In your daily life?
We are living in a time of tremendous opportunity for renewal: a new springtime. As Catholics, we aren't called to retreat from the world, but to become leaven within it—to live so fully in the joy and freedom of the Gospel that our lives might become an invitation.
Let's explore what it means to live as an authentic Catholic family in our time: the beauty of the Faith, the reality of raising children in Christ, the struggles and triumphs of Catholic life, and how ordinary families become instruments of the New Evangelization. From marriage and parenthood to education and community, let's look at joy—rooted in Christ and His Church—might become the normal rhythm of Catholic life.
Let's usher in the New Springtime Pope John Paul II proclaimed. Catholic family life doesn't have to look perfect to be beautiful. The world doesn't need more noise. It needs to see Catholics living with conviction, charity, and contagious joy.
Let's make joy normal.
make joy normal: Catholics in the new springtime
from city to farm: a homeschool family's journey
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Is it your dream? It’s certainly the dream of many homeschool families…to pack up their homeschool life as they know it, move to the country and start farming. I had the blessing of having our guest move just up the road from me, and friendship was born.
Her family farm is right here on Vancouver Island, so have a listen!
Today we talk to Rachel, former city dweller and brand new farmer. They did what so many of us imagine, packed up their eight kids and quite literally “bought the farm.” So we discuss what the transition was like, what homeschooling looks like with a big change, and what the blessings and challenges are on the day to day.
What drives a family to make a big decision like this?
9:13 - Learning to farm and baby steps
12:45 - What does your homeschool day look like?
16:31 - Cheese making
19:12 - What was your biggest challenge / blessing?
25:16 - Does your husband still work while running a farm?
31:40 - What kind of support system do you need to start farming?
34:45 - What drove you to make this life decision?
37:49 - Is there a person who has inspired you?
39:46 - Do you butcher yourselves or do you hire out?
43:10 - What is your best piece of advice for a family considering a similar move?
Who inspires Rachel?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSGEokQQcdAVFuL_Aq8dlg
http://www.polyfacefarms.com/our-story/
https://www.amazon.ca/Charlottes-Web-B-White/dp/0064400557/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=charlottes+web&qid=1616963385&sr=8-1
Rachel’s beautiful Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/housefullofjays/
The biggest little farm: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8969332/
Contact
- On Instagram at @make.joy.normal
- By email at makejoynormal@gmail.com
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- www.bonnielandry.ca
- Shop my recommended resources
Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!