Are We Praying Now or Talking About the Weather?

We start our school day with a family Rosary.  Now praying the Rosary can be a challenge with children, especially boys, but try to picture a Rosary in a house with boys that have ADHD, Tourette syndrome and Asperger syndrome.  It can get to be a challenge to stay focused and finish the Rosary.  Well, I found that watching a recording of EWTN’s Holy Land Rosary with Father Mitch Pacwa helps us to stay focused and keeps the Rosary going even with distractions.  Since today was Friday, we were praying the Sorrowful Mysteries.

This is how it went today:

“In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.  I believe in God the Father Almighty…”

“Hey, look, it’s snowing outside,” Bubba notices.

“Focus, we’re praying,” I say.

Continuing with Father Pacwa  “…Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary…”

“But, Mom, look it’s snowing and it’s above freezing.  See, the snow is wet and…”

“Are we praying now or talking about the weather?”  I ask.  The boys start laughing, but we’re able to continue pretty well until we get to the second sorrowful mystery, the Scourging at the Pillar.

“Here we are standing outside the church of the Flagellation,” says Father Pacwa.  The boys start laughing.  Okay, it’s not as if they haven’t been watching this program now for years.

“Ha, ha, he said flatulation,” says Googie.

“No, he said flagellation, I heard flagellation,” insists Bubba.

“Kids,” I begin.

“Baaa,” interrupts Bubba.

“Focus,” I demand, “Have some reverence. We’re praying!” 

Somehow, with God’s help, we were able to finish the Rosary.  And the day had just started.