It’s hard not to worry when your kids reach middle school. They’re navigating the teen years in a culture fascinated by instant gratification and individualized “truth.” And while you’re amazed at their talent and bowled over by their intellect, you know they are more vulnerable to the world’s false promises. 

Because yes, they might be working grade levels ahead, but situational awareness is low. Social skills might be lacking. Your children are brilliant — but also impulsive, disorganized, and forgetful. 

Will they be able to stand firm and uphold what is good, True, and beautiful in the face of our culture’s constant barrage?

It’s tempting to build a fortress in the basement (really – ask me how I know). 

But we can’t hide them from the world. We have to arm them with a firm, spiritual, social, and emotional foundation, one which will allow them to be in the world but not of it. 

To become the young people God wills.  

Enter Ora Et Labora: A Rule of Life for Catholic Youth. 

Designed to help kids integrate their Catholic faith and prayer lives with their daily responsibilities, schoolwork, and relationships with family and friends, Ora Et Labora guides children ages twelve and up in the development of a Rule of Life, a series of guidelines that help order their days and hearts in Christ.

 Inspired by the work of St. Benedict of Nursia, Ora et Labora is a faith-based approach to the development of global executive functioning, one where a child’s daily tasks, responsibilities, personal spaces, and relationships are focused on glorifying God. 

 What’s included?

• An overview of the history and purpose of a Rule of Life
• Guided reflection to help your child discern what’s working and what’s not
• A relatable discussion of the vices and the Virtues, accompanied by gentle guidance on discovering and conquering root sin
• A thorough overview of prayerful discernment, including practical advice on how to hear God’s voice through the static of daily living
• Concrete suggestions for living out the Cardinal and Theological Virtues
• Engaging worksheets that allow your child to record their thoughts, track their habits, and set realistic spiritual, physical, and social/emotional goals 
• Sample Rules, along with suggestions for daily tasks, habits, and attitudes
• Templates for your child to create a personal Rule of Life

St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Ora et Labora offers your child an opportunity to do so through the development of a Rule of Life.