A new birthday tradition honors the gift of life

By Gina Sternfels, NOLA Catholic Parenting

I always get excited to do something special for birthdays in our home, and October is a month full of birthdays for us.

A few years ago, I started a new tradition. I go to a daily Mass on my family member’s birthday as an offering for that person. Of course, I can do all the running around for a cake and presents, but I am learning that this is truly the best gift.

As I was there at Mass recently for my son, I was moved by the Holy Spirit in Mass. He is growing up, but it was not those thoughts or feelings I was having as an emotional momma. Instead, I realized my growth in my relationship with Jesus, and that I could feel his presence. The more I go to be with him, the closer I am to him.

That moment of receiving the Eucharist and having that intention for my son, I truly could feel his presence. I learned that in doing service for another, we can also receive a gift.

Ephesians 3:19-20 says, “To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us.”

Our prayers are heard, and Jesus will always bless us more than we can imagine.

Is there something on your heart where the Holy Spirit is calling you as a way to bless you and someone else?

Thank you, Jesus, for moving within us!

Gina Kurtich Sternfels grew up in Plaquemines Parish. She graduated from Immaculata High School and Louisiana State University where she studied fine arts and psychology. She now resides on the northshore with her husband, Roland, and three boys (ages 20, 18, 17). She is passionate about disabilities as she has a son with autism. Dealing with boys and autism in the house has kept her on her toes, and she embraces life as “never boring!” She participates on the Archdiocese Commission on Persons with Disabilities. With Roland, she has been part of Catholic Engaged Encounter for many years. She and her family are parishioners at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Covington. She has joined the Encounter School of Ministry to dig deep and learn more about her faith in a new way. She is working on being still, to hear the Father’s voice and use her gifts of creativity amidst the business of day-to-day life as a momma … on path with purpose!