Our Not-Quite-Holy Family: A Practical Guide for Catholic Parents

by Mark Hart, Melanie Hart

Winner of a first-place award in the general interest category from the Association of Catholic Publishers and a second-place award in the family life category from the Catholic Media Association. Many Catholics might recognize Mark Hart as the dynamic youth minister who has all the right answers about being and staying Catholic. Flash forward fifteen Mark and his wife Melanie have four children and they realize that despite all the advice they’ve doled out over the years, there’s no single formula for having a happy, holy family. In Our Not-Quite-Holy Family , the Harts offer candid, sincere, and down-to-earth wisdom from their time in the trenches of parenting. Do you feel as if you’ve taken all the right steps to create God-loving individuals but still find your children are tuning you out? Are you trying to figure out how to have a family that is holy but still “normal” and human? If so, you’ll find comfort, encouragement, honesty, wit, and—most importantly—practical wisdom in Our Not-Quite-Holy Family . Chock-full of amusing anecdotes about their journey raising four children, the Hart’s book reminds Catholics that being a good parent means taking time to get to know—and actually enjoy—your children. You’ll find thoughtful insights on a range of parenting topics, Each chapter presents typical shortfalls and obstacles faced by Catholic parents, suggestions and ideas to think and pray about as a couple, and resources or activities to try as a couple or family. A book for Catholics at every stage of the parenting journey—the Harts have a child in college, high school, middle school, and elementary school— Our Not-Quite-Holy Family leaves parents with a little less tension in their shoulders and a slap on the back for doing a good job—no matter what everyone else says “good Catholic parenting” should look like.

Genres: Parenting, Family

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2021

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

File this under “books I read because someone I know asked me to and wow, it’s so good that I’m glad I read it.” 🙌 What Mark & Melanie Hart have done his create a gem that is NOT
- a book to shame you for what you are or are not doing
- an exhausting how-to
- filled with holier-than-you-can-imagine examples of their perfect life
🤨👍🏻
Instead, you’ll spend the introduction laughing out loud, rereading sections out loud to whoever happens to be in earshot (including pets), and maybe feeling the first surge of hope you’ve felt in a while. 🤣 Mark and Melanie are my people...and I’ve never even met her. (I do know Mark. Sorta. Kinda. #fangirlfriend) Even so, as I traveled through the 7 chapters and 2 appendices (one of which has a collection of other real-life parents sharing stories and encouragement, I just knew. Melanie Hart is the kind of friend we all need. The one who speaks the hard truth, but with a smile and in a way that motivates you and gives you hope that you can attain the goal. And Mark is the husband of that friend, the one who makes you pretty sure that yeah, they can come into my messy house and they won’t see anything that’s new or strange. 🤓 Mark and Melanie have years of wisdom and experience, but even more powerfully, they have a love of God and respect for the Church that shines through and puts perspective into everything they offer. 🔥 Highly, highly recommended.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any parent who is Catholic can benefit from this title.

The Harts share from their not-quite-holy family in a way that will resonate with many. Social media allows people to share just their best moments. This can lead to some of us thinking we are failing big time.

When you are done reading this title, you'll have been comforted that your failings are not abnormal. And given actionable ideas to improve what you are doing so that you, your spouse, and your kids may get to heaven.

Just be ready to be convicted by the Holy Spirit while reading!

This Catholic parent is thankful for their authentic sharing from their lives as well as short testimonials from other Catholic parents. I'm now using the conviction points from this book to consider how Lent in 2021 can be different. We've had more time together as a family, but not necessarily drawn closer to God in the process.

[Rachel (bookmamareviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often with faith-based literature one of two things happens: either the content is idealistic and lacking practicality or the text is hefty and unavoidably philosophical. But every once in a while a true unicorn comes along that is not only inspirational and wise, but also deeply practical, humble, and funny.

Mark and Melanie Hart just simply shine in their book, “Our Not-Quite-Holy Family.” From countless relatable parenting moments to endlessly quotable nuggets of wisdom, their parenting advice is everything I want because it’s everything I didn’t know I needed. From the heart of their storytelling, I am reassured that it is OK to be a mess... because love is messy. And, parenting sure is the messiest form of love.

I would absolutely recommend this book if your hope is to raise your kids in the Catholic faith and need a bit of practical encouragement on the journey. Mark and Melanie teach us that parenthood is hard, but so incredibly worth the struggle. And they share this message through “Our Not-Quite-Holy Family" in the most entertaining and loving way possible.

[David Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark and Melanie do a great job using humor and life experiences to educate and inspire parents of all backgrounds.

I think what I connected with most while reading this book was the Hart's recognition of their failures. So often parents want to show off the "social media filtered" side of life, but parenting isn't always easy or pretty. They understand that and are vulnerable enough to share their stories. I really appreciated that.

I also liked how they had practical tips at the end of every chapter. There are a few nuggets of wisdom that I want to implement in my own family and truly believe this will help us better love and serve one another.

Ultimately, this book reminded me of the importance of being present to my family, keeping the end goal in mind, and sacrificing my wants for their needs.

A great book that all parents should read and apply.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having parented my kids in this "not-quite-holy family" style, I can relate to the Hart family. I loved the wit as the Harts describe their experiences! I stood in their shoes once. As a Catholic family, if you are feeling like a failure, read this and become enlightened that you are not alone and, that you are actually doing a great job. Well written, insightful, practical and funny anecdotes. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this for an honest review. 4 Stars

[Natasha Rausch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the anecdotes in this book and the fresh perspective on modern parenting as a catholic Christian parent. Some of the advice I felt I could use several years from now when my kids are older so I might have to revisit at some point. I especially liked the personal testimonies from other parents at the end of the book. I might check out the Harts’ podcasts as well because their writing sounds like radio to me!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with practical parenting and marriage advice, intertwined with humor. For a full review, visit my blog at www.home-grown-living.com.

[Bex Jalise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable. Practical. Humorous. Everything I was looking for.

[Silvio Pellas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short book

Good book for parenting and marriage advice. It's short and easy to read. Worth it if you are interested in getting good advice for raising a Catholic family.

[Denise Mccabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the practical tips for incorporating more holy moments into my marriage and family.

[Deborah Gretzinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and easy to read for Catholic parents looking for affirmation and advice on their journey with their kids.