June: Shaping Our Children’s Hearts in the Light of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Introduction: When Parenting Begins with the Heart

June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion that invites us not only to pray, but to love as Christ loves: with tenderness, strength, mercy, and unwavering purpose.

At Maps for Life, we believe that true parenting begins in the heart. We are not just called to raise polite or successful children, we are called to form souls. And in a world that often confuses performance with purpose, June offers a sacred pause, a time to reflect:

Am I raising my child’s heart with intention and faith?

The Sacred Heart: A Blueprint for Christian Parenting

The image of the Sacred Heart is rich with meaning: a wounded heart, wrapped in thorns, on fire with love. A heart that suffers, but stays open. That speaks truth, but always with tenderness. That loves, even when rejected.

As parents and educators, we are invited to model this heart in our homes:

• To love without conditions, especially on hard days.

• To discipline without shaming.

• To stay present and open, even when our children are struggling.

• To teach by example, not just by words.

Parenting through the Sacred Heart means leading with gentle authority, compassionate correction, and unwavering faith.

Intentional Parenting Is Soul Work

At Maps for Life, we guide families who want to raise their children with faith, purpose, and clear direction. That’s why our resources, like the Intentional Catholic Parenting book series, help parents understand and nurture each stage of their child’s development—from a Catholic perspective that integrates body, mind, and soul.

Here are some of the key domains we explore:

• Cognitive Development

Encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of truth.

• Language Development

Helping children express themselves with confidence and care. 👉 Recommended book: Intentional Catholic Parenting: Language Development

• Affective Development

Guiding emotional awareness, empathy, and maturity through faith. 👉 See the Affective Development book

• Social Development

Helping children build healthy relationships rooted in respect and charity. 👉 See the Social Development book

• Spiritual Development

Fostering a living relationship with God through daily family life.

Each of these areas can be nurtured more deeply this month through the love and inspiration of the Sacred Heart.

Living the Sacred Heart at Home: Practical Family Ideas for June

You don’t have to be a theologian to bring the Sacred Heart into your home. These small practices can make June a month of transformation for your entire family:

• Create a Sacred Space

Set up a small altar or prayer corner with an image of the Sacred Heart. Let it be a visible reminder of Christ’s love.

• Pray Together

Include a short daily prayer like: "Jesus, make our hearts more like Yours."

• Invite Meaningful Conversations

Ask your children: “What do you think made Jesus happy? What might have hurt His heart?” Help them connect their feelings with faith.

• Read One Page Together Each Day

Choose one of our parenting books and read a short passage each day. Use it to reflect or talk as a family.

• Live a Weekly Virtue

Let each week of June focus on a virtue inspired by the Sacred Heart:

• Week 1: Obedient with joy

• Week 2: Patient at home

• Week 3: Quick to forgive

• Week 4: Ready to serve

A Parent’s Heart Formed by Christ

Educating from the Sacred Heart does not mean being perfect. It means choosing to be present, prayerful, and open to grace.

In a world that rushes and distracts, parenting with the heart of Christ means making space for slow growth, intentional conversations, and quiet strength. It means knowing that your presence, your faith, and your words matter deeply in shaping the heart of your child.

A Home Where Love Forms the Soul

This month is more than a tradition. It’s an invitation—to step into your vocation as a mother, father, or teacher with renewed purpose.

Let the Sacred Heart of Jesus guide your home. Let His love be the pattern by which you correct, affirm, lead, and forgive.

Because raising a child’s heart well… is raising their future in the light of Christ.

Start Today

Download a free excerpt from our Intentional Catholic Parenting series and receive faith-based tools to support your family: 👉 Click here

Explore our full collection to support your child’s development with purpose and Catholic values: 👉 See all books

Are you part of the Maps for Life community? Share how you’re living the month of the Sacred Heart with your family.