Put another way: The Bible says that God says we should rest and have free time (leisure). But, from a Biblical or theological perspective, what is leisure? And from a theological perspective, how does what leisure is connect us to or glorify God?

Sorry for the delayed question clarification, by the way. Clearly losing my sense for how old my questions here are.

But, what is the common characteristic of - or essentially good action expressed in - play and leisure activities that makes them good?

Wow! Big revision.. which now avoids causing any of the more exhausted parents out there any undue scruples, but, it still stresses the strong urgency and responsibility to instill the faith, which I think is what we're after! Thanks!

Well ... maybe not your priest, since, I believe you are a priest :) ... But, maybe more elaboration is needed around specific "causes" and the actual guilt incurred. As I understand it, because kids 7 and under aren't assumed to be "reasonable" and bound by canon law, we're not obliged to "make them adhere" to something they're not even technically bound to. Rather, it is simply charitable and prudent to instill good behavior prior to the age of reason ... Or something like that.

@AthanasiusOfAlex I think this is a little off-base actually. Yes, parents ought to prefer bringing their kids to mass. But, as far as I'm aware, there's no guilt incurred for not doing so -- there are reasons beyond those "grave" causes that are legitimate in these cases, precisely b/c the kids aren't legal adherents to canon law yet. The tone of this article is more typicall what your priest(s) will tell you: catholic.com/quickquestions/…

That's a very concise way to hit the nail on the head IMO: Notice that it says "by his wounds we are healed", and not "by his wounds God is satisfied".