A Catholic Perspective
Families At the Center:
A Handbook for Parish Ministry
with a Family Perspective
"A Christian vision of family life is one of the foundational elements of a family perspective.
Because Christians enter into a covenant of love with Jesus Christ,
we are called to try and act with a consciousness of Christ's presence in our family lives.
A family striving to place Christ at its center becomes
the most basic Christian community: domestic church.
Although it may struggle at times, it will strive to communicate effectively,
love deeply, forgive frequently, and share its values with one another.
It will also be life-giving, bringing children into the world and rearing them responsibly:
developing the potential of all its members; handing on values and traditions.
The Christian family will respond to a call of service to society and Church by modeling love,
generosity, hospitality, and caring and by
reaching out to others in need."
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Follow the Way of Love
(A Pastoral Message of the US Catholic Bishops to Families,
On the Occasion of the UN 1994 International Year of the Family)
"We are struck by the incredible busyness of family life that can take its toll on loving relationships.
Daily we observe families overwhelmed by the demands of work, business travel, household tasks, getting to and from school,
keeping appointments with doctors, civic responsibilities, and volunteering.
Both men and women can get caught up in long hours and weekends at their place of work.
Balancing home and work responsibilities is a shared obligation for spouses.
It is a critical issue facing families today.
Where choices exist, hours on the job need to be weighed against their impact on family life.
To thrive, love requires attention, communication, and time....
or share a story or confide a need, to play a game, to tell a joke, to watch and cheer on....
time to be present to another's failure or success, confusion, despair or moment of decision.
Spending time together builds intimacy, increases understanding and creates memories between husband and wife,
parent and child, brothers and sisters, grandparents and younger family members.
It is hard to imagine how a family can live faithfully, be life giving, and grow in mutuality
without deliberately choosing to spend time together.
It is especially important for couple to have some time alone.
Spending time away from children and other adults provides opportunities to grow in understanding
and rekindles the fire of love that is often left unattended
as children, job, and other commitments claim time and energy. (p.22)
[For a copy of the entire documents, contact the National
Conference of Catholic Bishops.]
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