A page examining the legacy of Familiaris Consortio and the issues facing families today.
“Within the ecclesial community – the great family made up of Christian families – there will take place a mutual exchange of presence and help among all the families, each one putting at the service of others its own experience of life, as well as the gifts of faith and grace.” Familiaris Consortio, 69
As we mark the 30th anniversary of Familiaris Consortio on 22 November 2011 we wish to highlight the many family ministry initiatives across the Church in England and Wales that reflect the passages in Part IV: Pastoral Care of the Family: Stages, Structures, Agents and Situations. In doing so the Marriage & Family Life Project Office are well aware that those featured are only the tip of the iceberg. Most family ministry, by its very nature, happens quietly and informally within the domestic and parish church, witnessed only by those directly involved, though its impact can be felt more widely and from generation to generation.
Dr David Thomas
Dr Thomas attended the Synod as a theological adviser to the American bishops. In this podcast, he discusses the social responsibilities of the family in the modern world.
Letter on the 7th World Meeting of Families
Pope Benedict XVI’s letter to the President of the Pontifical Council for the Family on the Seventh World Meeting of Families (Milan 2012)
Stages
Marriage Preparation and Enrichment
The Marriage and Family Life Project Office’s marriage website.
Fertility Awareness
Find contacts for support with infertility and fertility awareness.
Parenting
Visit the Celebrating Family Diocesan Projects website to find out more about parenting support in the dioceses of Cardiff, East Anglia, Hallam and Leeds.
Toddler Groups
Visit the Passing on the Faith project website to register an interest in Catholic toddler groups.
Youth Ministry
Visit the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation website.
Bereavement and Loss
Visit the website of Rainbows GB to find out more about support for children and families grieving a loss.
Grandparenting
Visit the Passing on the Faith webpage on grandparent support.
Structures
Celebrating Family: Blessed, Broken, Living Love
The Bishops’ national strategy for developing family-friendly parishes, raising awareness of family spirituality and supporting parents and grandparents in passing on faith in God.
Passionist Family Groups Movement
A family association which is being piloted in a number of English parishes.
Family Caring Trust
An organisation which supplies community-based relationship education resources to many Catholic schools, parishes and dioceses.
Agents
FAMILIAS
The Association of Catholic Diocesan Coordinators of Marriage and Family Ministries.
Marriage and Family Life Project Office
Visit the Marriage and Family Life Project Office Blog for current news and features.
Catholic Education Service for England and Wales
Situations
Association of Interchurch Families
Association of Separated and Divorced Catholics
Bishops’ Conference Mental Health Project
Catholics Experiencing Domestic Abuse Resources
Gypsy and Traveller Support Network
Bishops’ Work on Refugees & Migration
Caritas – Social Action Network
