September 15, 2015 WBB Prayers & Practices, WBB For Families, REL Asset - Prayer Experience, REL Topic- Prayer, REL PD - Family Faith
By: Allie Johnston
Next week, Philadelphia will host Catholic families from across the globe and His Holiness, Pope Francis, at the 2015 World Meeting of Families. The World Meeting of Families is an event held every three years since its inception by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1994. During this global event, participants come together to discuss, pray, and collaborate with the goal of growing both as individuals and Catholic family units. Discussion at the event is sparked by the distinguished speakers from around the world.
The theme of this year’s World Meeting of Families is “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” and it emphasizes the Catholic family’s critically important role in the Church. Archbishop Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, which promotes and advises on the World Meeting of Families, said in June 2014, “In spite of the very difficult circumstances that it is facing, we know that the family will always be the most important resource for society. Especially in times of crisis, we see that without the family — father, mother, children, grandparents and grandchildren — society just couldn’t survive. No other form of living can create the positive relationships that are found in the family.”
Families who will not attend the World Meeting of Families in person have ample opportunities to follow along with the events via the news and social media. Directors and catechists may want to help promote these channels so that families will be aware of the resources available to share in this global event. While promoting love and faith within the family is always of the upmost importance, the World Meeting of Families is a reminder to consciously come together as Catholic family members. Faith resources for families are helpful as they work to strengthen the bonds within the family and with God. Providing families with opportunities and resources to pray together is a powerful resource to help them grow in their relationships with each other and with God.
With the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ visit just around the corner, download a wonderful family prayer service for use in the home. The Celebrating Families prayer service is a perfect resource for the busy Catholic family. This simple prayer service does not require special materials or lots of time and space, and can be accomplished by families of any size and makeup. It includes Scripture, prayer, and a simple activity to bring family members together.
Download available in English and Spanish.
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