Strengthening the faith of families - a CCW priority

by Tiffany Hoffmann

On the occasion of the fifth World Meeting of Families, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the following to the assembly during his Apostolic Journey to Valencia (Spain).....

"The family is a unique institution in God’s plan, and the Church cannot fail to proclaim and promote its fundamental importance. . . . To hand down the faith to children, with the help of individuals and institutions like the parish, the school or Catholic associations, is a responsibility which parents cannot overlook, neglect or completely delegate to others. . . . The language of faith is learned in homes where this faith grows and is strengthened through prayer and Christian practice . . ."

From the earliest moments of our children’s lives, even before they are born, we’re concerned about their proper nutrition and everything else regarding their earthly lives. Here in Minnesota, we bundle them up to keep them warm. When it’s time for school, we’re concerned about their education. We want them to learn everything they will need to be successful in their lives. We do all this so they may have healthy, happy, secure, and successful earthly lives.

As parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles, and teachers, we are especially concerned about nurturing their non-material, non-physical sides - their souls. While they will be our children only temporarily, we want them to be God’s children forever.

Children have better chances of growing up Catholic when they see faith lived and expressed daily within their families - the domestic Church.

Set aside time each week to nourish and enrich your families’ lives by holding family prayer services, preparing meals together, visiting with family and friends, and participating in activities to help the needy. Keep holy the Lord’s Day by attending Mass together on weekends and holy days.

The Family Concerns Commission of the Council of Catholic Women is concerned for all family units within the family of God. Parish Family Concerns Coordinators must encourage women in their parish councils to proclaim and promote the message of Jesus through their families.

Tiffany Hoffmann is from Sleepy Eye, MN, and currently serves as the New Ulm Diocesan Family Concerns Commission Chair.