In a Nutshell
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What's the secret of family life? That's a hard question to answer, since all families are different. Certain kinds of activities together that strengthen one family as a community might be all wrong in another family. I suspect that in families that are strong communities, however, the family is considered a priority by its members. Furthermore, someone in that family -- a parent; a child; perhaps more than one family member -- has ways of reminding the others of this priority and finds ways for the family to spend time together and do things together. I don't know of a written recipe for families to follow when they sense that their home life needs attention -- that they could do better as a family. Probably they have to create their own recipe of respect, love and common action. |
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The kind of community the family is
By H. Richard McCordCatholic News Service
It must have been a touching moment. Pope Benedict XVI was about to baptize 10 babies in January 2006. He laid aside the prepared text of his homily and spoke spontaneously to the assembled families about the sacrament. He said:
"Through baptism each child is inserted into a gathering of friends... . This family of God ... will always accompany him, even on days of suffering and in life's dark nights. It will give him friendship, it will give him life. And these totally trustworthy companions will never disappear."
Five ways to build the family as a community
By Mary Jo PedersenCatholic News Service
I have five suggestions for families who want to foster a spirit of community at home.
My suggestions respond to this question: How can households become "intimate communities of love and life" (Vatican II, "Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World," No. 48) when they are so busy they don't have time to work, play, eat or hang out together?
Talking points for families
By Father David K. O'Rourke, OPCatholic News Service
From the time I first knew them, Tom and Betty Varna (not their real names) were adventurous spirits. Both worked hard and were goal-oriented. But they also saw themselves as the centers of the family, and they worked together at giving their family a center.
Tom kept things secure and orderly. Betty made peace and nursed wounded spirits. Both insisted that everyone be treated decently.
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Faith in the Marketplace | |
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 This Week's Discussion Point: What makes a family a family? |
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Selected Response From Readers: |
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