Ever see a highway construction sign that reads, “Slow down! My daddy works here!”? This is just one of many reminders that each person is part of a family. Each of us comes from a mother, a father, an extended family, an [intentional] household, an ethnic group, and a parade of ancestors who help define us.
But how do we respect and strengthen these family connections when we serve others in our parishes? What does this mean for those offering direct service to parents and children, to couples seeking marriage, to grieving families, or elders concerned about the spirituality of loved ones?
Here are some important pastoral assumptions.
- God is present to families, not just to individuals. God is willing to intervene in families and households, especially when we acknowledge Jesus as a central person in the Christian family, who offers a greater capacity for love. So, our first goal is to watch for God’s presence and invite families to do the same. Towards this end, we can highlight the reality of Jesus in real-life difficulties, especially through brief peer witnesses during parent sacramental meetings, potluck meals, wakes and parish gatherings.
- Baptism ushers us into the spiritual dimension of family life. This sacrament is a powerhouse for inner strength and a sure foundation for experiencing interpersonal graces. So, another goal is to point out the new life that God has already given, and will continue to give. Towards this end, we can incorporate the prayerful use of ordinary symbols like water, candles and bread. We can help people share faith stories associated with baptisms, First Communions, confirmations, and sacramental marriages.
- Families approach the church for social rites of passage – marriage, birth, death, and childhood milestones. These are natural times to rethink a family’s spiritual history and to connect with extended family. We can promote interviews and storytelling about a great grandparent, uncle, spouse, or cousin who has been a model of faith. We can ask, “How does this person inspire you?” or encourage videos about a family ‘saint’, or a family’s relationship with a parish.
- As families incorporate media into their patterns of communication, another goal is to assist families in spiritual networking using: email, texting, and social networking websites. For example, in my family, we often respond to a Facebook entry about a serious illness with a prayer, like: “Jesus, take away any fear or worry”, or “help the doctor know what to do.” We can also strive to make parish websites, email correspondence, and internet offerings as opportunities for responses about the spiritual life.
- Encourage family members to pray for each other and for the family as a community. St. Paul prays, “I fall on my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name… and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians 3:14-15, 17). For more information about family evangelizing visit www.catholicevangelizer.com.