Archdiocese prepares for the World Meeting of Families
February 24, 2015
HOUSTON — Philadelphia will be bustling as thousands of families from across the world join together for the 2015 World Meeting of Families (WMOF) Sept. 22 to 27. The theme of the event, which is hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family, is “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive” which emphasizes the impact of the love and life of families on society.
On Jan. 27, the Family Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston began its preparations for the event by welcoming Joe Trechter.
In June 2014, Trechter, his wife and their six children left their home in Colorado Springs, Colo., loaded up into a trailer and embarked on a year-long tour around the U.S. It’s no ordinary journey though, their mission is unique: ”to engage and serve the world that God so loved and witness to all that is good, beautiful and true about family life as God created it.” Part of this mission includes helping Catholics across the country prepare for the WMOF.
While in Houston, Trechter spoke to an audience at St. Dominic Chancery about how Catholics within the Archdiocese can prepare for and take part in the WMOF, emphasizing that even if a family cannot physically be in Philadelphia, they can still take part in this amazing event.
“The key thing for people to do is prepare as if they are going to go to Philadelphia,” Trechter said. “This way even if you cannot physically attend the WMOF, you will be prepared to receive the grace of the event and feel included when you see it on television or read about online or in the newspaper.”
Much of Trechter’s discussion focused on preparing for the WMOF by utilizing the preparatory catechesis prepared by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Pontifical Council for the Family. Named “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” the catechesis explains, in a way that is fresh, insightful and relevant to today’s society, how all Catholic teachings about sex, marriage and the family flow from our basic beliefs about Christ.
The book, available in English and Spanish, is easy to read and is broken down into 10 chapters, including the Mission of Love, Light in a Dark World and Choosing Life. Each chapter is followed by four questions appropriate for a family discussion. The catechesis, like the WMOF, is for people of all ages at all stages of life.
Trechter emphasized that the event is not just for parents — the organizers have placed great emphasis on hosting activities for children so they get a full experience as well. The 5-day event will include an incredible line-up of speakers who will address all phases of family life from singles to newly married, to parents to grandparents to religious life. While parents are in breakout sessions, children ages 6 to 17 will be able to participate in a “Youth Congress” and child care will available for children under 6. Additionally, the organizers are incorporating numerous activities for the whole family to do together during down-time.
The family, Trechter said, “Is the fabric of society — it is through family life that we learn the virtues that create a healthy society. The best thing about the WMOF is that it is an opportunity to celebrate being a family which, in turn, raises everyone up to live family life as God created it.”
“Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive” preparatory catechesis is available for $9.95 and can be ordered by visiting www.osvparish.com/Shop/Product?ProductCode=T1651.
To learn more about the 2015 World Meeting of Families, visit www.worldmeeting2015.org or www.familylifeministryhouston.org.