Family Life Ministry offers resources for upcoming World Meeting of Families
July 14, 2015
In just a short few months, Philadelphia will be bustling as thousands of families from across the world join together for the 2015 World Meeting of Families (WMOF). The meeting, which takes place from Sept. 22 through Sept. 27, is an opportunity for families to explore the critical role the family plays in society and to discuss the challenges and blessings that all families have.
The theme of this year's WMOF, "Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive," reflects the central role of the family in teaching people how to receive and give love.
"The WMOF is an excellent opportunity to build stronger families," said Deacon Arturo Monterrubio, director of the Archdiocesan Family Life Ministry.
Families in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston can participate in this significant event even if they cannot go to Philadelphia by utilizing the WMOF Preparatory Catechesis also called Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.
The Catechesis, which was prepared by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Pontifical Council for the Family, 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.
"If we see the content of the Catechesis, we will find wonderful bases regarding to the importance of love in the family, our mission as a family, the importance of becoming one as a couple, treasuring our sexuality, the blessing of the wonderful gift of creation, and raises awareness the many issues affecting our world and influencing in our families," Deacon Monterrubio said.
"This simple form of family Catechesis prepares us and reminds us of God's love and how to put it into practice in this world," he added.
The book, available in English and Spanish, is easy to read and is broken down into 10 chapters followed by four questions appropriate for a family discussion. The Catechesis explores the variety of themes — both theological and practical — that will be discussed during the WMOF; it includes topics such as new technologies, ecology, fertility and dealing with marriage breakups.
In addition, the Archdiocesan Office of Family Life Ministry is encouraging parishes and organizations to create their own pool of speakers to promote and catechize others in their community and/or parish. In order to do so, they are providing information and training sessions that include a guideline to the WMOF Catechesis: Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.
For more information, visit www.familylifeministryhouston.org, www.worldmeeting2015.org or call 713-741-8711.