What is the parish outreach to married couples, persons who are separated, divorced, widowed, singles and single parents?
What is being offered to parents, adults, who are still bringing their children to church for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation?
What about those in RCIA, the bereaved, persons preparing for marriage among the myriad of situations persons face in the parish?
How is the parish responding to these issues?
Section 202 of Amoris Laetitia (AL), a post-synodal apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis addressing the pastoral care of families, states that “The main contribution of the pastoral care of families is offered by the parish, which is the family of families…” This is where the parish Family Life Unit (FLU) finds its calling.
The FLU works with the parish priest/moderator/administrator to promote and coordinate marriage and family efforts in the parish. The goal of this role is to facilitate opportunities for families in your parish to experience God’s love and mercy in their relationships, homes and provide a credible witness to it.
AL 204 states that “Good pastoral training is important especially in light of particular emergency situations arising from cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse.”
What can the parish do in such situations? In the same paragraph, Pope Francis emphasised, “…. The need for training of lay leaders who can assist in the pastoral care of families… Professionals, especially those with practical experience, help keep pastoral initiatives grounded in real situations and concrete concerns of families.”
The FLU plays an important role in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan, therefore in 2020 and beyond, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission will be working with parish FLUs in training and formation, strengthening and developing their ministry in the parish.
In light of that, a meeting will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Catholic Centre, Chaguanas for all parish representatives who are interested in forming a FLU and strengthening the existing FLUs.
Parishes are invited to send three representatives (a married couple and an individual) who will return to the parish to continue this ministry. Please register by March 15.
Contact: Cherisse or Tricia at 672-4280 or 299-1047.
Email: familylife@catholictt.org to register and for more information.
Cost: $100 per person (includes lunch).
