The power of family

By THOMAS G. CRONIN- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Families are the core of society and the reality is that many are suffering. Many are seeking help, but do not know where to turn. It is hard to know we need Jesus, if we personally don’t know Him. We need God’s unconditional love, mercy, grace and peace like never before.

We no longer live in a post-Christian society, but in an anti-Christian society. To be a faith-practicing family is more difficult than ever. I am saddened to witness the challenges so many families are battling. Abuse, addiction, physical illness and financial struggles are running rampant, but I am heartbroken to see legitimate mental-health diagnoses being normalized.
Families need to stand with and for the truth. Societal propaganda is causing many Catholic families to question Church teachings and Christian values. Additionally, when screen time exceeds face-to-face time, we are failing our children. Our young and vulnerable people need personal interaction, love, support and clear direction.

There are many beautiful nuggets of inspiration about the power of the family within society in countless resources. St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio, Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ or his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, may be great places for you to find encouragement. They are all easily accessible on the Vatican’s website.
Additionally, parish faith-formation programs are an incredible blessing for our families, but they become ineffective when parents do not actively participate in the spiritual formation of their children. Being a Christian is about who we are, how we act and what we believe. Following Christ and living by His example was not intended to be easy or popular.

The hectic pace of life negatively impacts family culture. I was hoping that a positive outcome from COVID was going to be a reset on our fast-paced lifestyles, but it seems like we are firing on all cylinders and back into the multitude of extracurricular routines. Complexity seems to reign over simplicity.

Parish families need to mobilize and journey with families in need. This is where we can help provide the love, mercy and compassion they seek, but not if parish culture and relationships do not foster a deep sense of community. We must accompany those who are suffering. One example would be to develop parish network support groups in which those with past experiences walk with those experiencing similar struggles today.

Remember, you are not alone — there are diocesan resources like our Marriage & Family Ministries. Be sure to engage with Mary Fay, associate director of Marriage & Family Ministries at [email protected].

Our mission is to be the face of Christ to everyone we encounter and share God’s infinite love with all. That sounds daunting, but it starts with one family at a time. Is your family ready?

Tom Cronin is the advisor to the Bishop for Evangelization in the Diocese of Albany. Contact Tom with any questions about boosting evangelization efforts at your parish at [email protected] or by visiting https://www.rcda.org/
evangelization. Follow Tom\ on Instagram: tom_rcda