The family is a sign of God's love for his people. The Domestic Chruch, as it is known, plays a critical role in the lives of Catholics and society.
The Domestic Family:
It is within the domestic family that the individual, beginning in childhood, honors God, and develops strong moral values necessary to guide them through life. Within the domestic family, children are given examples of faith, hope and love. The wellbeing of society is reliant upon the strength and protection of the domestic family.
Family Prayer:
Parents often ask what they can do to inspire their children to make the catholic faith their own. Regular prayer and attending Sunday Mass together as a family strengthen our relationship with God and with one another. The life of a family can be hectic; however, a busy schedule should never take the place of quality time with God. It is through family prayer that children encounter Christ and learn the importance of having God as the center of their lives.
The following are some simple ways to pray as a family:
The Spousal Relationship:
The relationship between husband and wife plays a critical role in the stability of the home and in the faith of the family. The sacrament of marriage is a reflection of the love of God, and it is through the love of husband and wife that God reveals himself to the world. In the domestic family, the relationship between husband and wife must be authentic and nurtured. It is essential that husband and wife remain as one body in Christ, that their love may fill the lives of those around them.