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The Family: The Domestic Church
The family is the domestic church. It is where love is shown, given, and lived. Pope Francis has stated, “The family in the fundamental focus between the Church and God’s creation.” It is where the faith is taught, demonstrated, and acted upon. This beautiful and basic societal unit, however, is always under attack in terms of the forces of the world which attempt to erase its importance and tear it apart. Knowing this, it is the job of the faithful to pray for the family, care for it, and to support it through prayer, sacrifice, and outreach.
Families in Crisis
Families are in crisis right now in many ways including family break-up, relationship issues, job loss, sickness, and so many other facets. As Catholics and as people of faith and of goodwill, we must strive to do what we can. Most of all daily prayer is essential. Praying for all families is a key avenue to be a part of the solution in brining Christ to the world. Another thing which can be done is to support the families you know starting with your own in recognizing how to make the best outreach.
Ways to Help
There are many ways to help a family who is suffering. Again, prayer is most important. “Don’t forget the family that prays together remains together,” another quote from our Holy Father. It is true that inviting our own family to pray, attend Mass, and participate in the sacramental journey is the first key to success in this area. Keep your eyes open to people you know in your own life who need your prayer, your care, and your support. Finding the right resources for families going through pastoral crisis is key. One of those resources is the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith. This is a non-profit formed through the Mercedarian Religious Order in 2015. The foundation offers prayer, free on-line priestly consultations, programs and events, and podcasts and videos. Learn about the foundation at Nonnatus.org. All the services are free as it is a non-profit 501c3 organization. The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation cares, and they can provide the pastoral care so many families in crisis need at this time.
Dr. Anne DeSantis (ThD) is a dynamic Catholic author and speaker from the Greater Philadelphia area, holding a doctorate in theology from Pontifex University (2024). As the Executive Director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith (www.Nonnatus.org), she helps leads pastoral outreach to families in crisis. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Anne deeply treasures her Catholic faith and passionately shares it through catechesis, focusing on reaching out to the marginalized. She is also a member of the Catholic Speakers Organization. To learn more about her faith journey and mission, visit www.AnneDeSantis.com.
