In the encyclical Familiaris Consortio, John Paul II reminds us that Christian families are invited to be communities in dialogue with God. When was the last time you dialogued with God together with your spouse or children? Of course, this is at the heart of each Eucharistic celebration. Families gather with the Church to repent of sin, hear the Word of God, offer prayers of petition, receive our Lord in the Eucharist and raise their voices in hymns of praise. United in faith, families are strengthened as they "keep holy the Sabbath" and approach God together.
The Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1324). As a "summit," it is the fullest expression of our union with Christ on this side of Heaven, and as a "source" it fills us with grace, like spiritual food for a spiritual journey. We know that our faith is not reserved for just one hour on Sundays! Our faith spills over from the Mass into the rest of our lives, including our family life.
The family, as a "community in dialogue with God," must continue to listen to and speak with God throughout the week. Unfortunately, many families do not know how to pray together outside of the Mass or grace before meals. Are you comfortable praying with your spouse? Do you feel capable of teaching your children how to pray? If not, do not fret, because you are not alone!
Throughout many years of ministry to families, it has become clear to me that families want to learn how to pray together more intimately. They want to know how to pray in their homes. They desire to cultivate a spirit of prayer and dialogue with God throughout the normal routines of family life. We could even say Catholic families want family prayer to be an essential part of family life! This is a beautiful desire, especially since parents are supposed to be educators in prayer. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI has encouraged newlyweds, and therefore all spouses, to "learn to pray together in the intimacy of home."
If you, too, wish to make this a reality in your own family then there is hope. Human Life International recently announced the launch of the national In Life & Love Conference Series, which will debut October 18-20, 2012 in Plymouth, Michigan. Our inaugural conference has an inspiring and timely theme: "Praying in the Home."
We are blessed to have a wonderful lineup of speakers for this conference including: Bishop Arturo Cepeda of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Dr, Margarett Schlientz, Dr. Ray Guarendi, Danielle Bean, Arland K. Nichols, Chris and Sarah Stravitsch, Dr. Joseph Atkinson, Dr. Valerie Conzett, Father Peter West, and Ian and Lisa Butler. You can see the full schedule and topics to be covered at the In Life & Love website.
As we build a culture of life we know that families will be the greatest strength. We want to support you in your vocation, by helping your family become a "community in dialogue with God." Once again we wish to invite you to join us in October. Come be among friends and together we will learn about God's vision for the family, how to pray with loved ones, and tips for Catholic parenting. It is never too late to grow in your faith and learn how to hear the voice of God as a family. See details and register at www.InLifeAndLove.org.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Shenan J. Boquet
President, Human Life International
