Several research studies have indicated that parents’ involvement in a church has a profound effect on whether their children will remain Catholic. Is Mass attended regularly? Are parents involved in parish ministries and share in parish community, especially with other families?
Families aren’t meant to be “lone rangers”. As Catholics, we are part of the larger “Family of Families” rooted in Christ. We stay connected to the larger family of faith by involving ourselves in its local embodiment: the parish. Ideally, you want to find a parish close enough to where you live to participate in activities during the week, such as bible studies and prayer groups, and not just on Sundays. Attending a parish in your own neighborhood is also a wonderful way to connect locally, to give back, to feel the heartbeat of your local community, and build friendships with people outside your normal social circles. If you are a newly married couple, consider planting roots in a parish where you and your spouse can begin a new chapter of your lives together.
Healthy and successful family life takes planning and intentionality. What matters to you and your family? What are you about as a family? Secular organizations and companies craft mission statements to help them remain focused on what’s most important to them. Why don’t families do the same? Here are some resources that may assist you and your family as you craft your own family mission statement.
Here are a list of ways to get involved in serving the vulnerable and honoring the dignity of life:
sdcatholic.org