Marriage, Family & Life Event
In the June issue of the Catholic Families for Life – the newsletter for the Marriage, Family and Life Commission in Scotland (MFL) – Bishop John Keenan writes, ‘In the ordinary rhythms of family life, human love is expressed in multiple daily sacrifices and acts of forgiveness and patience. [ ] In our families we glimpse something of the human love of the Sacred Heart as they make real the love of God in relationships that last and heal, and gradually make us holy’.
The Commission is the local arm of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, set up in 2016 by Pope Francis with the responsibility ‘for the promotion of the life and apostolate of the lay faithful, for the pastoral care of the family and its mission according to God’s plan and for the protection and support of human life’.
Bishop Andrew has brought together a Marriage, Family and Life group in the Diocese of Dunkeld to further the Church’s vision for families set out by Pope Francis – celebrating the ‘Domestic Church’; supporting marriage preparation and married couples; helping with the faith formation of children, adolescents and young adults; developing a pro-life culture in our Parishes; offering the ‘family of the church’ to those without family support of their own. At present the group is quite small but it would be great to see it grow with as more people get involved in this important work.
The first of a series of quarterly events has been planned for Saturday 19th of September in St Columba’s, Derwent Ave, Dundee. The morning begins with the usual parish Rosary (8.30am) and Mass (9am) followed by an opportunity for Confession. There will be ‘prayer crafts’ for the children in the Church Hall after Mass and bacon rolls and coffee for the adults. Dundee Pregnancy and Parenthood Support will be open for anyone who would like to find out more about this pro-life initiative. Families are also welcome to make requests for baby clothes and equipment in advance of the day and DPAPS will endeavour to have it ready for collection.