Marriage, Family & Life
Nurturing Faith, Celebrating Family, Protecting Life
A welcoming local community supporting the mission of the lay faithful, families and young people.
Joining Our Local Mission
Inspired by the wider vision of the Universal Church and our national bishops, our local group offers a practical, welcoming space for families, young people and parishioners to come together.
Build Community
Bringing families and individuals together through shared prayer, social events and seasonal celebrations.
Form Faith
Deepening our understanding of the Gospel and supporting parents in their role as primary educators of faith.
Promote Life & Care
Fostering a supportive network that cherishes human life from conception to natural death, and accompanies families through every stage.
Whether you are looking to deepen your faith, connect with other local families, or get involved in pro-life work, there is a place for you here. Please get in touch if we can help or if you would like to get more involved.
Universal & National Vision
“The Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life is competent for enhancing the apostolate of the lay faithful, the pastoral care of young people, the family and its mission according to God’s plan, the elderly, and for the promotion and protection of life.”
— Vatican Constitution Praedicate Evangelium
Our Mission in Scotland
This mission is led by Bishop John Keenan through the Bishops’ Conference Commission for Marriage, Family & Life. Bishop Keenan’s vision centres on renewing a vibrant culture of faith across our parishes—encouraging the laity to actively live out their baptismal calling, upholding the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, and surrounding families with joy, prayer and practical support.
Areas for development
- Develop resources for celebrating the Domestic Church.
- Develop and support a national marriage preparation programme.
- Develop and oversee a programme of enrichment for married couples.
- Provide resources and referrals to marriage counselling for couples.
- Provide a National Marriage Counselling service.
- Be responsible for the family-based faith formation programme for children, adolescents and young adults.
- Develop a pro-life culture in parishes.
Can you help?
- With marriage preparation?
- Represent the Marriage, Family & Life Commission in your parish?
- Get involved in organising family event days?
- Be actively pro-life?
Dates for the Diary
Join us for our upcoming events as we gather in faith, prayer and fellowship across the coming year.
8.30am
St Columba’s
Saturday devotions, Mass and social.
10am
St Andrew’s Cathedral
Saturday devotions, Mass and homily with Fr John Paul. Advent crafts and social in the hall.
1–4pm
Our Lady of Victories, Forebank
A Day for Life – Saturday devotions and Mass, pro-life speakers and fun for the kids.
Details to follow
St Thomas, Arbroath
Saturday devotions, Mass and a family picnic in the garden.
All are welcome to attend—bring a friend or family member!
Get in Touch
Marriage preparation
jim.leary@marriagefamilyandlife.org.ukPro-life
prolife@dunkelddiocese.org.ukStay updated: Marriage, Family & Life – national website