Who We Are - Formation 2003

FORMATION

Formation 2004

Formation 2003

Formation 2002

Formation 2001

Formation 2000

Formation 1999

Formation 1998

Formation 1997

Formation 1996

FORMATION 2004

Click this image to see Jubilee 2000 at the Vatican

Introduction

Format

Programme

Theme
#1

Theme
#2

Theme
#3

Theme
#4

Theme
#5

Theme
#6

Theme
#7

Theme
#8

segment NO 3

theme:        “the christian family”

call to prayer & opening prayer: As for the Order Prayers

focus:                   “…to strengthen the family in society.”

(Family Commitment Prayer)

word of reflection

Reflect on the reading of the following words taken from the documents of the Church:

The family is the original cell of social life. It is the natural society in which husband and wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life. Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity within society. The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honour God, and make good use of freedom. Family life is an initiation into life in society.

Catechism of the Catholic Church #2207

The family must be helped and defended by appropriate social measures. Where families cannot fulfil their responsibilities, other social bodies have the duty of helping them and of supporting the institution of the family. Following the principle of subsidiarity, larger communities should take care not to usurp the family’s prerogatives or intergere in its life.             Catechism of the Catholic Church #2209

            Allow a few moments reflective silence, then proclaim the Word of God

word of god

& The Gospel according to Luke 2: 39-52

The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him.

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them.

Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

$ For the next five minutes silently read and reflect on the readings.

       Underline what you consider to be key words and/or phrases for you.

the sharing

” Now bring your insights and reflection around the theme and the Readings into discussion of the following:                                                                                            (10 mins)

v     What are the characteristics of a Christian family?

v     In what way can Christian families contribute to wider society?

v     How can families be affirmed and supported in today’s Catholic parish and Diocese?

conclusion

Leader:         As we conclude this time of reflection, let us give praise to God as we say:

All:                  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

                        as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

The meeting proceeds

closing prayers: As for the Order Prayers at the Closing of the Meeting.

Last updated: 12/02/2006