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(Courtesy of Dr H. Richard McCord, Executive Director USCCB Department for Laity, Family, Women and Youth) (1) Do we know who our families are? Do we have accurate information? Do we use means such as focus groups to discover their strengths, situations, and needs? (2) Do we say explicitly and consistently that we value the holiness present in all families ("church of the home") and that our work builds upon their strength and holiness? (3) Do we involve families in planning and evaluating parish practice? Do we try to have a full range of families represented in our leadership roles? (4) Do we create materials and offer ideas to families about what they can do at home or in neighbourhood clusters, rather than always expecting them to come to the parish church or school? (5) When families do come together in the parish do we make it as convenient as possible - with flexible scheduling, childcare, eldercare, etc.? (6) Are we aware of the influence of family of origin on a person as we try to promote growth and change? (7) Are we sensitive to the pressures placed on families today (time, mobility, economy, jobs, relationships, etc.) in order to help them deal with those burdens, or so that we don't impose additional ones? (8) Do we ask who never comes to parish events and why? (9) Do we encourage couples and families to get involved in parish ministries as a family unit, whenever possible, rather than as individuals? (10) Do we promote like-to-like ministries of couples, family groups, and associations who assist and support families in carrying out their responsibilities? |