Goal: To recognize and promote the family as Domestic Church, “the place where children receive the first proclamation of the faith” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 66), and the most significant place for teaching about the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Guideline: Provide resources for homilies during the year, which include theology of Christian marriage in catechesis at all levels. Specific resources will be provided for the Feast of the Holy Family, during Family Month (November), and when particular, family-centered scripture readings are proclaimed (see Appendix G).

Discussion: From connections made in homilies and catechetical programs to gospel readings and Church teaching, the basic responsibility for formation in the Catholic faith occurs in the home. We recognize this Domestic Church as the greatest influence in forming awareness of the presence of Christ in the family and the most basic way God gathers us and forms us (Follow the Way of Love, 1994). The Domestic Church is the most formative element for lifelong Christian marriage. Pope John Paul II spoke of this when he said, “It is to the majority of the faithful who struggle each day to live up to the demands of their Christian dignity in marriage and the family that pastoral efforts are principally directed...They look to their spiritual guides for the support of sound doctrine, the grace of the sacraments and the human empathy which will sustain them in the never easy mission of being a true ‘domestic church,’ the first community to be evangelized, so that it in turn can be the proximate and immediate evangelizer of its members” (Ad Limina Apostolorum, 1997).

Goal: To assure that all members of the parish staff who interact with the faithful are knowledgeable about the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Guideline: Provide continuing education to parish staff ministers and assistance to parishes to clearly educate all Catholics about the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Discussion: Workshops, enrichment programs, and resources on current teaching will be provided regularly. The need for acquisition of skills in conflict resolution, relationship skills, and other interpersonal components is helpful to self-knowledge and thus a solid preparation for marriage. Suggesting programs and prayers that center on marriage and even problems in marriage will address the needs of the people choosing to be married in the Church (see Appendix G). Parish staff who model and mentor marriage in the Catholic community will be more successful and feel more secure in their role when given opportunities to be nurtured through enrichments and other learning opportunities.

School curricula should reflect the understanding of marriage and the family and the recommendations mentioned here. The earlier a person is exposed to relationship skills, the better chance he/she will have to acquire and refine them. The hope is that, from entry into school until completion of college, age- appropriate education will be provided for relationship-building and maintenance.

When a person marries in the Catholic Church, it is very important to teach what it means. Cultural influences are strong and often impact the couple at the time of marriage. Catechetical reading materials provided in church bulletins and in the marriage preparation contact meetings can generate meaningful discussion with engaged couples. These materials will be available through pamphlets and Church documentation. The Archdiocese will provide materials that may be used in parish bulletins.

Goal: To foster an atmosphere of support for Christian marriage through prayer.

Guideline: Enhance an awareness of marriage as the foundation of successful family life through the Prayers of the Faithful and the celebrations of the marriage ceremony and milestone anniversaries. Thorough education for parish staff and clergy will help develop support.

 Discussion: Public prayer at Mass for those in married life or for those struggling with married life can be achieved through the Prayers of the Faithful at Sunday Mass (see Appendix J). It is important to invite all married persons to celebrate World Marriage Day and take part in parish and archdiocesan celebrations of marriage. The Archdiocese will provide information about World Marriage Day and special events and programs that celebrate marriage.

Goal: To promote discussion about the essential elements of Christian marriage in religious education programs, grade schools, high schools, and colleges.

Guideline: Provide guidance for dialogue among Catholic educators and encouragement for dialogue with non-Catholic educators concerning Christian marriage.

Discussion: Since marriages are living witnesses to God’s love for his people, schools and religious education programs are encouraged to supplement their religious education texts with living examples of Christian marriage drawn from the community. Catholic religious educators should also be in dialogue with other educators regarding the elements of marriage we hold in common. The strengthening of marriage and family life also strengthens society, and is a common task for all of us.

Goal: To provide materials to parishes for catechesis in bulletin articles and for homilies that teach about marriage.

Guideline: Offer timely resources on a regular basis, through appropriate archdiocesan agencies, to assist parish staffs to teach about the vocation of marriage.

Discussion: The Archdiocese will review and forward to parishes information on materials to be used for educating parishioners, children and adults, about Christian marriage. Often publishers and authors send new resources to the Archdiocese. Appropriate agencies review these materials and offer feedback. The Archdiocese will promote where possible and make known to parishes the best new materials.