Families are a central part of the ecosystem supporting the survival of humankind. Most would say that they are a basic cell or an organ that serves the sustaining of human life. The family plays important roles from the beginning to the end of life and at many stages along the way. No one questions this as a general principle. John Paul II says that through the family passes the future of both church and society.

As our knowledge of biological survival deepens, we become more aware that while life on earth clearly exhibits resiliency, it is also vulnerable to harmful external forces. Like the African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child, we can affirm that families often need the support of the wider society to remain strong as they face the challenges of today's life.

Family ministry is a relatively new expression of the church's ministerial life. It expresses the central importance of family living as part of the life of the church. Some say all ministry is in some ways family ministry because we are all a part of a family. And since the family is itself a kind of organic system, all family members are influenced.

Here are five ways the church ministers with families:

• Direct assistance: the resources of the church and its members are shared with those in need. This might be in the form of food, clothing or shelter. Assistance also includes crisis counselling when the family is facing major challenges.

List the many ways that you see this happening in your local area. What other practical needs are you aware of that might require direct assistance by the church.

• Education: Helping families to interpret and connect their lives with the central points of their religious faith and guiding them to gain an awareness of the presence of God in their lives. Describing the essential features of family spirituality. Offering opportunities for family evangelisation and catechesis.

How do families in your area access the education that they need? How do pastors, catechists, lay ministers, voluntary groups, organisations, agencies,
couples, families and other individuals help to develop an appreciation of God's presence in family life?

• Affirmation: Affirming the goodness and importance of family life. Helping the family to recognise that their daily efforts at assisting one another are very worthwhile and deserve to be acknowledged especially in the public life of the church.

When do the families in your parishes most feel affirmed? Who helps them to associate their daily life with the creation of God's kingdom on earth? In what ways do the language and actions of the parish make them feel valued?

• Gathering: the church sponsors events in which all or part of the family can participate. Often it will bring many families together for social and spiritual purposes. Sacraments are prepared for and received by the whole family. Providing opportunities for family play.
Creating community takes time and effort. The seasonal and liturgical life of the church provides many opportunities to create, sustain and deepen relationships between and within families.

How are these opportunities maximised in your area?

• Celebration: Using the liturgy of the church to celebrate family. This might connect with anniversaries or other special days for families. Church sponsored celebrations could include many aspects of family ministry, especially its educational and affirmation dimensions.

How do local liturgies reflect the highs and lows of family life in ordinary times? What prayers and rituals does your church make available for family moments in church and at home? How inclusive is the understanding of family in your parish? How is every individual made to feel part of the wider family of God?

David Thomas