June 3, 2018 - "Families in Special Circumstances" (continued)

Cardinal Wuerl promulgated a Pastoral Plan to implement Pope Francis’ post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (AL), on Sunday March 4, 2018.  The fourth section of the Pastoral Plan stresses the importance of parish life.


 
Today I want to present some thoughts for accompanying families in special circumstances that are presented in this section of the pastoral plan.
 
We need to echo what Pope Francis says:  “I thank God that many families, which are far from considering themselves perfect, live in love, fulfill their calling and keep moving forward, even if they fall many times along the way…there is no stereotype of the ideal family, but rather a challenging mosaic made up of many different realities with all their joys, hopes and problems “(AL, 57).
 
While every family faces challenges and hardships, many of our families have particular circumstances that without the support of prayer and accompaniment tear at the fabric of family life.  Families who are separated due to military service, immigration restrictions, and marital strife experience particular challenges that call for specific forms of accompaniment.  To families whose members are separated, the Church seeks to “stand in solidarity” with you (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Strangers No Longer, 9).  Parishes should be ready to help families access the proper resources to address legal, social and medical needs.  Even amid challenging circumstances, our faith reminds us that God is always with us and we place our hope in him.
 
Below are listed a number of observations that come out of what we have learned in trying to be of pastoral service to families and individuals in special circumstances.
 
Ecumenical and interfaith marriages and families:
· Help each other be the best person of faith in your particular faith tradition;
· Continue to pray as a family;
· Do not put off raising your family in the faith until they can choose.  Give your children the gift of faith in the Catholic tradition; and
· Teach your children an appreciation for other traditions and model for them how to be a loving family despite differences.
 
Single parents and families of divorce:
· Stay engaged in the larger parish family to share in the experiences of motherhood, fatherhood, and family life;
· Reach out to your pastor and pastoral staff to communicate your family situation and to ensure that you and your family have the support needed to participate fully in the life of the parish; and
· Ask your parish priests to assist you with the annulment process to determine if you can regularize your situation and be married in the Church.  The process at the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Washington is user-friendly and the staff is ready to assist you.  There is no fee for the annulment process.

Families with loved one who identify with same-sex attraction:
· Maintain relationships with your loved ones or family members.  Don’t cut off relationship with them and also don’t be afraid to communicate healthy boundaries.
· Help your loved ones to live inside the Catholic Church amid the faith struggles they may have; and
· Continue to seek guidance from your local priest and other ministry groups.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John Dillon