The family in the modern world, as much as and perhaps more than any other institution, has been beset by the many profound and rapid changes that affected society and culture. Many families are living this situation in fidelity to those values that constitute the foundation of the institution of the family. Others have become uncertain and bewildered over their role or even doubtful and almost unaware of the ultimate meaning and truth of conjugal and family. Finally, there are others who are hindered by various situations of injustice in the realization of their fundamental rights.
Knowing that marriage and the family constitute one of the most precious of human values, the Church wishes to speak and offer her help to those who are already aware of the value of marriage and family and seek to live it faithfully, to those who are uncertain, anxious and searching for the truth, and to those who are unjustly impeded from living freely their family lives. Supporting the first, illuminating the second and assisting the others, the Church offers her services to every person who wonders about the destiny of marriage and the family.
In a particular way the church addresses the young, who are beginning their journey towards marriage and family life, for the purpose of presenting them with new horizons, helping them to discover the beauty and grandeur of the vocation to love and the service of life.
(The above taken from introduction of THE ROLE OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY IN THE MODERN WORLD).
A family is the source of human life, a community of persons and defined as “the Church of the home”, “a little church” and in our case, the domestic Church. A family is also defined as “an intimate community of life and love”. Each member is to live in relation to one another in the spirit of love and service. Thus, Relationship is the fundamental basis of the existence of any community.
The identity of the family comes chiefly from the nature of marriage RELATIONSHIP, which is the foundation of the family. Hence, the role of the ministry is to foster strong family relationships between all members in the family; relationship between spouses, parents & children, among siblings and even that of grand parents. The bond or union of family is of paramount importance in this present fast paced modern world. Any erosion of it would have grave consequences to may lead to the breaking up of marriages and families.
Catholic Marriage Preparation Course
Marriage is perhaps one of the biggest step most people will take in life. It calls for serious preparation. Many negative phenomenons in family life are derived from the fact that, in the new situations, young people not only lose sight of the priority in values (sanctity of marriage, sacredness of life), many also do not know how to face and deal with the new difficulties. But experience teaches that young people who have been well prepared for family life generally succeed better than others. Therefore the Catholic Church has made the CMPC compulsory for young couples intending to get married. In view of the above it is a requirement of our parish, that all young couples inform and register with the church ONE YEAR before their marriage.
Marriage Encounter Weekend
Truly, it is easier for a couple to get married even with all the burden of preparations than for them to stay `married’. The latter entails greater sacrifices in keeping the marriage together since relationship between spouses may change over the years for better or worse.
The Marriage Encounter Weekend is a retreat/program tailored to assist couples to live fully intimate and responsible relationships by providing them with a catholic experience. It is catered for couples who have been married for 5 years or more and is an invitation for couples to take time out from the busyness of living and that of parenting to take a fresh and closer look at their marriage commitment. It is a time for the couple to focus on each other and on their relationship.
Senior Citizen's Group
Too often, older people have existed at the margins of society. Their physical and mental limitations and loss of social networks, coupled with society’s emphasis on youth, have often made older people invisible.
There is a greater need now than before to see the elderly keeping themselves occupied and giving them an opportunity to make a contribution to the church and society at large. This group of people are to be appreciated and recognized for their contributions and services to family, church and society at large. This group consists of individuals of 50 years of age and above. Activities are mainly centered on aspects of health, both spiritual and physical.
Other Programs
Evenings for Parents run by the Archdiocese, is a worldwide enrichment program for parents to better relate to their children. It is a low-key, gentle approach to help parents reflect upon their attitude and mentality towards being parents.
Interested to join?
Kindly contact:
Leslie Tan & Diana Van Huizen
012-254 3777 & 012-365 4322