Philosophy

The Family Minister exists in a parish community because the Family is the primary teacher of the faith to one another. It is as human families that we come into the presence of God's Family through our Baptism. Thus the human family needs nurturing, strengthening, guidance and attention in order to make straight the path that leads to the very presence of God. It is the task of the Family Minister to safeguard, enrich and enable the dignity of the Catholic human family so that the integrity of God's Family is not only maintained but allowed to blossom with many members.

Therefore, the Family Minister is a family advocate who looks beyond what is seen with the eyes and sees with the heart. Who provides the best possible opportunities for parish families to experience God in the ordinary.

The Family Minister:

* Needs to live a deeply rooted personal faith.

* Walks with others along life's path, to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, and a spiritual sense to aid in the human experience.

* Is concerned with the pastoral, spiritual, and emotional needs of all parishioners, through all stages and phases of life, from the beginning of life to the end.

* Believes that today’s families are very diverse in make-up and welcomes all types of families where they are and not where society thinks they should be.

Family Ministry, therefore, is an all encompassing ministry and has no boundaries when it comes to serving the pastoral, spiritual and emotional needs of the parish families and prospective new parish members. This philosophy emphasizes the value of human life and dignity of the individual person.

By Rosemarie Trester