A Word From Deacon Denny

For most, the word “family” conjures happiness, support, love, connection and community. 

The concept of family has been honored throughout history, even before Joseph, Mary and Jesus! The Bible speaks of family throughout its many books and gives us guidance as to what this basic, small community of faith should be focused on.

As time passes and the members of this sacred community change due to aging and maturity, both children and parents must work together for the family unit to maintain a holy and healthy relationship between the various fam-ily members. Early on, each member of the family unit has the shared responsibility—under the guidance, example and influence of the parents—for the family as a small community of faith to cultivate the virtues Christ singled out: selfless love, forgiveness and gratitude. A family with these virtues has the basic qualities for health, happiness and survival.

As Christian families, we need to remember that our greatest help comes from God. We must pray together for the help and graces to imitate and be like the Holy Family. By praying together and through supportive effort, we can maintain a family dedicated to happiness, love, connection and community.