Parish Family Ministry

Start small. – Pilot a ministry. Evaluate afterward. Make adjustments as needed.

Provide childcare at all parish events that are designed for adults. – Providing childcare for parents to whom you are looking to minister sends the message that you care about families and understand their needs. The turnout to a parish event is greater when you provide childcare. Guidelines for Safe Environment can accommodate childcare.

Form a committee to address the needs of Family in your parish. – A committee can support the pastor, help determine the greatest need, plan, and pilot a small initiative on which to build.

Designate a Family Ministry Liaison. – Identify a deacon or devoted lay family to be the liaison between the pastor and the diocesan family ministry staff – that can provide support, resources, and training.

Consider the varied developmental stages of family life. – i.e. newly married; retired; the single adult; blended families

The greatest opportunity to shape the family is during the Sunday homily. – Recognize the diversity in family configurations.

Provide opportunity for small faith communities. – Families of similar developmental stage come together for support and encouragement.

Ministry to Men. – There is no greater way to positively impact family life than to minister to the fathers.

Create and provide mobile resources for families on the move. – Compile information and resources that parents and family members can use and access on their mobile devices (see the previous Tools for Catholic resources).

Family Holy Hour where children & parents are welcome and encouraged to visit Jesus. – Parents often avoid this powerful time of prayer for fear that their children may be a distraction or a disturbance. Designing this opportunity for prayer for families allows parents and children to take advantage of it.

Contact your local parish for additional information.