Families

The Holy Father's Prayer for Families

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate the splendor of true love; to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families, too, may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching synod of bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability

of the family and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

graciously hear our prayer.

Amen.

Families Always Matter is a website intended to affirm families in their importance to God,

the Church, to society and to each other

Families Always Matter is a website intended to affirm families in their importance to God,

the Church, to society and to each other. Click here to visit this website.

As a result of historic events in the life of our Church, families and family life have been the topic of conversation throughout the world. The Diocese of Erie wants this conversation about families to continue. This website is our attempt to keep families informed and supported. Let's continue to pray for families. God bless families all around the world!

Here's a sampling of what your will find at the Family Resources page.

Resources for Couples - getting married, already married, marriage enrichment
Resources for Parents - Parent Compass Show with new episodes on Fridays.
Resources for Families - fun ideas, resources for kids

Learn about Families of All Kinds

"All families are different, but rooted in similar ways."

Enduring love

26 Sep, 2023

“Without self-giving and seeking forgiveness love does not last; it does not endure.” — Pope Francis Reflection: When was the last time you did something for someone else out of love, expecting nothing in return? Is there someone you need to ask forgiveness of or who is seeking forgiveness from you? This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese

Grace-filled joke

26 Sep, 2023

An old joke tells of a farmer standing proudly by his field of corn. A traveling preacher was passing by and said, “You know, you and the good Lord are partners in creating this field.” The farmer replied, “That may be, but you should’ve seen the place when God was the sole owner!” This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

To be first, be last

26 Sep, 2023

In reflecting on all that Jesus taught, St. James realized that we must “be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves” (Jas 1:22). James knew that we have a tendency to remain complacent and inactive, telling ourselves in our heads that we are people of faith, but then not allowing Jesus’ call to love and service to have an impact on our lives. Yet Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35). Every day provides an opportunity to serve others, often simply and quietly with little notice by the people around us. St. James tells us that if we do not take these opportunities and act on them, we delude ourselves into thinking we are Christians even while we fail to do as Jesus commands. For some of us, being the “last of all and the servant of all” comes naturally and easily; for others, such living is a real challenge. How is your life shaped by such humble service? In what ways do Jesus’ command and James’ wisdom provide direction, encouragement and challenge for you at this time in your life? This article comes to you from Grace In Action ( Our Sunday Visitor ) courtesy of your parish or diocese.

September 26, 2023

26 Sep, 2023

Lk 8:19-21 Jesus is told that his family has arrived. They cannot get through the crowd to see him. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach his followers that being related to him is not about blood ties. It is about those who follow him hearing and acting on God’s word. There are so many people who do not know, do not understand, or completely reject being part of a spiritual family, made in the image and likeness of God. Let us pray for them today. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.