Saint John today says, “Children, remain in him” {Christ}. Let me offer a way for families to remain in Christ, that also responds to the question they asked John the Baptist. Who are you and Why do you baptize?
This past July, more than 40 internationally recognized social scientists, theologians and pastoral ministry professionals gathered at the University of Notre Dame to explore four critical questions about the renewal of Catholic family life:
- Are Catholic families called to relate differently to each other than their non-Catholic counterparts?
- What does an authentic, family-based spirituality look like?
- How can Catholic parents more effectively practice intentional discipleship at home and raise the next generation of intentional disciples?
- How can we equip Catholic families to be the primary outposts of evangelization and positive social change that Church teaching says they are meant to be?
For three days, experts shared research and insights, resulting in some important takeaways for both Catholic families and people engaged in family ministry. My favorite presentation was by Doctor Greg Popcak and his wife Lisa in which they explored some new ground for the mission of families that relates directly to the anointing with chrism at Baptism. They shared how Baptism allows families to offer ongoing formation in the threefold mission of priest, prophet and king that every Christian receives in Baptism.
The Rite of Relationship offers formation in the common priesthood.
The Rite of Rituals of Connection offers formation in the prophetic mission of baptism.
The Rite of Reaching Out offers formation in the royal mission of baptism.
The liturgy of domestic Church life is the liturgy over which the common priesthood of the laity presides in the home.
How about that as a way to remain in Him this coming year.
