Marriage and Family

Marriages and families are a treasure of society and the whole Church. Marriage witnesses to the joy of living a life in communion and in service to others. Because spouses are called to love like Jesus, radically giving of themselves—Christian marriage also expresses and communicates God’s love. In the Sacrament of Marriage, spouses receive a special grace from God to live the vows they made to each other on their wedding day. Marriage is not easy but we know that Jesus is always with us, and he is present in our marriages—always ready to redeem and heal.

While no family is perfect, our families are where we first learn how to receive and give love. It is from within the family that love is communicated and experienced—between husband and wife, parents and children, siblings, extended family, friends and the wider community.

The family home is also the place where faith is nurtured and passed on. The home is where we see and learn how to love, pray and serve. It is the place where we learn to grow in virtue and to learn the way of Jesus. By their love for one another, as well as their words and actions towards others, Christian families speak to others of Jesus. What happens within the homes of families is indispensable to the mission and life of the Church and the wider community.

In today’s world, more than ever the family is called to be a centre of outreach, love and faith. The home is a wonderful place for all to be welcomed into the life and love of Jesus. A family can live their call to be a domestic church by sharing a meal with neighbours, or by simply lending a listening and loving ear to someone in need. When a family reaches out, especially to those in need, it participates in the mission of the Church. Open and caring families find a place for others and build friendships and relationships with those around them. While there can be a temptation to wait until the family is ‘perfect’ before inviting others in, seeing the messy reality of family life can be a source of encouragement to others. It is also a place where those who may not have had an ideal family life—or who have no family—can come to find love, safety and care. In this way, families are called to open their doors and to let their love shine.