1. The Call, the Journey and the Mission An Invitation from the Bishops of England and Wales to Reflect on the Gift of Marriage and Family Life. St Columba’s Parish Lenten Gathering 8 th March 2015

2. O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, Graciously grant that we may imitate them in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. We ask this through Christ our lord. Amen. Prayer

3.  To explain in more detail the Bishops’ invitation … Aims of the gathering

4.  To explain in more detail the Bishops’ invitation  To explore ways in which we might accept … Aims of the gathering

5.  To explain in more detail the Bishops’ invitation  To explore ways in which we might accept  To deal with any questions that may arise Aims of the gathering

6.  8 th October 2013 – Pope Francis announced the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This was held in the Vatican from 5 to 19 October 2014, on the theme “The pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelisation”.  We were all asked for input via a questionnaire sent to all Bishops’ Conferences around the world, to be answered by 13 th December 2013. Explanation of the Bishops’ invitation

7.  The Extraordinary Synod was the first of "two stages, forming a single organic unity” with the Fourteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.  This will take place from 4 th – 25 th October 2015, on the theme of “The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world.”  The current invitation from our Bishops is their request for our input to that forthcoming Synod. Explanation of the Bishops’ invitation

8.  The Bishops’ Invitation document poses six basic “Questions for Reflection”:  What are your joys and hopes of marriage and family life today?  What are your struggles and fears of marriage and family life today?  How can we better understand marriage as a vocation?  How does your marriage enrich you?  How does your family life enrich those around you?  In what way, through the abiding presence of God, is your family “salt of the earth and light to the world,” and a place of and for handing on our faith? … and asks that we apply them to our experience of marriage and family life after reading the given scripture passages and using quotes from the teaching of Pope Francis. Exploring ways in which we might accept

9.  Suggestions ways in which we might undertake our reflection:  individually in private  in family/ friends groups at home  In parish “organisation” groups  In shared experience groups e.g. singles, divorced/separated, widows/widowers Exploring ways in which we might accept

10.  Suggestions ways in which we might undertake our reflection:  individually in private  in family/ friends groups at home  In parish “organisation” groups  In shared experience groups e.g. singles, divorced/separated, widows/widowers  Is anyone motivated to undertake organisation of a group for reflection? Exploring ways in which we might accept

11.  The following documents are available on the parish web site:  The Call-Journey-Mission of the Family A 5-page glossy print version, as published by the Bishops of England and Wales (pdf format).  The-Call-Leaflet-4-pages-bw An unadorned 4-page version produced by Shrewsbury diocese. Same text but no graphics, black and white, Word format. Includes diocesan contact details and sets the response deadline of 19th April.  A Response Form  Reflection Document for the Clergy on Marriage and Family Exploring ways in which we might accept

12.  The “Reflection Document for the Clergy on Marriage and Family”, poses questions related to four areas of “Accompaniment” in the clergy’s pastoral ministry:  Accompanying couples in the stage of Engagement  Accompanying couples in and through the celebration of their Marriage  Accompanying those whose marriages break down  Accompanying people who have homosexual tendencies  You may wish to consider these areas in your reflections. Exploring ways in which we might accept

13.  Also available from our Shrewsbury Diocese is a series of six leaflets, each covering one of the Bishops’ questions, and containing:  a Scripture Reading  supplementary “Questions to ponder”  the Bishops’ Question  These leaflets may be a useful resource for (week-by- week?) group discussions. Exploring ways in which we might accept

14.  Opening remarks from Fr Cooke  Comments/questions “from the floor”. Time for discussion/questions