The Gift of CFM to Families

CFM Mission

Be doers of the word, and not hearers onlyJames 1:22

“The church speaks clearly of the duties of family members to one another that builds a radiant faith…But the Church doesn’t stop there:it also speaks of the relationships between families and the larger culture, the duty of service, working for the common good, welcoming strangers, and giving voice to the Christian conscience. That is the message: you are the messengers.”

Bishop Anthony Pilla, addressing CFM at Oberlin College, August 1995

Christian Family Movement

Family Ministry+

Social Justice

Rick McCord

Secretariat on Family, Laity, Women & Youth for the USCCB

Address to CFM in 1999 at the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration at Notre Dame

Message: What role can CFM play in the Church in the years to come?

Historical Challenge to the Laity of the United States

Vatican I - How to be Catholic and truly American?

Vatican II - How to be American and truly Catholic?

Rick McCord

1950’s - Family stability as the starting point for people to transform society

since 1960’s family life has unraveled

Today - Family renewal is itself a work of social renewal

Rick McCord

CFM … part of the Church’s public work and witness to the importance of marriage and family life

CFM has a teaching and theological tradition

CFM fosters disciples

Discipleship

Family life is not a cocoon, but a school of Christian living

Disciples are formed and sent out into the world to transform society

Disciples live their values everyday

Juan Hinojosa

Director of the Hillenbrand Institute

Prominent advisor to the USCCB

Keynote address to CFM in 1999: Mission of CFM in the next 50 years

The two faces of the Church

The Church gathered: in the “structure” the realm of “formal” spiritual celebration

The Church scattered: in our homes and workplaces this is where CFM can, does and should operate

Juan Hinojosa

CFM’s Charismthat which we are uniquely able to provide,

because of talent, history, training or disposition

that which sets us apart from other lay organizations

that which is at the heart of the Movementthat unique gift and calling from God

Charism

How does God want us to use our charism to do His will?

When we actualize our charism, we fulfill God’s will and fulfill ourselves

Fulfillment comes when we put ourselves at God’s service – answering His call

Not choosing what we will but choosing what God wills for us

What is CFM’s Charism?

Lay movement focused on the familySmall group orientedFamily to familyPrimarily local, but not neglectful of society

and cultureMethodology that empowers the laity to

transform self, family, societyObserve, judge & act

What must be recovered?

Theological Basis The Mystical Body of Christ

Connection to Apostolic Ministry Social Teachings of the Church Connection to the Bishops

How does God intend us to use our Charism?

Enable the mission of lay apostlesThe vanguard of Christ’s burning concern

for the structures, institutions and culture that either promote healthy families or destroys them

Deeply connected to the vine that is Christ and His Church

How Does God intend us to use our Charism?

To transform the world one family at a timeTo teach our families how to live their faith

in the worldTo be Domestic Church - the church of the

homeTo be Church in the World

The mission of CFM is:

To promote Christ centered marriage and family life

To help individuals and their families to live the faith in daily life

To improve society through actions of love, service, education and example

CFM promotes Christ-centered marriage and family life

Programs Your Marriage: The Great Adventure The Covenant Experience

Networking NACFLM USCCB

CFM helps individuals and families to live the faith in

everyday lifeAnnual programs

small group meetings - OJA integration of Church teachings

Special Programs Everyday Christianity

Mentoring like to like ministry

CFM seeks to improve society

Lesson of Cardinal Cardijn - Observe the World, Judge in light of Christ’s teaching and then Act to transform the world

Living faith-filled lives

Implementing the social teachings of the church

What will you do with this gift?

Leadership

What is your personal charism?Ways you can answer God’s call

lead a group lead a parish CFM organization help the board with programming & hosting

board & Service Team meetings join the National Board of Directors

Leadership

Take what you have learned and pass it on

Start a new group

Invite others in

“Each one, reach one”

God is counting on YOU . . .

And so are we.