Resources
Amoris Laetitia - The Joy of Love
Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) is a post-Synodal apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis on love in the family. It was signed on 19 March 2016 on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, and brings together the results of the two Synods on the family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015. It frequently cites their final Reports, documents and teachings of his predecessors, and his own numerous catecheses on the family, as well as contributions of various Episcopal Conferences around the world.
Family Life and Parenting - For Your Marriage
“The joy of love experienced by families is also the joy of the Church” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia, no. 1).
Family life – though not without its challenges – is a great gift! It is in the family that all of us learn what it means to love and be loved, to forgive, and how to maintain relationships over time. The family is called to welcome others, in particular children, and to care for those in need. Content in this section can help families become places of prayer and faith (domestic Churches) and navigate the challenges that come with parenting, extended family relationships, caregiving, and more.
Called to the Joy of Love: National Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry
The document “Called to the Joy of Love: National Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry” was developed by the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Resources for Building a Strong Catholic Family
Strong Catholic Family Faith
Strong Catholic Family Faith seeks to empower parents and Catholic leaders to form faith-filled Catholic families. Research and Church teaching state the importance of parents in the faith formation of their children. They curate relevant content and meaningful experiences so that parents might better pass on the faith to their families and Catholic leaders are equipped to support them.
CatholicHOM
CatholicHOM stands for Catholic Households on Mission. What’s the mission? To help each other love like Christ.CatholicHOM is the first digital platform dedicated to helping Catholic families encounter Christ more meaningfully at home and draw closer to each other by living the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life.
Resources that Address Pornography
Create in Me a Clean Heart - USCCB
The U.S. bishops approved the formal statement Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography (en Español) at their November 2015 General Assembly.
"Everyone, in some way, is affected by increased pornography use in society. We all suffer negative consequences from its distorted view of the human person and sexuality. As bishops, we are called to proclaim anew the abundant mercy and healing of God found in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and through his Church." -Introduction
Pornography's Effects on Marriage & Hope for Married Couples
By Sam and Beth Meier. This article is part of the USCCB "Clean Heart" series and is a companion resource to the USCCB formal statement Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.
Raising Chaste Children in a Pornographic World
We live in a sexually broken culture. In modern times, the prevalence of pornography has become a pressing problem for parents. Here are five steps parents can take to raise chaste children in a pornographic world. This article is part of the USCCB "Clean Heart" series and is a companion resource to the USCCB formal statement Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.
Theology of the Body Resources
Ruah Woods Institute
The Ruah Woods Institute offers resources and K-12 curriculum for growing your God-given identity, written in language made for today’s world.
Envision: Theology of the Body for Middle School - Ascension Press
All hearts, especially the hearts of young people, are hungry for God’s truth about love, identity, and dignity. Middle schoolers today are constantly asking questions about who they are, who they should be, and where true success and happiness can be found. Countless sources—including pop culture, social media, and their peers—are ready to provide them answers. Amidst all the confusion, St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body offers clear answers about our identity, relationships, and sexuality and Ascension’s program makes this timeless wisdom accessible and relatable to middle school students.
Resources that Help Girls Understand Their Cycle
Pearl &Thistle
Pearl and Thistle is Catholic cycle awareness and fertility education for your family. Teaching your kids about cycles and periods can be Catholic, rooted in science, and age-appropriate, but not awkward. Teach them the language of their bodies with catholic courses and resources.
Made for Life
Learn more:
• Viewer’s Guide with discussion questions
• Resource Booklet for priests, deacons, catechists, and teachers
• FAQs on the gift of children and the need for fathers and mothers
Lenten Family Activities
Enrich your family’s Lenten experience with stories, prayers, meatless recipes and more.
Rooted in the history of the Eucharistic Congress, CRS Rice Bowl invites Catholic families in the United States to encounter God and our global family throughout Lent by practicing the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As you and your family experience deeper communion with the Eucharist during this sacred season, may this encounter with the Bread of Life lead you to share bread for life with our sisters and brothers most in need around the world.