Archbishop Aquila was the keynote speaker yesterday evening at the opening of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers Conference in the Archdiocese of Denver.
We seem to be bombarded with negative news on a regular basis. The social ills in society are numerous and the suffering experienced by many is real. Broken families, crime-ridden neighborhoods, addictions, and other horror stories make the evening news repeatedly. However, the part of the equation that doesn't get much news coverage is the positive side of the story.
There are a multitude of efforts to strengthen families, create safer neighborhoods, provide quality healthcare, and initiate educational opportunities for all. The Catholic Church has been at work doing these things for centuries. If one looks at the far-reaching impact of the ministries of the Catholic Church in regard to education, healthcare, and outreach to the poor, it is evident that the lives of many have been enriched by these services. Unfortunately, the failures of Church leadership since 2002 have captured the headlines and will remain the prevalent story for the foreseeable future. That has hindered, and will continue to hinder, our ability to minister as effectively as we might have without these scandals.
With that being said, I still want to highlight the positive components of what the Church is trying to accomplish. Many people are currently gathered in the Archdiocese of Denver attending the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers Conference. These are dedicated people striving to find ways to strengthen the Domestic Church--The Family. How can we better serve the people entrusted to our care?
Please pray for the success of this conference. The lay leaders in our parishes and in our diocesan offices, along with the clergy and the religious, bring hope to a hurting world as they help our families grow in wholeness and holiness. Whether it is marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, help for troubled marriages, Natural Family Planning, marital and family counseling, or services geared toward specific populations within the family unit, we are blessed to have these dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed leaders serving families. May this conference be a source of learning and renewal for all those present.
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