In October last year, the Pope and Bishops met in Rome for a Synod on the theme of ‘The Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelisation.’ A further meeting will take place in October this year, and Pope Francis has invited all Catholics to spend some time reflecting on these themes.
This weekend, material is available to help us reflect on this theme; to think, to pray and discuss among ourselves. Please use this opportunity and read the questions on the card for reflection. Our reflection on and experience of marriage and family life are very important, and will feed into the participation of the bishops representing England and Wales.

We are also invited to take a small card called ‘What We Believe’. The Catholic faith and the teaching of the Church enable us to affirm the truth about marriage and family. You can respond in various ways: complete the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/LaityEW2015 or contact the Archdiocesan Family Life
Commission either by email at flc@rcadc.org or by writing to Family Life Commission, Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF3 4LL.

We use this prayer at Mass this Sunday. You could use it during the week too…

Lord Jesus Christ,
you led your disciples up a steep mountainside encouraging them beyond their weariness to follow you. Be with me in my journeying through difficult times.

You revealed yourself in glory as God’s beloved Son. Inspire me to grow in my love for you;
give me glimpses of your heart on fire with love for the whole world and help me to treasure and rest awhile in these moments.

And then you returned with them –
to the ordinary and the everyday.
Help me to listen to you in the ordinary events of everyday life; and give me the grace and confidence
to touch, feed and inspire the lives of others with your love, wherever and whenever the opportunities are laid before me. Amen