Franciscan already working to strengthen marriages and families ahead of report
The B.C. Catholic
The priorities and goals for the Archdiocese of Vancouver for the near future have not been officially announced, but some Catholics are already getting a head start.
“We are getting a jump on them,” said Sister John Mary Sullivan, FSE, of the archdiocesan Life, Marriage, and Family Office.
The Franciscan sister from Arizona, who has worked as a family therapist for eight years, landed in the archdiocese in the fall.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been asked to take a really strong initiative in getting programs that benefit both marriages and parents.”
It’s an issue that has grabbed the attention of Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. Though he hasn’t yet released his official priorities and goals for the near future, something he is expected to do soon, he gave a sneak preview of what they will be at the One Conference March 5.
“The ever-present demands and messages of our wider culture pull many couples and families away from a close relationship with Christ and His Church,” he said during his opening address. “If they are to experience God’s mercy, live it, and share it, they need our support.”
He also listed three other priorities: encouraging Catholics to foster personal relationships with Christ, to take on leadership roles in parishes, and “to make every Sunday matter.”
Sister Sullivan said Archbishop Miller called strengthening marriages and families a priority because he sees the need.
“The more we see that our culture no longer supports our understanding of marriage and family, the more we see there is less of that real, basic formation,” in things like communication and conflict resolution, she said.
Sister Sullivan is working hard organizing workshops for families to learn and improve these vital skills. The first, on emotional intelligence for parents, will run at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish April 5, 12, and 19.
“The first step toward being the type of parent you want to be is to understand the world in which your children are living,” explained workshop leader Luz del Carmen Odiardi.
She will talk about parenting challenges unique to the 21st century and help parents recognize how their emotions influence their actions.
“The goal in parenting is to make time to engage and connect with your children and understand their needs.”
Also coming up are workshops on communication and conflict resolution for the whole family. Those will be held at St. Jude’s Parish April 28 and May 5 and 12.
“It’s important that we learn how to (handle conflict) well and see it as an opportunity for growth,” said Emi Garzitto, who will lead that workshop.
“This is my passion. I am very aware that when we learn how to do this well, it’s transformational. What did Christ do? He was a master at engaging individuals in conflict. It wasn’t about power. It was about being heard.”
A workshop for couples is also planned for St. Jude’s May 25.
In addition to putting on these events, Sister Sullivan plans to promote organizations that already exist, like Worldwide Marriage Encounter and Retrouvaille, and encourage parishioners to start their own support groups.
“Just as the family is the basic cell of society, it is the basic cell of the Church,” she said. “We do not have the Church without family.”
