Family Mission Statement for the Catholic Family
Lucia, one of the Fatima children said:
The final battle between the Lord and the kingdom of Satan will be about Marriage and the Family. Don't be afraid, because whoever works for the sanctity of Marriage and the Family will always be fought against and opposed in every way, because this is the decisive issue, nevertheless, Our Lady has already crushed his head.This has turned out to be prophetic. One doesn't have to look far to see the war on the family both from within and in the wider culture. Those to whom this article will appeal don't need to be dragged through an analysis of the culture wars to understand.
In our family, we have come to recognize these attacks, after reading a book by Stephen Covey called "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" we decided to try his recommendation of writing a Family Mission Statement. Our statement is a combination of a Mission Statement and a strategic roadmap, but we would like to share it with your family, so that you can write your own, or use this model. Our 4 year old daughter gave us the idea of having a concept word for each part of which we now call the 5 pillars of the family. They are:
- Consecration to Jesus through Mary and Joseph
- Loving respectful interaction
- Unity
- Sacrifice
- Holy Spirit led
The 5 pillars of the family
Family Mission Statement
Consecration to Jesus through Mary and Joseph
We are consecrated to Jesus through Our Lady under the patronage of St. Joseph. We are committed to each other’s salvation; living intentionally and organizing our lives together so that each may grow in faith and character, and stay active and healthy.
Loving respectful interaction
We are affirming, tender, respectful, self-sacrificing and quick to forgive. With prayerful persistence, we seek God inspired “out of the box” solutions to strongholds as we model a loving marriage for our children.
Unity
We jealously guard our unity when tempted by excessive concern about finances or health; by status at work, in society, or even in Church. We prioritize regular time together praying, talking, playing, practicing family traditions and socializing with like-minded families.
Sacrifice
We are financially responsible; adopting a grateful, self-supporting, honest, tidy, and austere lifestyle. We tithe and are dedicated to the mission of the “Domestic Church” in society. Our home and hearts are open, in an unentangled way, to those who are poor, disabled, or unborn.
Holy Spirit led
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we can make difficult, radical, and well-discerned decisions for the good of our family and wider Christian community.