Lesson 7

FAMILY

San Beda College Alabang

Religious Education
Department
Prof. Manny T. Cagata
 Dear God, we come before you with
Prayer hearts full of gratitude for
the gift of family, for the love, support and
the joy they bring into our lives. We also
acknowledge the
challenges and difficulties that we face as a
family, and we ask for your
Your grace and guidance to help us navigate
through them with faith, hope and love. May
we always cherish & protect the sacred
bond of family, and may
your blessings be upon us
now and forever. Amen.
 Objectives

Understand the Love and value Promote family

family as an one’s family. values and
institution, its defend the family
important role to from the many
the person and to attacks against it.
the society.
 TOPIC OUTLINE
1 2 3 4 5
INTRODUCTION FAMILY IN CHALLENGE
THE ROLE/PURPOSE CHURCH TEACHINGS
DEFINITION GOD’S PLAN S

.
 INTRODUCTION

“
Family is where we first learn about the world, ourselves, and our
place in it. It is where we develop our values, attitudes, and beliefs.
As Christians, we understand that the family is not just a social unit,
but a sacred institution established by God himself.

Hence, it is our responsibility to nurture and protect this institution, to

prioritize our family relationships, and to pass on our faith and values
to the next generation. Let us respond to the challenges we face with
faith, wisdom, and love, so that our families may be a powerful
witness to the world of God's love and grace.
1 Definition of the family

Family is "the primary unit of

society and the first and vital cell
of society, which is called to play
its part in an ever more mature
and responsible way" CSDC 213

FILIPINO CONTEXT

The Filipino phrase "walang

iwanan" (no one left behind)
emphasizes the value of unity and
loyalty within the family. This phrase
is often used to encourage family
members to stick together through
difficult times.
 FA M I LY

The Minimalist
family is viewed
style isasthe
the
fundamental
value ofand irreplaceable
simplicity, which
institution for the
creates growthand
a luxury and well-
being ofbeauty
its members and for the
stability and development of society.
Pope Francis, in his
letter Amoris Laetitia
has cautioned us
against the tendency
to use the term
"family“ loosely.

Pope Francis

“It is not helpful to talk about

the family in vague, idealistic or
abstract terms.” Amoris Laetitia 32
 THE DANGER OF USING THE TERM "FAMILY"
TOO LOOSELY
1. Dilutes the specific role and purpose of the family as a
social institution
ex. Extended families-involvement in personal affairs, financial dependence

2. Blurs the boundaries between different forms of social

relationships
ex. A story of Liza- who prioritizes her neighbors over family

3. Can lead to a distortion or redefinition of the natural bond

between a man and a woman united in marriage
ex. It is okay to have same sex marriages, since family is how you feel it. (not really a
matter husband and wife)
 The Role and
2 Purpose of the
Family in Society

Filipino
Context
A. Primary agent of
socialization
In Filipino families, children are often
raised with a strong sense of respect for
their elders and for authority figures in
general. This reflects the value placed
on social harmony and obedience to
authority in Filipino culture.
 B. Emotional
support and
nurturing
relationships

The concept of "pagmamano" (blessing or showing

respect by kissing the hand of an elder) is a traditional
Filipino practice that demonstrates the importance of
respect and honor within family relationships.
 3 The Family in
God's Plan
The Catholic faith is deeply
ingrained in Filipino culture,
and many Filipino families
prioritize attendance at church
and religious celebrations as a
way to strengthen family ties
and live out their faith.
 The family is the
original cell of social
life. It is the natural
society in which
husband and wife
are called to give
themselves in love
and in the gift of life"
(CCC 2207)

BIBLICAL In the Old Testament, the family is depicted as

U N D E R S TA N D I N G the primary means through which God's covenant
O F T H E FA M I LY with His people is passed down from generation
to generation.
Ex. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob- heads of the family
Jesus affirms the
importance of the family
D E A L O V A
and teaches that it is
God's plan for humanity.

New Testament
He emphasizes the
sanctity of marriage and
the importance of
honoring one's parents.

Jesus also teaches that

the family is not only
important in this life, but
it also has eternal
significance, as families
can be reunited in
heaven.
 It is where children
It is where persons are
THE IMPORTANCE OF It is the cradle develop their
recognized and learn
FAMILY FOR THE of life and love potentialities, become
aware of their dignity, and responsibility in the
PERSON where people prepare to face their wholeness of their
personhood.
are born and unique and individual
destiny.
grow. .
 IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY FOR
SOCIETY CSDC 213

It is the family that makes a unique and irreplaceable contribution to

the good of society.

The family unit is born from the communion of persons, where

“communion” emphasizes the personal relationship between the “I”
and the “thou”.

The family is essential for the well-being of society, contributing to

the development of individuals and promoting social cohesion and
stability.
 The Value of Marriage
(CSDC 215)
For Catholics, marriage is a
sacrament, a visible sign of
God's grace and love. Through
the sacrament of marriage, the
couple shares in God's life and
love and is strengthened to live
out their vocation as a married
couple..
Marriage provides a stable
foundation for families,
which is essential for the
well-being of individuals
 THE RIGHTS OF
PARENTS
CSDC 241

1 The right to provide

for their children's
basic needs.

2 The right to raise

their children
according to their
beliefs and values.

The right to make

4 The right to protect 5 The right to
3 decisions regarding
their children from transmit their
their children's
harm. cultural heritage to
education.
their children.
 The Duties of Parents CSDC 241

1. The duty to provide a safe and stable home

environment

2. The duty to provide for their children's physical,

emotional, and spiritual needs

3. The duty to educate their children in the faith and

in moral values

4. The duty to prepare their children for adulthood

and independence

5. The duty to respect the dignity and autonomy of

their children
 THE CHURCH
4 TEACHINGS OF FAMILY

The family is the

1 basic unit of society

The CSDC emphasizes that the family is

the "first and vital cell of society" and that
it plays a critical role in shaping the
social, cultural, and economic fabric of
communities.
 Marriage is a
2 lifelong covenant
between a man and
a woman:

The CSDC 226 emphasizes that

marriage is a sacred covenant between a
man and a woman that is intended to be
a lifelong commitment. It affirms the
Church's teaching that marriage is a
natural institution
 The family is a
3 school of love.

The CSDC teaches that the family is a

"school of love" where children learn to
love and to be loved. It emphasizes the
importance of parents as the primary
educators of their children and
encourages families to cultivate an
environment of love, respect, and trust.
 The family has a
4 special role in
society

The CSDC emphasizes that the family

has a unique and irreplaceable role in
society. It serves as a source of solidarity,
support, and care for its members and as
a model for social relationships.
 The Church has a
5 responsibility to
support families

The CSDC acknowledges that families

face many challenges and stresses in
today's world, and that the Church has a
responsibility to support and assist
families in fulfilling their mission.
 5
THE CHALLENGES OF
FAMILY IN THE
MODERN WORLD
Amoris Laetitia par 39-56:

INDIVIDUALISM AND
1 CONSUMERISM
The influence of The impact of consumerism on family life,
individualism on marital including a culture of instant gratification
relationships, including a and a lack of appreciation for the value of
lack of commitment and a commitment and sacrifice
focus on personal
satisfaction Ex. Johnson’s family –Tom/Sarah & Emily-daughter

Example: Jane and John married for 5 years

 THE CHALLENGES
2 OF
COMMUNICATION
Communication is essential to a healthy
marriage and family life.

However, many couples struggle with

effective communication, which can lead
to misunderstandings and conflicts.

When couples struggle with effective

communication, it can lead to
THE CHALLENGES misunderstandings and conflicts that can
OF erode their relationship over time.
COMMUNICATION
 The Impact of
3 Economic and Social
Pressures.

Economic and social

pressures can create
stress and conflict in
families.

These pressures can

lead to a lack of quality
time spent together and
John and Maria, a married couple with two young
can negatively impact
children, were stressed and overwhelmed due to their
marital relationships.
demanding jobs and financial struggles. Their
relationship began to suffer, and they realized they
needed to make a change
 THE CHALLENGES
4 OF RAISING
CHILDREN
Raising children is a rewarding but
challenging experience.

Parents face many difficulties, including

balancing work and family life, dealing with
the demands of their children, and passing
on values and faith.

THE CHALLENGES
OF RAISING
CHILDREN
 COPING WITH
5 CRISIS AND TRAUMA

Families may face crises and

traumatic events, such as
illness, death, or separation.

These events can be difficult to

cope with but can also provide
opportunities for growth and
resilience.

Samantha, a single mother of two, was diagnosed with cancer, which brought her family closer
together. Her children offered emotional support and took on more responsibility, while extended
family and friends also offered assistance. The family emerged from the crisis with a newfound
appreciation for each other and the strength to overcome adversity.
 Forgiveness and
6 Reconciliation
Forgiveness and reconciliation are
essential to the health of a family.
These virtues require humility, patience,
and a willingness to let go of resentment
and anger.
S E V E N S U N D AY S

In the Filipino movie "Seven Sundays," a

family is brought together by their father's
illness and eventual death, prompting
them to confront long-standing issues and
resentments. Through the process of
forgiveness and reconciliation, the family
learns to heal and come together once
again.
QUESTIONS: THINGS TO

1. Describe your family relationships through a PONDER

drawing.

2. Are you contented with the kind of family

relationships you are experiencing right now?
What do you think can each of the members of
the family do/practice/contribute to help your
family become a better and a Christian Family?

3. Write a short prayer for your family.

CONCLUSION ▪ The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the
Church (CSDC) emphasizes the importance of
family as the fundamental unit of society and
God's plan for humanity.

▪ It recognizes the challenges that families face in

contemporary society, such as poverty,
individualism, and the erosion of traditional
values.

▪ The Church's teachings on family, including the

lifelong covenant of marriage between a man
and a woman, can provide guidance and
support to families in navigating these
challenges and promoting the well-being of all
family members.
That in all things,
God maybe
glorified!