When it comes to creatively commemorating Humanae Vitae in our parishes, the possibilities are limitless. This page contains a sampling of the many easy ways to honor the encyclical as a beacon of light for our families.
If you wish to share your ideas for commemorating this important anniversary, please send them to the Office of Family Life/Respect Life, dgoodw@dioceseoftrenton.org.
Add the Humanae Vitae document in downloadable form as a link on your parish website and encourage all adult members of the parish to read the document.
Create a parish study group to read and discuss Humanae Vitae and related Church documents in small Christian community settings. If assistance is needed, call Donna Goodwin of the Office of Family Life/Respect Life at 609-406-7400, ext. 5592.
FAMILIA programs give husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, the opportunity to enter into a deeper understanding of the beautiful gift of the sacrament of marriage. Dynamic small group discussions guided by the writings of Pope John Paul II result in practical resolutions. FAMILIA's book-based series of programs act as a tool to help married individuals express a more authentic and active Christian life at home, at work, and in the parish. To start a FAMILIA group in your parish, contact the Office of Family Life/Respect Life, ext. 5558. For more information go to www.familiausa.net.
Offer a parish evening of reflection on Humanae Vitae. Consult with the Office of Family Life/Respect Life for a list of qualified speakers.
Offer an evening for the high-school youth group, a mother-daughter evening, or a father-son evening on Humanae Vitae.
Resources for Priests/Deacons:
Fr. John Baptist Ku, O.P., a Dominican Friar of the Eastern Province, USA, speaks about Humanae Vitae and approaches to preaching this encyclical in parish settings. Fr. Ku is a doctoral candidate in Theology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. From a talk given at the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C. on June 18, 2007. Part 1 of 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u52KP0Km4D8&feature=related
Called to Give Life Resource Book, Jason Adams; contains: 1) brief digests of theological basis of Church's teaching on contraception and blessings of children; 2) transcripts of homilies on sanctity of marriage, dignity of parenthood; Humanae Vitae; 3) easy-to-apply ideas for parish, school, and family formation in Church's vision for marital love. Available from One More Soul Publishers, 800-307-7685, www.omsoul.com.
Contact Us:
Office of Family Life/Respect Life
Diocesan Pastoral Center
PO Box 5147
701 Lawrenceville Road
Trenton, NJ 08638-0147
Phone: 609-406-7400 ext. 5558
Fax: 609-406-7403
Director: Linda Richardson
Coordinator of Marriage Ministries and NFP: Peg Hensler
E-mail: phensl@dioceseoftrenton.org
