<\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/h5>\n
<\/p>\n
The True Definition of Family<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Understanding the family\u2019s importance requires first understanding: what is a family? And an online search may not help. Many varied and even conflicting definitions will be found there.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBut the Church has thought a lot about the family and makes it clear that, at its heart, the family is a tremendous gift!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n![\"Why](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/A-family-mother-fateher-and-toddler-boy-sit-on-the-steps-of-a-house.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Why is family important? Because it, founded on marriage, is the foundation of a strong society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Family is a Gift!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Yes, the family is a \u201ccommunion of persons\u201d (CCC, 2205)<\/a> but it is more! \u201c[T]he family is a gift of God<\/strong>\u201d. (Synod Report to Pope Francis, 5)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe family is \u201ca sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit\u201d! (CCC, 2205)<\/a> It is \u201cthe place where [God] reveals the power of his saving grace.\u201d (Synod Report to Pope Francis, 5)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nFamily reflects the most important and profound reality. It is the<\/strong>\u00a0image of God<\/b>\u00a0who \u201cin his deepest\u00a0mystery\u00a0is not all by himself, but a\u00a0family, since he has in himself fatherhood, sonship and the\u00a0essence\u00a0of the\u00a0family, which is\u00a0love\u201d.\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nAnd the family helps us understand ourselves! \u201cThe family is a<\/strong> kind of\u00a0school<\/strong>\u00a0of\u00a0<\/strong>deeper humanity<\/b>.\u201d\u00a0(Gaudium et Spes, 52)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Family is Critical to Society’s Flourishing<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Family \u201cis the place in which life \u2014 the gift of God \u2014 can be properly welcomed and protected against the many attacks to which it is exposed\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe family “creates an environment in which children can be born and develop their potentialities, become aware of their dignity and prepare to face their unique and individual destiny.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAs \u201cthe fundamental cell of society\u201d (Pope Francis, 66)<\/a> studies consistently highlight that a stable and nurturing family environment positively impacts a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Key findings indicate that children raised in stable families tend to:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n- Achieve better academic outcomes due to consistent support and structure.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Develop healthier emotional well-being, with lower rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Form stronger social skills and better relationships with peers and adults.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
- Exhibit greater resilience in the face of adversity, benefiting from a secure attachment base.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is in the family that children \u201ccan develop in accordance with what constitutes authentic human growth\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTruly, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.<\/strong>” (Pope St. John Paul II, 86)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThat is Why Marriage is Important<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Let\u2019s take a short historical tour demonstrating the Church\u2019s constant understanding of the importance of marriage in creating a family:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n1880: \u201c[H]uman society at large springs from marriage\u201d. (Pope Leo XIII, 17)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n1961: The \u201cfamily is based<\/b>\u00a0upon a marriage which is one and<\/strong>\u00a0indissoluble<\/b>\u00a0and, with respect to Christians, raised to the dignity of\u00a0a sacrament.\u201d\u00a0(Pope St. John XXIII, 193)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n1991: When the Church speaks of the family, “we mean the family founded on marriage”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n2006: \u201c[M]arriage and the family are rooted in the inmost nucleus of the truth about man and his destiny.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n2013: “Marriage\u2026transcends the feelings and momentary needs of the couple\u2026it is not born \u2018of loving sentiment, ephemeral by definition, but from the depth of the obligation assumed by the spouses who accept to enter a total communion of life\u2019.” (Pope Francis, 66)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFamily is the \u201cAnswer\u201d!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>The family is “where we\u00a0learn\u00a0to\u00a0live with others\u00a0despite our differences and to\u00a0belong to one another”.(Pope Francis, 66)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe family\u00a0constitutes\u2026a\u00a0community of love\u00a0and solidarity<\/strong>, which is\u00a0uniquely\u00a0suited\u00a0to\u00a0teach and transmit\u00a0cultural, ethical, social, spiritual and religious\u00a0values,\u00a0essential for\u00a0the development and well-being of its own members and of\u00a0society.\u201d\u00a0(Preamble, E., Charter of the Rights of the Family)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nStrong civilizations have their roots in strong communities, at the core of which stands strong families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\u201cThe future of humanity passes by way of the family.\u201d\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 86)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Family is Under Attack<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
While most will always agree that family is important, much of society acts otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\nHow? By creating alternate definitions of family which divorce family from marriage and its true nature (arising in and from God) and by promoting individualism and consumerism. These weaken the family and puts at risk \u201cthe future of society as a whole\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 6)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIt is not difficult to trace skyrocketing anxiety, depression, violence and other social pathologies to the collapse of the family \u2014<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0that “communion of life and love” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a> and the “original cell of society”. (CCC, 2207)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWe tend to forget that \u201c[m]an is not really himself\u2026except within the framework of society, and there the family plays the basic and most important role.\u201d (Pope St. Paul VI, 36)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Must We Do?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Restoring the importance of family in our culture and laws is critical.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIt is \u201ca\u00a0social\u00a0and even\u00a0economic necessity\u2026to\u00a0hold up to future generations the beauty of marriage and the family<\/strong>, and the fact that these institutions\u00a0correspond\u00a0to the\u00a0deepest\u00a0needs and dignity of the\u00a0person.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Benedict XVI, 44)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cChristians\u2026should actively\u00a0promote\u00a0the values\u00a0of marriage and the family, both\u00a0by the examples of their\u00a0own lives\u00a0and by cooperation with other men of good will.\u201d\u00a0(Gaudium et Spes, 52)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIt is\u00a0urgent\u00a0therefore to\u00a0promote\u00a0not only family policies, but also those social\u00a0policies\u00a0which have the\u00a0family\u00a0as their principle object\u201d.\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 49)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBottom Line<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>We must “Go back to seeing the family as sacred”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe family, built on marriage and reflecting God\u2019s own nature, is eternally relevant and important.<\/span><\/p>\nGetting family right \u2018sets the table\u2019 for society\u2019s flourishing.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is Family?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nTop Magisterial Quotes about Family<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is Marriage?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Top Marriage Quotes from the Church<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nHealthy Families are the Future<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nConsumption and Family Life<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nIs Family Life Today Under Attack?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nTypes of Families and New Definitions<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat Does the Bible Say About Divorce?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nRediscovering the Power of Fatherhood<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Importance of Motherhood<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nLearning from the Holy Family<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nAn Old Fashioned Christmas<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ 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module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Understanding the family\u2019s importance requires first understanding: what is a family? And an online search may not help. Many varied and even conflicting definitions will be found there.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
But the Church has thought a lot about the family and makes it clear that, at its heart, the family is a tremendous gift!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Why is family important? Because it, founded on marriage, is the foundation of a strong society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The family is \u201ca sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit\u201d! (CCC, 2205)<\/a> It is \u201cthe place where [God] reveals the power of his saving grace.\u201d (Synod Report to Pope Francis, 5)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Family reflects the most important and profound reality. It is the<\/strong>\u00a0image of God<\/b>\u00a0who \u201cin his deepest\u00a0mystery\u00a0is not all by himself, but a\u00a0family, since he has in himself fatherhood, sonship and the\u00a0essence\u00a0of the\u00a0family, which is\u00a0love\u201d.\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n And the family helps us understand ourselves! \u201cThe family is a<\/strong> kind of\u00a0school<\/strong>\u00a0of\u00a0<\/strong>deeper humanity<\/b>.\u201d\u00a0(Gaudium et Spes, 52)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The family “creates an environment in which children can be born and develop their potentialities, become aware of their dignity and prepare to face their unique and individual destiny.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n As \u201cthe fundamental cell of society\u201d (Pope Francis, 66)<\/a> studies consistently highlight that a stable and nurturing family environment positively impacts a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Key findings indicate that children raised in stable families tend to:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n It is in the family that children \u201ccan develop in accordance with what constitutes authentic human growth\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Truly, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.<\/strong>” (Pope St. John Paul II, 86)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1880: \u201c[H]uman society at large springs from marriage\u201d. (Pope Leo XIII, 17)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1961: The \u201cfamily is based<\/b>\u00a0upon a marriage which is one and<\/strong>\u00a0indissoluble<\/b>\u00a0and, with respect to Christians, raised to the dignity of\u00a0a sacrament.\u201d\u00a0(Pope St. John XXIII, 193)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1991: When the Church speaks of the family, “we mean the family founded on marriage”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 2006: \u201c[M]arriage and the family are rooted in the inmost nucleus of the truth about man and his destiny.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 2013: “Marriage\u2026transcends the feelings and momentary needs of the couple\u2026it is not born \u2018of loving sentiment, ephemeral by definition, but from the depth of the obligation assumed by the spouses who accept to enter a total communion of life\u2019.” (Pope Francis, 66)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe family\u00a0constitutes\u2026a\u00a0community of love\u00a0and solidarity<\/strong>, which is\u00a0uniquely\u00a0suited\u00a0to\u00a0teach and transmit\u00a0cultural, ethical, social, spiritual and religious\u00a0values,\u00a0essential for\u00a0the development and well-being of its own members and of\u00a0society.\u201d\u00a0(Preamble, E., Charter of the Rights of the Family)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Strong civilizations have their roots in strong communities, at the core of which stands strong families.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe future of humanity passes by way of the family.\u201d\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 86)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n How? By creating alternate definitions of family which divorce family from marriage and its true nature (arising in and from God) and by promoting individualism and consumerism. These weaken the family and puts at risk \u201cthe future of society as a whole\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 6)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n It is not difficult to trace skyrocketing anxiety, depression, violence and other social pathologies to the collapse of the family \u2014<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0that “communion of life and love” (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a> and the “original cell of society”. (CCC, 2207)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n We tend to forget that \u201c[m]an is not really himself\u2026except within the framework of society, and there the family plays the basic and most important role.\u201d (Pope St. Paul VI, 36)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n It is \u201ca\u00a0social\u00a0and even\u00a0economic necessity\u2026to\u00a0hold up to future generations the beauty of marriage and the family<\/strong>, and the fact that these institutions\u00a0correspond\u00a0to the\u00a0deepest\u00a0needs and dignity of the\u00a0person.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Benedict XVI, 44)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cChristians\u2026should actively\u00a0promote\u00a0the values\u00a0of marriage and the family, both\u00a0by the examples of their\u00a0own lives\u00a0and by cooperation with other men of good will.\u201d\u00a0(Gaudium et Spes, 52)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt is\u00a0urgent\u00a0therefore to\u00a0promote\u00a0not only family policies, but also those social\u00a0policies\u00a0which have the\u00a0family\u00a0as their principle object\u201d.\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 49)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The family, built on marriage and reflecting God\u2019s own nature, is eternally relevant and important.<\/span><\/p>\n Getting family right \u2018sets the table\u2019 for society\u2019s flourishing.<\/span><\/p>\n What is Family?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Top Magisterial Quotes about Family<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n What is Marriage?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The Top Marriage Quotes from the Church<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Healthy Families are the Future<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Consumption and Family Life<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Is Family Life Today Under Attack?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Types of Families and New Definitions<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Rediscovering the Power of Fatherhood<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The Importance of Motherhood<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Learning from the Holy Family<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n An Old Fashioned Christmas<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/the-family\/” button_text=”More About The Family” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/rediscovering-the-power-of-fatherhood\/” button_text=”The Power of Fatherhood” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nFamily is a Gift!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Yes, the family is a \u201ccommunion of persons\u201d (CCC, 2205)<\/a> but it is more! \u201c[T]he family is a gift of God<\/strong>\u201d. (Synod Report to Pope Francis, 5)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Family is Critical to Society’s Flourishing<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Family \u201cis the place in which life \u2014 the gift of God \u2014 can be properly welcomed and protected against the many attacks to which it is exposed\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
That is Why Marriage is Important<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>Let\u2019s take a short historical tour demonstrating the Church\u2019s constant understanding of the importance of marriage in creating a family:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFamily is the \u201cAnswer\u201d!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>The family is “where we\u00a0learn\u00a0to\u00a0live with others\u00a0despite our differences and to\u00a0belong to one another”.(Pope Francis, 66)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
The Family is Under Attack<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
While most will always agree that family is important, much of society acts otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Must We Do?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Restoring the importance of family in our culture and laws is critical.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBottom Line<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/span>We must “Go back to seeing the family as sacred”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 39)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSign Up For Our Newsletter:<\/h4>\n