Family Week 2021
This week is set aside by the Catholic Church to recognise and celebrate the vital role that families play in forming our values and wellbeing, Family Week will be held from 8 August – 14 August 2021 and is an opportunity for Catholic school communities to celebrate the important role of families in Catholic education in Australia.
As we all work together to face the challenges we are currently experiencing, a focus on family is even more important. We acknowledge and are thankful for the role all families play in the foundations of Catholic Schools and our society.
This week recognises the significant contribution of families, and coincides with the Feast Day of Australia’s First Saint, Mary MacKillop, who was a passionate educator and advocate for children and families. Sunday the 8th August was Mary Mackillop’s feast day. Below are just five ways families contribute to each member and the greater community, and from our families to yours we pray that you continue to have the strength and courage it takes to raise and nurture a family during difficult times, the faith to know that even though it’s tough it’s worth it and the wisdom to seek advice or help when you need it.
#1. Families set the stage for future relationships
The very first relationships a child has is with their parents and any siblings. These relationships provide a model for what future relationships will look like. It’s often not a conscious decision, but for better or worse, people often choose partners and friends based on how similar they are to their family. Family dynamics repeat themselves and reinforce beliefs about relationships and self.
#2. During challenging times, people need a family they can rely on
When life gets hard, people need support. This can be emotional and/or financial support. Someone going through rough times will turn to their family if they trust them to provide encouragement and love. Feeling accepted and understood during a personal crisis is a basic need for people. Families – whether traditional or chosen – can provide that.
#3. Families can be an essential source of affection and encouragement
In good or bad times, families can provide the affection and encouragement a person needs to be content. It can be difficult to find friends or purpose in adulthood. If a person has a strong family, they’ll always be able to find the love and support they need. With their family behind them, a person will find the motivation and courage for success.
#4. Families foster a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself
Families are hubs of tradition. Many families carry on traditions through the years by sharing stories from the past. This creates connections with family members that aren’t around anymore. A person who grows up in this type of family feels like they belong to something bigger than themselves. They’ll pride in being a member of a community that’s gone through hardships and triumphs.
#5. Healthy families form the backbone of a healthy society
When families are strong, communities are strong. That naturally leads to a strong society. Society is deeply invested in the strength of families because there’s a domino effect. If families aren’t doing well, a nation will suffer. If families are happy and healthy, the nation benefits.
