About the Year of the Family

During 2009 we are called to be holy families, not just today but throughout our lives. Bishop Aymond has proclaimed 2009 the “Year of the Family” in our diocese. It will be a time of celebration, reflection and formation as we equip ourselves to meet the challenges of Catholic family life in the 21st century.

Our Church teaches that the family is the “domestic Church” and “school of charity” and that as Church, we are all members of the family of God. The Year of the Family will promote understanding of, and reflection on, these principles and support parishes, families, and individuals in living out these principles in the home, parish, and larger community.

Calendar of Events for Year of the Family

Bishop's Letter - English

Bishop's Letter - Español

Audio of Bishop's Letter - English (MP3)

Year of the Family Resources

Many of these documents are in PDF format and require the Adobe Reader software. Get Adobe Reader.

• About Family Flyers (English PDF)
• Advent Family Flyers (PDF)
• Adviento (PDF)
• Lenten Conversations for Families (PDF)
• Household Blessings and Prayers for Lent (PDF)
• Families Eating Together (PDF)
• Familias Comiendo Juntas (PDF)
• Families Hospitality (PDF)
• Tu Familia y La Hospitalidad (PDF)
• My Family’s History (PDF)
• MyFamilysHistory-Spanish
• Preparing for Christ's Birth
• Preparandose para
  el Nacimiento de Cristo
• Taking Care of God's World
• Cuidando el Mundo de Dios
• Reflections For Families
  On The Apostles’ Creed
• Using God’s Gifts To Me:
  Sharing Talents
• Usando Los Dones Que Dios Me Dio:
  Compartiendo Talentos
• Your Family and Loss
• Su Familia y La Pérdida
• Ministering to the Changing Catholic Family
• Car Visor Discussion Guide
• Guía de Discusión Familiar
  para la Visera del Automóvil
• Family Life Office Resource Contacts

Marriage Resources

• 7 Secrets of Successful Marriage
• 7 Secretos Del Martrimonio Exitoso
• Healthy Communication
  in a Sacramental Marriage
• La Comunicación Saludable
  en un matrimonio Sacramental
• Trust Forgiveness and
  Reconciliation in Marriage
• Confianza, Perdón Y
  Reconciliación En Matrimonio

Downloads

• Year of the Family Logos

Download logos for your bulletin

Today's Readings

See the readings for the day, watch videos and listen to podcasts of clergy giving their reflections of the daily readings.

Year of the Family Gospel Meditations

Videos and Podcasts

Each day a member of the clergy from around the country shares a reflection on the Scripture readings from today's Mass. Watch today's video.

Catholic Family Moment podcasts by Dr. Joseph White, Director, Office of Family Life and Family Counseling, Dicoese of Austin.

Teaching Children to Pray
Called to Egypt: Guarding the Souls of Our Children
How Parents of Young Children can Nurture the Marital Relationship

Year of the Family Prayer

Loving and Faithful God,

            You gave us the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who were united in love and lived as a holy family.

            Give our family the charity and wisdom to live like them and to be counted among the holy families of today.

• For the family of nations throughout the world, show us your way to peace and justice.
• For our family, the Church, give us deeper faith and the courage to give witness to you in our daily lives.
• For divided and hurting families, give them peace and reconciliation.
• For my personal family, teach us the sacredness of human love, the value of family life and the humility to let go of ourselves and to care for one another.
• For our deceased family members, give them the fullness of eternal life with you.

Loving Father, may the example and prayers of the Holy Family help my family and all families that we may grow in unity, love and a deeper respect for one another.
Mary and Joseph, please unite your prayer to our own.
We ask this in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.

Imprimatur:
December 28, 2008
Feast of the Holy Family
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Bishop of Austin

En Español

Year of the Family Retreat Series
“With a Little Child to Guide Them”
June 26-28, 2009

Wish you knew how to go about developing an exciting family prayer life? Looking for ways to help your child build a strong base of faith against the challenges of our culture? Pack up the car and bring the family out to Cedarbrake Retreat Center for our Diocese’s first-ever family retreat experience! A retreat focused on the special needs and characteristics of childhood faith will give you the understanding you need and get your family started on the journey to knowing and loving God more and more, together. Sessions will be geared to parents and their 3 to 12 year old children. Child care for children under 3 will be available during adult sessions. The cost is $50 per child under 12 and $75 per adult. If you would like to attend this retreat,
simply e-mail us or call us at (254) 780-2436. We are ready to assist you.