With an eye toward the eighth World Meeting of Families (WMOF) later this year, the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has launched a new adult enrichment series during Lent in support of the family.

The 10-week, self-directed program places special emphasis on individuals, couples, and small groups.

"It presents and reflects on important truths about marriage and the family," according to Carlos Tejeda, director of the diocesan Office for Marriage and Family Life.

The program was created by Kevin Aldrich of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield. It is based on the preparatory catechesis for the WMOF next September in Philadelphia where Pope Francis is scheduled to attend.

The catechesis, Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive, is a 120-page booklet published by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Pontifical Council for the Family.

"St. John Paul II said, 'The future of humanity passes by way of the family.' However, the biggest crisis today is the crisis in the family," said Aldrich. "Because the health of the family is key to the strength of society, to our personal happiness, and to evangelization, I hope we can do something to help our families be more fully alive.

"The preparatory catechesis and the World Meeting of Families are perfect opportunities for us to understand what the family is called to be and to help each family become that," Aldrich continued.

The materials are free although parishes are asked to pay one-half the cost of the booklet for groups they organize. To examine the materials and register for the program, go to www.dio.org/familylife/liom.

More opportunities

Tejeda said that there are ample opportunities for families to share in the joy of the papal visit to the United States later this year including a "Family Fun Camp" at Villa Maria Catholic Life Center, Springfield, June 15-18 and a "Father-Son Holiness Adventure and Pilgrimage," June 18-21. More information on both events can be found online at www.dio.org/familylife/events.html.