CST 101: Call to Family, Community, and Participation

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

6 Jan 201603:44

Summary

TLDRThis inspiring script emphasizes the importance of the family as the foundational institution for society, where we learn love, communication, and service to others. It highlights the role of the family in nurturing individuals who contribute positively to the community. The script also touches on the concept of subsidiarity, illustrating the interplay between different societal levels, from the individual to the government, in fostering a healthy and supportive environment. Ultimately, it calls for active participation in community life, rooted in faith and love, to embody the Gospel's message of living love.

Takeaways

🛐 The script emphasizes that God created humans to be both sacred and social beings, highlighting the importance of worship and community.
🏡 Family is portrayed as the first school of communication, where we learn to love, be loved, and give of ourselves, preparing us for community service.
🌐 The central role of the family in society is underscored, with the nurturing and purpose-finding aspects of family life being essential for societal function.
💔 The societal implications of broken relationships, such as in marriage or family, are noted, suggesting that such breakdowns hinder society's proper functioning.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The script speaks to the community's roots in faith, with God's trinity as a model for human relationships based on love.
🙌 Parishes are called to engage actively in their communities, not just as observers but as participants who listen, love, and serve.
🗳 Participation is not limited to voting but includes equipping individuals with resources and opportunities to make an impact.
🏠 The concept of the 'domestic church' is introduced, encouraging the application of faith in daily life and service to the community.
🤝 Subsidiarity is explained as allowing different levels of society to fulfill their roles, with larger institutions stepping in only when smaller ones fail.
🌳 Society is described as an organic reality with various levels of authority, each playing a part in creating a healthy life for all.
👥 The script refutes the modern myth of individual autonomy, asserting that we are inherently social beings who thrive in relationships and community.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of family according to the script?
-The primary purpose of family, as mentioned in the script, is to be the first school of communication where we learn to love, be loved, and give of ourselves, preparing us to serve others in the community.
Why is society said to begin with marriage and family?
-Society begins with marriage and family because these are the foundational relationships where we are nurtured and find our purpose, and from which we extend our service and compassion to others.
How is community rooted in faith according to the script?
-Community is rooted in faith as it stems from the belief that God, who is a community of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, created us to live in relationships rooted in love.
What role are parishes called to play in their community?
-Parishes are called to engage in their community, not as bystanders or observers, but actively living, listening, and loving the people God has placed around them.
What does the script suggest about the desire of most people to be active participants?
-The script suggests that most people are not happy to simply be acted upon; they want to act for themselves and for others, indicating a desire for participation and impact.
What is the concept of 'subsidiarity' as mentioned in the script?
-Subsidiarity is a Catholic principle that emphasizes allowing different levels of society to fulfill their intended roles, from the individual to the government and the church, recognizing that each has a part to play in creating a healthy life for all.
How does the script define the term 'domestic church'?
-The 'domestic church' is defined in the script as the family's role in practicing and embodying the teachings of faith within their home, which then extends into the broader community.
What is the script's stance on the modern myth of autonomous individuals?
-The script refutes the modern myth of autonomous individuals by asserting that we are inherently social beings who thrive on relationships and community.
Why is it important to have relationships according to the script?
-It is important to have relationships because it is in these connections that we can fully live, love, and experience the joy of the Gospel.
How does the script relate the concept of community to the core of the universe?
-The script relates community to the core of the universe by stating that at the heart of everything is a divine relationship, the Trinity, which exemplifies the relational nature of existence.
What is the script's view on the role of different societal levels in addressing needs?
-The script views different societal levels as having a responsibility to address needs at their appropriate level, with larger institutions stepping in only when smaller ones cannot fulfill their roles, thus maintaining a balanced and organic society.

Outlines

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Importance of Family and Community

This paragraph emphasizes the significance of family as the foundational institution for society, where we first learn to communicate, love, and care for one another. It discusses the role of family in nurturing individuals and providing a sense of purpose. The script also touches on the concept of society beginning with marriage and family, and how a broken family structure can impede societal function. It calls for active participation in community life, not just as observers but as contributors, highlighting the importance of the domestic church within the broader Church and the practice of faith in daily life.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sacred

Sacred refers to something considered holy or dedicated to a divine being. In the context of the video, it emphasizes the importance of human beings as creations to be revered and worshipped by God. The script mentions that God created us to be 'sacred to, worship him,' highlighting the intrinsic value and purpose of human life.

💡Social Beings

Social beings are individuals who naturally seek interaction, relationships, and community with others. The video script discusses the inherent social nature of humans, stating that we are 'to love and to live in community and care for one another.' This concept is central to the video's theme of community and relationships.

💡Family

Family is the fundamental unit of society where individuals first learn about love, communication, and giving of oneself. The script describes family as 'the first School of Communications' and the place 'where we find our purpose.' It is portrayed as central to the functioning of society and personal development.

💡Community

Community refers to a group of people living in the same place or having common interests. The video emphasizes the importance of community as an extension of family, where individuals are encouraged to 'go out into a community and to serve other people.' It is depicted as a place for nurturing relationships and serving others.

💡Marriage

Marriage is a social institution underpinning the formation of family units. The script states that 'Society really begins with marriage and family,' indicating that the stability and health of society are rooted in the strength of marital relationships.

💡Compassion

Compassion is the feeling of sympathy and concern for others' suffering, often leading to a desire to help. In the video, compassion is linked to the way society should function, with individuals showing 'love for others with compassion for others.' It is a key virtue in serving and relating to others within a community.

💡Faith

Faith is a deep belief or trust, often in a religious context. The script mentions that 'Community is rooted in our faith,' suggesting that faith provides a foundation for building relationships and communities. It is the core belief system that guides actions and interactions within the community.

💡Participation

Participation is the act of being involved in something. The video encourages active participation in the community, stating that individuals are not just 'to be acted on' but 'to act for others.' It implies empowerment and engagement in community affairs.

💡Domestic Church

Domestic Church refers to the family as a microcosm of the broader Christian Church, practicing faith at home. The script mentions emphasizing 'our own domestic church as part of the broader Church,' indicating the importance of applying religious teachings in daily family life.

💡Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity is a principle that supports local or smaller institutions in addressing issues before larger ones intervene. The script explains it as 'allowing the different levels of society to do the job for which they were made,' highlighting the importance of recognizing and respecting the roles of various societal structures.

💡Autonomous Individuals

Autonomous individuals are those who are self-governing and independent. The script refutes the modern myth that 'we're all just autonomous individuals,' emphasizing instead the social nature of humans and the need for relationships and community.

💡Gospel

Gospel refers to the message concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The video concludes with the 'joy of the Gospel,' suggesting that living in relationships and serving others brings happiness and fulfillment, aligning with the core teachings of the Christian faith.

Highlights

God created humans as sacred beings meant for worship and social interaction.

Family is the first school of communication, teaching us to love and care for one another.

The family is central to society, nurturing us from birth and shaping our purpose.

Society begins with marriage and family, and if these foundations are broken, society cannot function properly.

Community is rooted in faith, with God as the ultimate example of a loving community.

Parishes are called to engage in their communities, living out their faith through love and service.

Participation in society is not just about voting but about having an impact and serving others.

The domestic church is an extension of the broader Church, emphasizing faith in action within the community.

Subsidiarity is a Catholic principle that allows different levels of society to fulfill their roles in helping others.

Subsidiarity recognizes the organic nature of society with various levels of authority contributing to a healthy life.

Involvement in society at different levels is crucial for responding to diverse needs and fostering community.

The myth of individual autonomy is debunked, emphasizing the importance of relationships in our lives.

Relationships are essential to our fullness of life, providing the context for love and joy.

Living in love is central to experiencing the joy of the Gospel.

The importance of being active participants in society rather than mere observers.

The role of the family in preparing individuals to serve and love others in the community.

The concept of the domestic church as a foundation for engaging in and serving the broader community.

The significance of recognizing and supporting the different levels of authority in society for a collective well-being.