There are two Church events coming up regarding the institution of the family which may merit a little place in your prayer life.  First is an event at the Vatican in October – an Extraordinary Assembly of the  Synod* of Bishops which will examine  “The pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelisation”.  For this one the Holy Father is specifically asking for YOUR prayers, that the whole process be guided by the Holy Spirit:

Dear families …

This Synodal Assembly is dedicated in a special way to you, to your vocation and mission in the Church and in society; to the challenges of marriage, of family life, of the education of children; and the role of the family in the life of the Church. I ask you, therefore, to pray intensely to the Holy Spirit, so that the Spirit may illumine the Synodal Fathers and guide them in their important task.

The second event is a little more than a year away and will be more local.   Philadelphia is host to the upcoming World Meeting of Families on September 22-27, 2015.  The theme is LOVE IS OUR MISSION: THE FAMILY FULLY ALIVE and the goal is to strengthen the bond of family life around the world, especially through the support of the Church.

It’s a huge privilege to be hosting this meeting in America and we expect additional blessings to American families as this topic is sure to be a prominent news story next fall.  Please pray with us, that the Holy Spirit would unleash amazing graces to all who participate, both in person and in spirit!

* For more on just what a “synod of bishops” does, click here.