The Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, stated: “The family, is so to speak, the domestic church,” (Lumen Gentium #11). As such, it is in the context of the family that we first learn about who God is. The family, described by Pope Francis as the “foundational cell of society” (Evangelii Gaudium, #66), has an important role to play in today’s world, particularly in the context of an increasingly secular culture. Indeed, in his 2016 Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis says “The welfare of the family is decisive for the future of the world and that of the Church” (#31). The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the vital duty of parents in relation to their children, stating “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule” (n. 2223). 

Spouses, parents, grandparents and families can find information, inspiration and resources in this section.

Networks and Contacts

Throughout Australia, there are a range of Catholic organisations, groups and movements that seek to strengthen family life. The below list includes some of these organisations. If you know of other organisations that could be included in this list, please contact us at info@nce.catholic.org.au.

Archdiocese of Sydney: Life, Marriage and Family Office
lifemarriagefamily@sydneycatholic.org

Archdiocese of Perth: Centre for Life, Marriage and Family
admin.clmf@perthcatholic.org.au
www.clmf.org.au

Archdiocese of Hobart: Office of Life, Family and Marriage
https://hobart.catholic.org.au/beliefs-and-works/office-of-life-family-and-marriage/

Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn: Marriage, Family and Relationships Office
https://cgcatholic.org.au/marriagefamily/

Diocese of Parramatta: Life, Marriage and Family Office
marriage@parracatholic.org
https://parralmf.org.au/

Diocese of Wollongong: Office of Renewal and Evangelisation
https://www.dow.org.au/directory/office-of-the-bishop/office-of-renewal-and-evangelisation/

Life, Marriage and Family Network
info@marriagerc.org