Family Day set for Sept. 23

    The Archdiocese of New Orleans will celebrate Family Day Sept. 23 as a way of promoting families and the parish family.
    Sponsored by the archdiocesan Family Life Apostolate each year, activities are suggested within parishes to come together as one church to attend Mass and spend the day enjoying their families and other parish families – of all ages and stages of family life.
    All are the Body of Christ guided by the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – who gives strength and graces to know the sacredness of family in ordinary life.
    This year’s theme, “Renewing and Gathering of Family,” reinforces the broad-based meaning of family. The definition includes those who are married or divorced. Parents and children can fall within the categories of adoptive, natural or step. Singles, religious and clergy also are members of a family.
    Families are encouraged to dedicate a special place in the home for a home altar that will bring the family together with Christ as the center. Individual creativity may be shown in the choice of materials for the altar, beginning with a Bible, candle, rosary or crucifix, and addition of ordinary objects of daily life, like personal photos, toys or mementos.
    Many parishes begin Family Day by gathering for Mass, sometimes outdoors, and include picnics, outdoor games, barbecues and other relaxing fun. All are welcome.
    For planning information, contact the Family Life Apostolate at 861-6247.