Network of family groups to be established

THE LEADER of the Irish Church is hoping to establish a network of Catholic family support groups in dioceses and parishes in the run-up to the World Meeting of Families in Dublin in 2018.

In his keynote address at a conference hosted by The Irish Catholic newspaper and the Iona Institute on the challenges for Ireland from the Synod on the Family, Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Primate of All Ireland, said that the network would grow from cells or clusters of Catholic families within parishes and dioceses.

These “families of families” would present a clear, positive and challenging vision of Catholic teaching on the family and marriage as well as effective networks of support to assist with marriage preparation and the years immediately following marriage.

Ahead of the Irish general election, which was called this week for February 26, the primate encouraged Catholics to challenge politicians about their stance on the  family. He indicated to The Tablet that the right to life would be a major issue for the Church in the election.