“The complexity of today’s society and the challenges faced by the family require a greater effort on the part of the whole Christian community in preparing those who are about to be married…In this regard the Synod Fathers agreed on the need to involve the entire community more extensively by stressing the witness of families themselves and by grounding marriage preparation in the process of Christian initiation by bringing out the connection between marriage, baptism and the other sacraments. The Fathers also spoke of the need for specific programmes of marriage preparation aimed at giving couples a genuine experience of participation in ecclesial life and a complete introduction to various aspects of family life” Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia #206 Preparing couples to confidently live out their lifelong project is a great joy and responsibility for the whole Christian community. By saying ‘I do’ they begin a journey that calls for great generosity and commitment. It is our task as church to welcome them, help them discern their vocation, and then walk with them throughout the seasons of married life, supporting them as they gradually discover the dignity and beauty of their calling.Preparing couples to confidently live out their ‘lifelong project is a great joy and responsibility for the whole Christian community.These Guidelines for the Preparation of Couples for Marriage express the goodness of marriage and richness of Church teaching in:-An extensive theological preface;-The suggested content for marriage preparation programmes;-The need for training and support of clergy and lay people;-The benefit and impact of the ministry of marriage preparation;-Options for planning local provision of marriage preparation by a collaborative team of clergy and lay people.
"“IT’S A SONG WHICH ILLUSTRATES THE BITTERSWEET PARADOX BETWEEN DISTANCE AND CLOSENESS. PAUL MCCARTNEY RECOGNISED IMMEDIATELY THE RELIGIOUS CONNOTATIONS OF THE SONG. THE WORDS OF THE SONG SPEAK TO A MOTHER’S WATCHING PRESENCE, A COMFORTER OF THE BROKEN HEARTED PEOPLE OF THE WORLD WHOSE ADVICE IS TO WAIT, TO TRUST, AND BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING WILL COME RIGHT IN THE END.”IVOR MOODY ON ‘LET IT BE’Songs For The Soul is a collection of musical musings and discussions from author Ivor Moody. In this book, Moody discusses his own interpretations of popular songs by the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel.Moody sees popular music as a natural extension of his own spirituality, and writes that each of the six songs featured in this book contains “a treasury of blessings”. He argues that whilst the songs are in fact secular that they should not be dismissed or condemned, rather, they are open to spiritual interpretation. That music and the personal meanings we take from it should be incorporated into our everyday worship.Featuring discussions on these classic songs:‘Let it Be’ by The Beatles‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ by Bob Dylan‘The Sounds of Silence’ by Simon & Garfunkel‘Message in a Bottle’ by The Police‘Don’t Let me be Misunderstood’ by Nina Simone‘True Colours’ by Eva CassidyAdvance praise for Songs For The Soul:From ‘Message in a Bottle’ to ‘Let it Be’, Ivor Moody opens up the deepest messages, and lets these old songs be something new in the minds of the reader. Moving seamlessly from Sting to George Herbert, from Nina Simone to St. Paul he finds the hidden treasures and the spiritual nourishment nestled and embedded in popular song and links them to the great themes of scripture and the great spiritual writings of the past”.(Revd Dr) Malcolm Guite"
