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WHO SHOULD JOIN THE HOLY FAMILY INSTITUTE
"Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge
before my heavenly Father."
Matt.10:32 |
IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS - Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page
through THIS LINK
The Pauline Family has one great mission. We bring the knowledge
and love of Jesus Christ to the whole world, using all of the
modern means of social communication. COME AND JOIN US!
SOME DEFINITIONS
Religious Congregation
A group of celibate men or women committed by religious vows to prayer and activity in community.
Secular Institute
A group of either priests, single men, single women or married people who live in regular homes - the priests usually live in rectories - and do normal jobs, but have committed themselves by Church-sanctioned vows to the rule and lifestyle proper to their Institute.
Third Order
Men or women, married or single,who identify with the prayer and spirituality of a First Order, viz. Franciscans, Carmelites or Benedictines. In recent years the term "Third Order" has been dropped in favor of e.g. "Secular Franciscans". Their commitment is of a different nature than the commitment of e.g. a member of their First Order.
The Holy Family Institute
A Religious Institute made up of married or widowed people which is "aggregated" to, or is a branch of, a larger Religious Family, the "Pauline Family". Its members make Church-sanctioned religious vows, as in Secular Institutes, adapted according to the conditions of the married state and the normal requirements of family life.
Membership in the Holy Family Institute is open to any Catholic husband and wife who lead
normal lives and observe the teaching of the Church in their
marriages. There is no upper age limit or special
educational requirements. Widows, widowers and childless
couples are also eligible.
IN PARTICULAR . . .
Pro - Life activists should consider membership: the
media are constantly promoting promiscuity within marriage
and outside it and this undoubtedly adds to the number of
abortions. And, of course, the anti-life bias of the media
is well-known.
Knights of Columbus may wish to add the great value
of the vowed and consecrated life to their present activity.
The Knights have always defended the family and the HFI
blends very well with their apostolates . .
Teachers generally and CCD people in particular can
find support for their difficult work in their relationship
with the Pauline Family and their activity is a fine
expression of their HFI commitment.
Writers and Artists of every kind can associate their
lives and work to similar work being done by Pauline Family
members.
Cursillistas are those who have made a Cursillo retreat.
St. Paul is the patron saint of the Cursillo movement.
IN A WORD . . . It is not easy to think of someone
who will NOT profit by HFI membership - and the HFI
will equally profit as members contribute their time,
talents and energies to it. Even if there are problems in
your marriage, why not contact us anyway. We may be able to help.
WHAT THE HFI DOES FOR YOU
Sends you a monthly package containing an audio cassette,
a monthly Newsletter or Bulletin (CONCORD), and a PAULINE
THOUGHT-A-DAY with thoughts from Fr. Alberione's writings
for each day, plus a selection of items of family interest
from other sources.
Sends occasional VIDEOS of which three in particular deserve
mention: the first produced by HFI members in Baton Rouge
and discussing how HFI membership combines with their
daily family lives; another illustrating some Pauline
activities and personalities in the States and a third
(doubtless the most interesting !) featuring videos sent
in by members themselves showing aspects of their lives
and families. Others are in preparation.
Sends personal replies to the letter you are invited to
write every month and, if required, puts you in touch with
others who may like to get to know you.
IN A WORD . . . your preparation for vows is most
thorough and detailed and in return you are invited to
follow the materials sent and assist the HFI with your
offerings.
THE MEANING OF VOWS
IT SHOULD BE CLEAR that Vows are never to be seen as
an irrational restriction on human living. On the contrary
their purpose is to make a normal life as spiritually
profitable as it can be.
This has not always been clear in the past. "Vows" tended
to be seen as self - denial rather than what their
name implies, i.e. de - VOW - tion ( de - vo - tion ) or
dedication or giving , not negating.
The HFI VOW OF POVERTY, therefore, implies first
of all that the member give to family, lawful debtors,
State and Church - just as every Christian does. The member
may - ought to - live a productive life, take normal
vacations, provide for the future, for sickness and for
old age. Normality is to be the key of the vowed
life in every situation - Jesus' life was totally "vowed"
but it was never abnormal. Bizarre modes of dress, fasting
apart from Church regulations or other similar practices
form no part of the HFI Vow of Poverty. What is required
is a positive appreciation of the tremendous
spiritual poverty of humanity and a keen desire to
do what one can to alleviate it.
OBEDIENCE IN THE HFI is first of all in the home
: husband and wife "anticipating each other in showing
respect" (Rom. 12, 10 ). It is also manifested outside
the home in respect for lawful authority, for one's
employers or employees, for neighbors, etc. Toward the
HFI it is shown by diligence in studying the materials
sent, by making inquiries on doubtful points, by
endeavoring to turn one's talents toward HFI goals and
by considering every situation in the light of HFI
principles.
CHASTITY in the HFI is the same as Catholic
married chastity everywhere. It does not require special
comment.
IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS - Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page
through THIS LINK
May the Divine Master bless you and those you love.
Would you like more information about the Holy Family Institute?
Be an
Contact:
Fr. Tom
PO Box 498
Canfield, OH 44406-9946
FAX:
1-330-533-1076
(Don't forget to include your postal address.)
E - Mail:
helmhfi@intersurf.com
(Don't forget to include your postal address.)