As members of the church, we each serve others appropriate to our vocations. Priests are called to give of themselves to their parishes and pastoral work in a sacrificial way, to be Christ here on earth: “These ministers in the society of the faithful are able by the sacred power of orders to offer sacrifice and to forgive sins, and they perform their priestly office publicly for men in the name of Christ” (Presbyterorum ordinis, 2). The laity too are called to give of themselves to their families and communities in a sacrificial way, so that others may encounter the Lord by knowing them.

We know from our own experiences of growing up that we are shaped by the family and friends that are part of our lives. The people we encounter and are close to are the ones who form and shape us. We also form and shape others around us.

It is necessary to take these roles seriously and uphold our responsibility to those in our own families appropriately and well. The family holds a special role in the stability of our world as the domestic church. “Christian husbands and wives are cooperators in grace and witnesses of faith for each other, their children, and all others in their household” (Apostolicam actuositatem,11). For those who are married, attending to the needs of marriage is a way to grow in holiness and virtue. For those who are not married, participation in family life—supporting and being supported by parents, siblings, relatives, and close friends—is also of fundamental importance.

Our listening sessions and synodal discussions provided difficult reflections on the troubles that face families today, including division among family members who disagree. The Church asks us to respectfully and lovingly engage with those in our family who may think or act differently from us in social, political, or even religious matters: “This love and good will, to be sure, must in no way render us indifferent to truth and goodness. Indeed love itself impels the disciples of Christ to speak the saving truth to all men. But it is necessary to distinguish between error, which always merits repudiation, and the person in error, who never loses the dignity of being a person even when he is flawed by false or inadequate religious notions” (Gaudium et spes, 28). Growing in this skill can begin by deepening connections across divisions especially in our own families.

Love your family members. Strengthen your relationship with them and renew your commitment to them. This can be done simply by visiting them, hosting them, spending time with them. Find shared interests that can foster real connections. Spend time with the older generations within your family, as well as the younger generations. Find opportunities to create shared memories that can serve as a foundation for enduring difficulties together. Together we can begin to attend to the needs of the world by attending to the needs of those closest to us.

Then, invite your family members to pray with you. Take the relationship that you have with your family members to the spiritual level. After having grounded yourself in a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and the right words. When you speak to your family, do so from the heart. Share why prayer matters to you, how it helps you feel closer to God, and how you’d love to share that connection with them—not out of obligation, but out of love.

It helps to begin with something simple and non-intimidating: a short prayer before meals, a decade of the Rosary, or even just a moment of silence together at the end of the day, especially when the family is facing difficult or challenging moments. Don’t be discouraged if the response isn’t immediate or enthusiastic. People’s hearts often soften gradually. Keep praying for them quietly, and be consistent in your own prayer life—it’s often your example, more than your words, that speaks the loudest. Courage in faith is gentle, persistent, and always rooted in love.