This year, the Church celebrates the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia ("The Joy of Love"); this is a great time for us at Saint Pius to renew our own understanding of and commitment to the Catholic vision of love and family.  Please join us in reading Pope Francis’ beautiful reflections on the joys and challenges of relationships, marriage, and family life.

• What is love?
• What do Catholics believe about marriage and family life?
• Is God still present in my messy and broken family?
• Does the Church understand the challenges of real families?
• How can we as Catholics support couples and families who are struggling?

The full text of Amoris Laetitia is available as a free .pdf download here on the Vatican's website.

You can also purchase a copy at major bookstores or online retailers.

Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11:00 am in the church basement meeting room (access through the stairwell doors in the back of church)

Session 1: Scripture & Spirituality of Family (August 25)
Introduction, Chapter 1, and Chapter 9 of Amoris Laetitia

Click for the discussion guide and prayer prompts for Session 1
 

Session 2: The Vocation & Reality of Family Life (September 1)
Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of Amoris Laetitia

Click for the discussion guide and prayer prompts for Session 2
 

Session 3: Love in Marriage (September 8)
Chapter 4 of Amoris Laetitia

Click for the discussion guide and prayer prompts for Session 3

Session 4: The Joy of Children (September 15)
Chapter 5 and Chapter 7 of Amoris Laetitia

Click for the discussion guide and prayer prompts for Session 4

Session 5: Challenges in Married Life (September 22)
Chapter 6 of Amoris Laetitia

Click for the discussion guide and prayer prompts for Session 5

Session 6: Accompaniment and Discernment (September 29)
Chapter 8 of Amoris Laetitia

Click for the discussion guide for Session 6.

On March 19, 2021 - the fifth anniversary of the publication of Amoris Laetitia - Pope Francis launched a special "Amoris Laetitia Family" year, which will conclude on June 26, 2022.  Learn more and discover resources for family life at the links below!

Official website of the Amoris Laetitia Family Year

"Year of Amoris Laetitia Family" from the USCCB

Office of Marriage and Family Ministry, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Fall 2020
He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ
Study Guide for He Leadeth Me