Good afternoon!
 
As introduced in the March/April issue of Harvest, the Diocese of Portland has launched the Joy of the Family initiative. A specific theme featured in Amoris Laetitia (“The Joy of Love”) will be highlighted each month. Bishop Deeley encourages you, individually and as a parish, to use these resources to help protect, promote, and strengthen marriage and families in our world. To read Bishop Deeley’s column about the initiative that appeared in Harvest, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/from-the-bishop-march-2017.
 
Each month, a release will highlight the theme including opening and closing prayers, a reading, a passage from Amoris Laetitia, a ‘contemplate’ section, intercessions, weekly suggestions for practical activities, and a reflection from an individual or individuals who possess a special personal connection to the monthly theme. These monthly releases will also appear in the Weekly Mailing.
 
For May 2017, the theme is Joy of Marriage. The monthly resources are attached to this email and also available at www.portlanddiocese.org/sites/default/files/files/JoyofFamilyMay2017.pdf.
 
For a list of the themes proposed for the next 18 months (adjustments might be made), visit www.portlanddiocese.org/JoyFamilyMonthlyThemes.
 
It is hoped developing these themes will help the faithful understand the teachings in Amoris Laetitia and inspire us all to integrate these teachings in our daily lives. A special Joy of the Family section has been created on the Diocese of Portland’s website. The section includes a wide range of resources and will be continually updated. To access the section, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/joy-of-family.