Seoul (Fides Service) - To make the family a major actor in the life of the Church is the main target adopted by the International Family Congress held in Manila in January 2003 as part of the World Day for Families. This target is already being put into practice in Korea through a programme of religious education for families given by nuns.
The programme is producing good results in a number of parishes in South Korea. Sister Catherine Lee Duck-ja, superior of the Sister of Charity of the Most Holy sacrament, head of the Institute for Family catechesis, said the programme has shown to be an effective means of sanctification of families". Catechism for Families programme was launched in 1992 in four parishes and in ten years it has spread to involve 100 parishes helping the life of the family in Korea. "In ten years many parents have joined our programme" Sister Catherine explains. "The aim of the programme, based on building sound inter-personal relations among family member, is to promote active participation of the whole family in the Church and in society" she said.
Sister Catherine added that the programme aims to give family members a leading role in the Church. For example, as UCA News reports, parents are instructed to accompany their children's preparation for First Holy Communion. The programme focuses on communication and mutual respect and knowledge of the family members among themselves. According to several people involved the programme helps families to find new serenity and happiness and this is of much benefit for the Church and for society all over Korea. PA (Fides Service 6/2/2003 EM lines 21 Words: 282)