WORKS OF MERCY: ACTS OF LOVE

The book invites families to grow in faith by putting Christian love into action as mercy-workers using the Observe-Judge-Act method. Each chapter addresses one or more of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy through prayer, Scripture reflection and social inquiry. In the course of the social inquiry, families observe their experiences and the experiences of their neighbors, far and near. Then, judge these experiences in light of Christ’s teaching. Actions are suggested which put our faith to work transforming homes, parishes, and communities through love, service, education, and example. It is in confronting seemingly overwhelming problems such as hunger and homelessness, in reaching out to those who are experiencing doubt, and in offering our prayers for others that we answer our call to Christian discipleship. And, it is in the everyday acts of love within our homes, neighborhoods, and churches that we are mercy-workers. We put our faith into practice by answering a child’s call for a drink in the middle of the night, comforting a grieving neighbor, or donating clothing to a family dealing with the consequences of a devastating fire. This book will challenge and support families striving to live the Gospel every day responding with Works of Mercy, Acts of Love. Click here for the Table of Contents.

Click here for a Bonus Chapter, "Admonish the Sinner".

MARRIAGE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Healthy marriages are good for children, families, and society as a whole, but marriage as an institution is struggling. At stake is more than the happiness of any particular couple. The Church, the government, professional counselors and educators have launched initiatives and programs to improve marriage, but everyday Christians also have a responsibility to act. Anyone—married, single, or single again—can Observe, Judge and Act for the future of marriage and family life. Marriage Makes a Difference will guide groups to promote healthy and holy marriage for the good of this generation and those to come. This book will look at marriage in contemporary American society, help us reflect on what makes marriage healthy and holy, and discover ways to encourage anyone who has made a commitment to live this vocation. Click here for the Table of Contents.

Note: To give you a "taste" of this book, we have put a chapter for you to view or download:

• Click here to view Chapter 3. This requires Adobe Acrobat.

FAMILIES CHOOSE LIFE

"Families Choose Life" because it is the way to happiness, health, love and justice. Christ calls every family, at whatever age or stage of development, to follow his way and make a difference in the neighborhood, parish, school and workplace. Individual families can create a network of support that helps them pass on their faith to the next generation, strengthen their marriages and families, and transform their society. This 10-meeting CFM program book invites families to join the Christian Family Movement in spreading the Gospel of Life. Click here for the Table of Contents.

INTENTIONAL CHRISTIAN FAMILIES

"Intentional Christian Families" offers support for anyone who wants to keep the faith, and strengthen it, in the midst of a society that has become indifferent, even hostile, to Christian values. This inquiry is a timely 10-meeting book, inviting participants to improve their family life by taking control of the things that matter at home and in the everyday world. It is not just about confronting bad behavior, violent entertainment or the evils of materialism. It is about a choice to make God’s love a reality in everyday situations and relationships. Each chapter offers practical insights as participants explore how to prioritize their time, tame the tools of technology and incorporate Christian teaching into daily life. This book is for people of faith who choose and confirm their Christianity every day, who want to develop a support system with other individuals and families and who take the challenge of living a life of Christian witness and service. In short, it is for those who choose to live their faith on purpose, as Intentional Christian Families. Click here for the Table of Contents.

DISCOVERING JESUS

Jesus, the Word of God, was at home in our world. He was no stranger to work or disease or pain. As the drama to his death and resurrection unfolded, he challenged others to live lives of generosity and freedom. He invited others to join him in thsi mission. Discovering Jesus: Who do you say that I am? reflects on the Good News of the Gospel according to St. Mark and applies it to the events that make up the fabric of family life. This book also responds to the desire many have expressed to know Scriptures better. This engaging 10-meeting book invites participants to improve family life and society through a deeper relationship with Jesus. Click here for the Table of Contents.

HOMEMADE DISCIPLES

"What a beautiful baby!" said a visitor. "Thank you! said the proud father. "We made her ourselves." With God, of course, we would add. We know where babies come from. But where do disciples come from? We make them ourselves. With the help of God, of course, and the believing community. Homemade Disciples guides CFM families to see themselves as domestic church described in the Christian tradition. This book features ten meetings that discover the ways families act as a "church of the home." Each meeting contains an additional activity suitable for adults and children. Click here for the Table of Contents.

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD

The teachings of the Catholic Church over the last one hundred years have stressed the responsibility of lay Christians to build a more just society. Building a Better World explores these concepts in the context of family life. The three key areas of the Church's teaching are emphasized: the dignity of the human person and common good, solidarity and concern for the poor, and stewardship. Three of meetings are intergenerational and experiential. Click here for the Table of Contents.

A section on the CFM website, www.cfm.org, provides background for the meetings and include links to further research on the topics and action ideas for groups. Click here for the background guide in RTF format or PDF format.

EVIDENCE OF FAITH

In this ten meeting book, the topics revolve around the presence of faith in our lives and the lives of our families. A vibrant faith manifests itself in actions designed to serve God and others. We invite you to examine the characteristics of mature faith and support and encourage one another in strengthening them. Click here for the Table of Contents.

LOVE STILL HAPPENS IN FAMILIES

CFM published "Love Happens in Families" in 1974 as a special program book to strengthen families as "a viable and necessary part of the social and spiritual order," by helping families develop closer ties and foster Christian values. In 2001 families need stregthening more than ever. "Love Still Happens in Families" expands on the themes of the earlier program to include adult meetings as well as family home meetings. It has been written to reflect the life and times of the 21st Century. We believe that you will find these 13 meetings challenging and enriching, and that they will provide a rewarding starting point for enhanced communication and understanding both within and among families. Click here for the Table of Contents.

LIVING THE JUBILEE: New Growth from Fallow Fields

This l5-meeting program was produced in the hopeful spirit of the Great Jubilee Year. It recognizes the deep need of families today to step back from hectic living to reorder their priorities and renew their strength. Individual meetings are based on the Jubilee call found in Leviticus 25. This book offers families concrete ways to live their faith. Click here for the Table of Contents.

Note: To give you a "taste" of this book, we have put out two chapters for you to view or download:

• Click here to view Chapter 1 or Chapter 2. This requires Adobe Acrobat.

SEASONS OF THE SPIRIT

This program celebrates the seasons of life. The book is composed of 13 chapters which are divided into the four seasons of the year. Each meeting focuses on a specific time or occasion. The chapters are written for adult use, however each chapter has either a family component or a children's supplement, so that children may be involved in the meetings. Click here for the Table of Contents.

Note: To give you a "taste" of this book, we have put out chapters 4 and 5 for you to view or download:

• Click here to view Chapter 4-Advent or Chapter 5-New Years. This requires Adobe Acrobat.

CHRISTIAN FAMILIES: Into the New Millennium

This program provides firm footing for Christian families who face complex moral issues on their journey into the twenty-first century. Each chapter invites families to follow a path of confidence in God and in each other, as they confront the real-life challenges and opportunities of living as Christians in the world today. Click here for the Table of Contents.

FAMILIES: WHOLE AND HOLY

This 14 meeting program explores holiness - family style. It helps parents to recognize the many ways in which holiness permeates the day-to-day life of a family. Individual chapters deal with issues that affect every family. Parents are challenged to observe and judge how Jesus is working in the ordinary happenings in their families. Then they are called to action. Click here for the Table of Contents.

YOUR MARRIAGE THE GREAT ADVENTURE - $10.00

A CFM introduction option for young marrieds or it may be used as a marriage enrichment program. Thirteen meetings designed for couples who want to strengthen and enrich their marriage. Click here for the Table of Contents.

COMING OF AGE

These five meetings deal with the issues of relationship that challenge us in the second half of life: our identity as we move beyond parenting, our relationship with each other as couples, with our parents as they age, with our children's children, and with all the issues that come as we transition out of the workforce. Contact the CFM Office for the ID and password to download this book at no charge. If you have the ID and password, click here. (594kb)

CALLED TO WISDOM

A new series of meeting chapters are now being written for groups in the second half of family life. "Called to Wisdom" facilitates Observing, Judging, and Acting for mature CFM groups. These special meetings are a benefit of membership in CFM-USA. Members, please call or email the National Office at 812-962-5508 or office@cfm.org to receive "Called to Wisdom" chapters by email, fax, or mail.

Now available: “The Empty Nest: Where Have All the Children Gone?” More titles available soon!

TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - $10.00

The book is a six meeting introduction to CFM. Meetings deal with: relationships, time, neighbors, family rituals, institutions and outside influences and building memories. Click here for the Table of Contents.

Note: To give you a "taste" of this book, we have put out chapter 1 for you to view or download:

• Click here to view Chapter 1 as a PDF file. This requires Adobe Acrobat.

SUCCESSFUL CFM LEADERSHIP - $1.00

Tips on how to be a group leader in eight 5-minute lessons. Click here for the Table of Contents.