Archdiocese of Dubuque
Marriage & Family Life Office
1229 Mt. Loretta Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 556-2580, x233
www.dbqarch.org/family-life
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Marriage & Family Life Witness Article
"Humanae Vitae 50 Years Later" by Matt Selby
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July 25 of this year will mark the 50th anniversary of the release of Blessed Pope Paul VI’s encyclical “Humanae Vitae” (“On Human Life”). The pope’s reiteration of the church’s opposition to contraception came in the midst of the sexual revolution and shortly after the advent of the hormonal birth control pill. When released, “Humanae Vitae” was criticized and rejected by many (both outside and within the church). The message is no less controversial today and yet no less important for our world to hear. In fact, had the world (and the Christian faithful, in particular) heeded the words of Pope Paul VI 50 years ago, the state of marriage, family life and sexual ethics might not be in such disarray today.
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Ways to Learn and Live the Faith
as a Catholic Family
July 4 - Independence Day
July 25 - 50th Anniversary of the Release of Humanae Vitae
July 22-28 - Natural Family Planning Awareness Week
Summer Ideas
Picnic Time!
Summertime is the season for parish picnics and festivals. Most picnics offer a family-friendly environment, and include great food, fun, and family activities, as well as an opportunity to work together with your church family. Encourage all family members to participate as a way to grow in stewardship and fellowship. Check out these Church Picnic Ideas on Pinterest.
- 25 Family Picnic Ideas You Will Love
- 8 Family Picnic Ideas
Time for a Staycation!

Are you looking for something fun to do with your kids this summer, even if you don’t have the time or the budget for a trip? Plan a family staycation and enjoy local attractions. Find fantastic places near your own home to make family memories this summer.
Other Summer Activities
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Marriage Matters

Check out this video in which Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the "Theology of the Body"
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Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Contraception and Social Change in light of Humanae Vitae in this video
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Saints of the Month
July 1 – St. Junípero Serra
July 3 – St. Thomas
July 6 – St. Maria Goretti
July 11 – St. Benedict

July 14 – St. Kateri Tekakwitha
July 15 – St. Bonaventure
July 22 – St. Mary Magdalene
July 25 – St. James
July 26 – Sts. Joachim and Anne

July 31 – St Ignatius of Loyola
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Website Spotlight
Visit the Archdiocese of Dubuque Natural Family Planning Website:
- Learn about the top ten reasons to practice NFP
- Find trained and certified NFP providers in the Archdiocese of Dubuque
- Watch a short video explaining NFP
- Discover resources to help you learn more and share the beauty and truth of Natural Family Planning
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There's An App For That!
Are you traveling this summer? Easily find Mass times wherever you are with this handy app.
The Catholic Directory App will help you quickly find the nearest churches, Mass Times, websites, maps, directions, bulletins, and nearby businesses who support the church. The church finder App is FREE of charge. The user can search for churches using their mobile device GPS, or browse by city, or using the smart search. Church detail pages allow you to view Mass schedules, get maps, directions, view weekly bulletins, link to the church website, or quickly find phone and contact information. Powered by TheCatholicDirectory.com database. The app also includes Saint of the Day, Daily Readings and Gospel, and Weekly Mass videos.
Download on iOS or Android devices.
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Interest in Pinterest
May Pinterest Highlights for Families
from the Education Resource Center, Archdiocese of Dubuque
www.pinterest.com/dbqarch
Theology of the Body: Children
Theology of the Body: Youth
Theology of the Body: Adults
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Book of the Month
Good News about Sex and Marriage:
Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching
(Revised Edition)
by Christopher West
Christopher West, a diocesan director of marriage and family life, answers the questions about human sexuality and marriage that he always encounters in the numerous adult audiences he addresses. He provides thoughtful responses that present Catholic Church teaching in a fresh, thoroughly appealing, and convincing manner. This easy-to-read, question-and-answer book offers a fresh, relevant, and convincing presentation of the Church’s teachings on human sexuality and marriage rooted in St. John Paul II’s revolutionary Theology of the Body. (amazon.com)
For more information and to purchase the book, click here.
This book is also available in Spanish.
This book is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: BK #241326.
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May Movie Pick
Check out this month's movie pick:
Wonder
Based on the beloved best-selling novel, Wonder follows the inspiring story of the Pullman family, whose youngest child, Auggie, is a boy born with facial differences. When Auggie enters mainstream elementary school for the first time, his extraordinary journey unites his family, his school, and his community, and proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out. Oscar® winner Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay star in this heartwarming and uplifting film. (from www.amazon.com)
This movie is available for sign-out from the Education Resource Center: DV #31601.
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Prayers and Reflections
Prayer to the Holy Family
from
Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love)
by Pope Francis
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love;
to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again experience
violence, rejection and division;
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God's plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Graciously hear our prayer.
Amen.
“Amoris Laetitia: the Joy of Love.” Amoris Laetitia: the Joy of Love, by Pope Francis, Word Among Us Pr, 2016, pp. 253-254.
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All Are Welcome
Summer Activities for Families with Special Needs
Author Karen Wang is a mother to one child with a developmental disability and another child who refuses to participate in most activities. Wanting to offer them something fun for each day of summer vacation, Karen scoured the internet for ideas. Adding some of her own activities to the mix, she came up with this list of 82 Summer Activities for Families with Special Needs. The list includes fun and educational activities for each day of the week.
For additional information and resources for inclusion of persons with diverse abilities, please contact Mindy Hart, Director of the Office of Disability Inclusion.
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Upcoming Events
50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae Celebration - July 22, 2018
Join in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the release of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae, which expresses the beautiful teachings of the Church regarding marriage, human sexuality, and family planning. The celebration will take place on Sunday, July 22 from 5:00-7:30 PM at St. Pius X in Cedar Rapids and will include a catered dinner and keynote talk by internationally renowned speaker Dr. Janet E. Smith. For more information and to register, visit www.dbqarch.org/humanae-vitae-event. Please register by July 13th. For questions, contact Matt Selby, Director of Marriage and Family Life, at (800) 876-3546, ext. 233 or m.selby@dbqarch.org.
Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith Conference - August 25, 2018
All grandparents are invited to participate in a day to celebrate the important role of grandparenting in family life. Connect with other grandparents and hear from dynamic speakers on how to leave a legacy of faith for your children and grandchildren. The day includes keynotes, breakout sessions, Mass with Archbishop Jackels, lunch, and more. The Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith conference will take place on Saturday, August 25th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at St. Mary’s in Waverly. For more information and registration, please visit www.dbqarch.org/grandparent-day. For questions, contact Matt Selby, Director of Marriage and Family Life, at (800) 876-3546, ext. 233 or m.selby@dbqarch.org.
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