CFM IN EUROPE

Introduction

Europe is the old continent, with many nations, many different languages and religions, and an equal number of diversities. For the sake of understanding in this field one can make a clear division of two sections. The East, where the family has been collectivised, fully dependent from the state, and under the same ideology. The West, where there has been freedom of the civil society, pluralism, free election system, and sufficient economical resources for the families. However both West and East Europe have got a common Christian background and this gives C.F.M., the roots to know our fellow families and work in this great field which constitutes our society.

In some European countries CFM has been established for quite a long time. Among these one can mention, Spain, Italy, Slovakia and Malta. Expansion in latter years have taken place in The Netherlands & Portugal. Expansion has also taken place in post-communist countries. These include Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, Croatia, Latvia and Lithuania. Hard work is still being carried on for further contacts and expansion.

Structure

The Christian Family Movements start with small groups of families at grassroots, in the parishes of towns and villages. Such small family groups headed by a leader couple and a chaplain, grow together, share experiences, deal with situations and issues affecting family life, and realise that no man is an island. The idea of community goes against the idea of isolation and thus the idea of Families help Families. The local groups are joined together in each country by the National President Couple and work on the Continent is co-ordinated by the Continental President Couple.

While the Mission is worked and guided by Catholic principles and morals, yet all families are welcomed under the umbrella of Christian Family Movements, once the Methodology of CFM is adhered to. This is what is called "The Modern Evangelisation."  

Activities

Family projects are usually worked on local and national basis, in the form of help and care, as the cases arise in the particular situations, circumstances and family issues. Of utmost importance is the continuation of family education in good Christian morals as taught by Christ and the Church.

Family groups well versed in Christian principles, then radiate their amalgamated actions to the angles and targets most needed in society.

An important priority for CFM Europe is the preparation of couples for marriage, and follow up the newly weds, as well as strengthening married couples with marriage encounters.  

Programs for Christian Formation

CFM puts the Christian formation of families in prime importance. A systematic and well planned Christian education is given as an on going formation of families. This takes shape in the publication of a yearly pamphlet based on reflections in the Gospel and family social studies in vision of present family situations; that is situations within our society with all the positive and negative aspects which influence the family. This formation is continually coupled up with retreats; Holy hours with the Blessed Sacrament; seminars on various related topics; annual courses for leadership and refresher courses.

Mission

To improve the quality of family life by reaching out:

• Providing a frame work within which can support and affirm one another.
• Promoting Christian attitudes, values, and actions in individuals as they interact within their family -- with friends, neighbours, and co-workers -- and with institutions affecting the family.

Goals

• To develop a consciousness based on Christian principles and examples.
• To develop responsible, concerned, and happy families that are part of a supportive and affirming network of families within every community who will individually and collectively reach out to others in need.
• To offer opportunities for families to grow in their personal relationships with society.
• To develop a caring society that not only recognises, but actively supports family life.
• To initiate and encourage research that impacts the needs of families.
• To continue to foster the international spirit of the Christian Family Movement. 

Events

These are done with the scope of interaction and sharing of experiences.

• Annual District meetings;
• Annual National meetings;
• European Continental Conference every three years.

Publications

Every country publishes its CFM newsletter to keep the national circle well informed of news and other data. This is mainly done on quarterly basis. On a Continental basis there is "CFM EUROPE" which helps to keep alive the continental circle both in news and useful reflections.

Different members of CFM in Europe enrich families with edifying talks both on National and Continental basis including a broad spectrum of religions in the audience.

Internet

Italian CFM Web Site

Spanish CFM Web Site

Hungarian CFM Web Site

Contacts

Continental President Couple:
George and M’Louise Sammut

Malta

Continental Vice President Couple:
Balazs & Krisztina Menesi

Hungary