Queen of Families Apostolate: Now and in the Future

Queen of Families Apostolate is an outreach of prayer and work for the sanctification of the family. Inspired by the meaningful example of Our Lady’s Visitation, the apostolate aims to contribute to the renewal and support of family life. Queen of Families Apostolate is completely faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Imitating Christ who “came not to be served but to serve,” this outreach is the overflowing of a contemplative life focused on His real presence in the Holy Eucharist. As the Franciscan motto expresses, He is our God and our ALL.

Following St. Francis’ example, we strive to live the Gospel in a spirit of thanksgiving, humility, simplicity, and joy—exemplified so beautifully by Mary in her Visitation.

In imitation of Mary, we endeavor—as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said—to do “little things with great love” of God and neighbor. Responding to the needs of families, especially those who homeschool, this apostolate offers varied services which include...

+ Taking care of children so the mother can make a Holy Hour or have other time to be refreshed or accomplish certain things, or when there are other needs.

+ Doing housework, especially when the mother is ill or injured.

+ Tutoring, teaching religion or other particular subjects, giving specialized classes, and teaching in times of need.

+ Planning and directing feastday parties, children’s choirs, plays, family retreats, spiritual girls’ group meetings, etc.

+ Giving First Communion retreats.

+ Speaking and writing on topics relevant to families.

+ Offering a helpful presence in times of special need.

Membership

Full membership is oriented towards a consecrated vocation as described below in “Moving On” and “Looking Ahead.” Full membership includes daily prayer—Holy Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, meditation, and Holy Hour—offered for all families, the whole Church, and all mankind.

Associate membership is not oriented towards a consecrated vocation, either because it is temporary membership or membership of one not called to the consecrated vocation. Associate membership includes those spiritual practices possible according to the circumstances of the individual.

Moving On

This apostolate began with a perceived call to start a religious community to pray for and work with families, especially homeschoolers. After spiritual direction, prayer, and initiating the work, this hope was placed before the bishop of Birmingham shortly prior to his retirement. With his encouragement, praying, working, and sharing the hope of this community continued.

Since I (Paula McEneany) am so far the only full-fledged member, our new bishop recommended my becoming a consecrated virgin. This process is now underway. Such a consecration and wearing of a habit will witness to the families served and to others. As others join with this intention, they, too, can become consecrated virgins and we can form a privateassociation. Then, too, there will be a sharing of communal life, imbued with a family spirit, that will also witness to the world.

Looking Ahead

When God sends enough members (5-10), the private association can become a public association and add the vows and other aspects of religious life--forming the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Queen of Families. Ultimately the hope is to become a religious institute. It is a long and adventuresome road, but each step is graced with God’s presence.

Is God calling you?

Are you a young women between ages 18-35? Do you feel called to be a part of every family and yet belong only and totally to God? Would you like to correspond and then “come and see”?

Or, if you are not eligible for or called to the consecrated vocation, is God still asking you to assist in the apostolate--either directly or through prayer and/or contributions?

Mindful that family life is in need of support and prayer, you can help this good and necessary work continue and grow. May the result be sanctification of family life and ultimately the salvation of souls—all for the glory of God, with whom we desire eternal union.

"And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.’" —Luke 1:38