Queen of Families Apostolate: Now and in the Future

Queen of Families Apostolate is an outreach of prayer and work for the renewal and support of family life. Inspired by the meaningful example of Our Lady’s Visitation, the apostolate aims to contribute to the sanctification of the family. Queen of Families Apostolate is totally 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. He is our God and our ALL.

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, have other time to be refreshed or run errands, etc.

+ 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 “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; those who wish to engage directly in the apostolate’s work may do so in their own home area.

Looking Ahead

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. Currently, in communication with the new bishop, possibilities for going forward are under prayerful consideration.

God willing, the apostolate will one day be overseen either by the proposed community—the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Queen of Families—or by another community. The Sisters’ consecrated life, of which a habit and veil is a sign, will then witness to the families served and to others. Then, too, there will be a sharing of communal life, imbued with a family spirit, that will also witness to the world. This is a long and adventuresome road, but each step is graced with God’s presence.

Is God calling you?

Are you a single woman between the ages of 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