Studia Pastoralne
Rocznik Wydziału Teologicznego UŚ

CULTURAL ACTIVITY IN THE CONTEXT OF FAMILY LIFE
One of the most significant goals of community life and social development is creating and passing on cultural achievements to future generations (Christifideles laici, 44) which in turn makes human life better, both in terms the of individual and the community (Gaudium et spes, 53). The paper presents the results of surveys carried out in order to find the relations between cultural activity and family life, as well as local and parish community life. The project was conducted by the Silesian University and it was supported by the Regional Local Authorities of the Silesian Region. A group of 1030 women was chosen for the survey. Two extreme groups were selected: the first group featured low cultural activity whereas the second group had considerable cultural involvement. The results were compared regarding various aspects of family and community life. The results revealed that, in terms of the priesthood, there is a favorable correlation between cultural activity, family and community life. High cultural activity also improves family life satisfaction and the feeling of security among family members. However, the survey has also revealed that there can be a negative correlation between cultural activity and moral principles concerning marriage and love in the family. The survey results showed the negative influence of liberal ideology. Some liberal principles, such as tolerance, led to accepting uncritically any kinds of divergence including homosexual relations, abortion and divorce. It seems that culture in the broad meaning of the word, with all its aspects and the people involved in particular, lost its basic dimension and depth. This is contrary to John Paul II's preaching that moral principles are fundamental in any kind of cultural activity. The obtained results require further detailed research so that positive aspects and trends in contemporary culture can be examined and highlighted. A new approach to find ways of implementing and respecting moral principles regarding marriage and family should be looked for, since that is the only natural and indispensable environment for the development of any individual.

HOMILIES DURING MASS CELEBRATED AT HOME FOR A TERMINALLY ILL PATIENT.
Summary
Accompanying a terminally ill patient by celebrating Mass at home for him/her and his/her family gives a perfect opportunity to intensify one’s faith and to reflect on the importance of faith in life. It is also a chance to reconcile with God and the people as well as to accept sufferings and to offer them to God as a sacrifice for one’s own redemption, redemption of the family members, the Holy Church and all the people. The day’s reading can be a good inspiration for homilies during Mass since they help to get a better understanding of the mystery of the Passion of Christ and Resurrection of Christ. The Eucharist which is the meeting with Christ enables the terminally ill patient to comprehend better the meaning of his/her life, suffering and death; thus he/she is well ‘equipped’ to bear the sufferings and to live the last moments of life in unity with God, being His witness at the same time. The family members of the terminally ill patient benefit from taking part in Mass as well because their faith becomes more intense and mature, the family bonds get stronger and so they are able to help their terminally ill next of kin to pass away to eternity. The work and assistance of doctors, nurses and volunteers who work in hospices is also of great importance because they take very good care of the terminally ill patients and their families. Homilies which were given by the writer of this paper during Masses celebrated at home for the terminally ill patients have been presented in this study. They covered the period of time starting from Ascension Day till the Day of Nativity of John Baptist – on Sundays, on days of special celebrations and church holidays.