For practical purposes, marriage preparation programs would fall basically under Buhay-Pagmamahal (B1-B3); parenting programs, geriatrics, and primary health care training fall under Buhay-Pagkalinga; spiritual enrichment activities fall under Buhay-Pagdarasal.

Family-oriented associations and communities of formation are invited to upgrade their programs to meet minimum standards set by the Archdiocese, particularly those for marriage preparation.

SPECIAL FORMATION is necessary to adequately respond to the ailments, pathologies, challenges, and threats encountered in the course of family living. Imperfections can be healed, well-being can be restored or repaired if damaged (S1). Measures to prevent damage to life and family are also important, and this includes being informed and forewarned about the threats (S2).

Counselling and all forms of assistance to alleviate the plight of individuals and families in distress fall under Buhay-Paghihilom. Research, advocacy, political action, and all forms of defense fall under Buhay-Pagtatanggol.

PREPARATORY AND REMEDIAL MEASURES. Formation prepares married couples for loving service. Couples who have not been properly prepared can be given the same programs, not as preparatory but as remedial formation (e.g., Si Malakas at Si Maganda, Simbahayan's flagship program for marriage preparation.)

URGENCY OF EXPANDED UNDERSTANDING. It is urgent for pastors and pastoral care workers to expand their understanding of these concerns. It is not enough to give token preparation for marriage and perform the rites. It should be pro-active and should not be reduced to "putting out fires". Avoid tunnel vision. Be open to deeper understanding of the Church and to appropriate paradigm shifts.

DIGNITY OF MATRIMONY AND ITS MINISTERS. The Family Life Agenda presupposes that on top of the sacraments of initiation and sustenance, there is a sacrament -- Matrimony -- upon which the conjugal covenant among Catholics is founded. Matrimony should not be reduced to its peripheral parts (rites, festivities, customs and traditions). We should rather examine its very core -- the enduring consent and affirmation that is conjugal love. We must impress on couples their dignity as consecrated Ministers of Matrimony, the highest authentic lay ministry. Moreover, the partnership in ministry between Matrimony and Holy Orders should be duly recognized and lived.

CULTURAL REALIGNMENT. Implementing the Family Life Agenda really means (re)shaping culture, and this will entail much zeal and vigor. We wish to foster a culture that is open to and protective of human life from conception to natural death.