Surviving divorce retreat – ‘Do you want to be well again?’
May 1, 2024
Roseau diocese responds to court’s same-sex ruling
May 1, 2024
On Saturday, April 13, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) was warmly welcomed to the John John community as part of The Picton Project Holistic Family Health Fair hosted by the Rescue Mission.
Alongside the AFLC, several other organisations gathered on a community basketball court to support this initiative.
The fair featured a comprehensive health component, offering services such as blood glucose tests, cholesterol tests, BMI measurements, and sexual health counselling. Additionally, there was a dedicated group providing mental health counselling and support.
Our role for the day was to provide insights and support for family life enhancement, particularly in the realm of parenting. Using the character ‘Ezekiel’ from Certified Samson’s videos, we posed the thought-provoking question: “How can you discipline Ezekiel?”
While some responses leaned towards corporal punishment, through constructive dialogue, parents were given an opportunity to share on their own experiences as parents, leading them to recognise that their child and ‘Ezekiel’ might be expressing a need for love and attention from parents.
Suggestions emerged, such as spending more quality time with Ezekiel or encouraging him to participate in play activities such as football and cricket.
We also engaged participants with an interactive game featuring Jenga blocks labelled with different emotions. Drawing a block prompted individuals to share their experiences related to that emotion. It was heartening to see many people participate, demonstrating a willingness to be open and vulnerable in sharing their experiences.
And who could forget the highlight of the day? The grand prize—a generously stocked hamper of various food items. We pooled entries from everyone who engaged with our activities, and at day’s end, a lucky winner was selected.
The experience underscored the importance of being present in communities and engaging directly with people. It highlighted how genuine interpersonal connections can foster openness and enable us to positively impact the lives of those in need of support.
Whether it was through medical tests, mental health assistance, or parenting insights, the day was enjoyed by all who attended. We eagerly look forward to participating in similar initiatives soon.
