Holiday time – faith, fun for the family

Q: Archbishop J, what is the Church doing to help us families in this challenging time? 

As we explore what it means to raise children in an age of technology, we face one of the greatest challenges families face today. The temptation to use technology as a babysitter is understandable—many parents are exhausted and stretched thin. Yet, this often leads to an oversaturation of devices in our children’s lives.

The real question is: How can families regulate technology in a way that serves the growth and development of each member and strengthens the family as a whole?

This is a great starting point. Remember: technology is an instrument. It is here to serve us—not the other way around. With this perspective, we can find our way through the maze.

Take a moment to ask yourself the difficult questions:

• Are we using technology well as a family?
• Is each member healthy in their relationship with screens?

Reflect individually and as a family. This honest conversation is the first step.

What we know

In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell observed that children from lower-income families fell further behind academically during vacation periods than during the school term. He attributed this to the lack of structured activities and learning opportunities during holidays.

In contrast, families with more resources tended to plan educational and enriching experiences during breaks.

Outliers was published in 2008—before the explosion of smartphones and tablets. Today, with children across every economic background spending more time on devices, we must ask new questions.

The long July–August holidays are an opportunity for families to be far more intentional.

Jubilee of Families

During this Jubilee Year, we invite you to reflect deeply as a family. We are hosting many activities designed to strengthen your bonds and deepen your love and communication.

A Jubilee is a time of grace and favour—a time for renewal and restoration. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us, “The family is the original cell of social life” (CCC 2207). If we have strong families, we will have a strong civilisation. As the family goes, so goes the society.

To assist you, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) has prepared a range of opportunities to help you celebrate, participate, and grow in love together.

The Family as a Domestic Church

The family is the domestic Church, a community of life and love. We define it further as, “A household of persons united to God and to each other through the sacramental life of the Church and committed to living out the Christian and Trinitarian vision of love in their relationships with each other and the world.”

This definition includes all types of families who are engaged with the sacraments and learning to love as Christ calls them to love.

The sacramental foundation of the family is marriage. When children are brought to the Church for the sacraments, the family participates in the life of grace.

The second part is the greater challenge: striving to live the Trinitarian vision of love—mutual self-giving, forgiveness, and communion. “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (John 17:21).

During this season, I invite each family to pause and ask honestly about the quality of its love.

Resources for married couples

Building a Eucharistic Marriage

For married couples, we are offering ‘Building a Eucharistic Marriage’, an online programme beginning Thursday, July 10, at 7 p.m. This seven-week video series is built upon a therapeutic model of change and pairs seven core competencies for strengthening marriage with seven areas of deepening your relationship with Christ through the Eucharist.

Some examples:

• Making time for each other and God is paired with attending Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, and Scripture reading.
• Listening to the heart of your spouse is paired with listening deeply to the Liturgy of the Word.

As you grow in love for your spouse, you grow in love for God. These capacities—relating, listening, forgiving—are cultivated together. I warmly recommend this course. It will help you lay a foundation for parenting and nurture love within your home.

Retrouvaille for struggling couples

For couples who feel disconnected, angry, or uncertain about their future together, the AFLC is offering Retrouvaille, an in-person weekend experience from August 1–3.

Before you consider divorce, consider Retrouvaille. I know many couples whose marriages were transformed by this ministry.

During the weekend, you will focus on communication, rebuilding trust, and rediscovering love. For couples who are strong but have frequent tension or conflict, this is also an excellent investment. If the couple is healthy, the family is healthy.

Support for separated and divorced families

The Ministry to the Separated, Divorced and Widowed is offering an online experience on Sunday, July 20 for those who are separated or divorced. On July 26, there is an in-person retreat for persons who are widowed. You do not have to hold your pain alone; we are here to journey with you through this difficult time.

Family Fun Day

We invite all families—of every kind—to join us for the Family Fun Day:

Saturday, July 19

Presentation College, Chaguanas

8 a.m.–4 p.m.

This day will include activities for everyone, from age 3 to 83:

• Football, table tennis, sip and paint, karaoke
• Special zones for children with special needs
• Games, music, and time to meet other families.

Mark this day on your calendar and come spend the whole day with us!

Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage

Calling all young people! You are called to move—by hope. On Saturday, August 9, we will gather for a Jubilee Pilgrimage:

• Pilgrims depart from each vicariate at 7.30 a.m.
• Along the way, you will visit a sacred site.
• All groups will meet in Chaguanas at 2.30 p.m. for a time of fellowship and worship.

This will be a day of renewal, fun, and deepening your relationship with God and each other. Young people—mark your calendars!

Make a plan

During this holiday season, I urge you to make a plan for your family:

• Think of a few meaningful experiences you want to share.
• Involve your children in creating the plan.
• Schedule one activity each week that the whole family can look forward to.
• Explore camps, outings, or gatherings with other parents.
• Choose a book for your child to read over the break.

And most importantly, teach them to pray, morning and evening. Take them to Mass and to the Blessed Sacrament during the week. Help them nurture their relationship with God and with one another.

Together, let us strengthen the domestic Church, one family at a time. May this Jubilee be a season of grace, healing, and renewal for you and your loved ones.

Contact the AFLC at 299-1047 or via email:

familylife@catholictt.org or website: aflcrc.org