Marriage and Family - Finding Joy at Home

Responding to the call of Jesus to “make disciples of all nations”, all levels of Catholic schools serve both the faith community and society by educating children, young people and adults to become active and caring members of the communities, cities, and nations in which they live. Come hear Michael Ronan, Regional Superintendent of the Department of Catholic Schools, discuss the unique opportunities Catholic schools offer to bring the good news of Jesus to the whole family, and highlight specific benefits within our local communities, our region, and our nation.

The "sandwich generation" faces unique challenges, caring for both their aging parents and their children or grandchildren. This role can often lead to emotional, financial, and physical strain. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving while juggling work, family, and personal well-being. Let’s look deeper into the wisdom of Scripture, the example of saints, and the power of faith and community. Together, let’s find encouragement, strength, and comfort, knowing we aren’t alone in this journey.

Discover how our Catholic faith, combined with practical tools, can help us regulate anxiety and find balance as parents and grandparents. This session will reflect on the God-given responsibility we have in shaping our children’s hearts and minds, guiding them to grow in virtue and resilience. We’ll explore how the brain develops, how young minds adapt to stress, and how our faith can provide a foundation of hope and trust in God. Let’s discuss ways to help our children face life’s challenges with grace and confidence in Christ.

Members of the Archdiocese's official ministry with LGBTQ+ Catholics, Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons, will share their personal journeys of faith, what led them to this ministry, and their experiences with LGBTQ+ Catholic friends and family members. Stressing the Catechism's call to treat all people with respect, compassion, and sensitivity, they will explore perspectives on Pope Francis' insistent calls for a ministry of encounter and the importance of dialogue.

What effect does aging have on my spirituality and how I make decisions? Has your perspective on religion and your spiritual journey changed over the years? Why is that? Is that to be expected? What might I learn from those changes? How do I deal with an aging perspective on morality, suffering, and my own family members that seem to regard spirituality and organized religion with disinterest?

What does your family stand for? How can you raise children rooted in faith and values? In this interactive session, Wes and Jessica will help you create a family mission statement to foster unity, instill purpose, and reduce daily conflict—helping your family live out their values and faith intentionally every day.

When the doctor says you have a serious illness, you might have a lot of questions. What will become of me, and my family? How can I face this illness? What is the role of medicine at the end of our life? Why is this happening to me now, and perhaps most important, where is God in all this? Fr. Dave will provide the wisdom of Our Lord to this issue which will affect every single human person.