Grandparents in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland can learn more about their role in passing on the faith to their grandchildren at a new workshop offered by the Marriage and Family Life Office in conjunction with the offices of Missionary Discipleship, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry.
Watch video above for a special invitation.
Four sessions of the SS. Anne & Joachim Workshop will be offered. Times are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the following dates and at these locations:
- March 28, Queen of Heaven Parish, 1800 Steese Road, Green
- March 30, St. John Vianney Parish, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor
- April 4, St. Albert the Great Parish, 6667 Wallings Road, North Royalton
- April 6, St. Clarence Parish, 30106 Lorain Road, North Olmsted
The program will be identical at each location, so it’s only necessary to attend one session. Cost is $10, which includes brunch and a closing Mass. Click here to register and select the preferred session.
“Grandparents play a vital role in passing on the faith,” said Terri Yohman, director of the Office of Marriage and Family Life Ministry. She said in an effort to mark the fifth anniversary of his apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia,” (“The Joy of Love”) Pope Francis declared this year a special dedication to families and to reflecting on the teachings of his exhortation. The Year of the Family ran in conjunction with the Year of St. Joseph, devoted spouse of Mary and earthly father of Jesus.
Many people suffered because of the coronavirus pandemic and other situations worldwide, but the pope is calling everyone to dream forward and to support families with love and mercy in all circumstances.
“The pandemic experience has highlighted the central role of the family as the domestic Church and the importance of community ties between families. Such ties make the Church an authentic ‘family of families,’” the pope said.
The SS Anne & Joachim Workshops – named after the parents of the Blessed Mother and the maternal grandparents of Jesus – are an effort to help grandparents as they strive to evangelize in their families.
The workshops will begin with Father Damian Ference, vicar for evangelization, speaking about the pope’s message.
Francine Costantini, director of youth ministry, and Mike Hayes, director of young adult ministry, will talk about “Understanding Your Grandkids.”
Next, will be brunch and table discussions with ideas for attendees to use with their families, prompting people to tell their story.
Miguel Chavez, director of the Office of Missionary Discipleship, will talk about “How to Tell Your Story.” Yohman said children enjoy hearing stories from their parents and grandparents, so this is an opportunity they can capitalize on in order to share the faith. “They can talk about their experiences with the sacraments,” she added.
Grandparents will receive tips on how to develop an “elevator speech” that can be used to talk with their grandchildren. Yohman also will share some practical tips on how grandparents can do these things.
The session will end with a panel discussion followed by Mass celebrated by Father Ference.
Attendees will receive a variety of resources to help them with their efforts.
“We’re hoping these workshops will energize people,” Yohman said, noting inquiries about the sessions have been coming in at a steady stream. In addition, she is hopeful that other parishes will adapt the program for use in their parish or in a parish cluster to keep the momentum going.
Photo: CNS/Karen Callaway