Families got a wonderful surprise when they showed up for a recent catechetical program at the Catholic Church of St. Mary in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Fr. Edward Maher, Pastor at St. Mary, had invited the staff and Sisters from Mother Boniface Spirituality Center to provide a Family Fun Day to the parish called “Fishing with Jesus”. The gathering was filled with engaging and fun activities for family members of all ages. There was singing, large group activities, faith sharing, and crafts along with learning about how Jesus calls each of us to become fishers of people.
The program, held in the parish hall, was so well attended they had to offer it again for the surplus registrants. After some fun and introductions, everyone went off to their “peer groups” for lessons on the theme. The adults had some time for discussion while the teens and younger children met in groups for faith-based activities. After enjoying their bag lunches together, the three-hour program ended with each family making a special Fish banner together to take home.
“Fishing With Jesus” is modeled after the Family Life Development Program run since 1972 at Trinita, an MSBT retreat center in rural Connecticut. It’s a tried and true way to get families to grow better in communicating as family, and for people of all ages to become comfortable talking about their Catholic faith with their peers. It is a fun and meaningful program designed to strengthen families and enrich their faith lives.
Sr. Guadalupe Nieto, MSBT, one of the volunteers who helped with the program, was inspired by the enthusiasm of the families. “They had no idea how much they would enjoy it, and at the end they were hoping for a ‘next time.’ Even better, many of the participants discovered new friends in their own parish. They were networking!” It is clear that when Jesus cast his net at the Catholic Church of Sr. Mary, he caught a lot of fish!
“Fishing with Jesus” Overnight Family Retreat will be offered at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center in Philadelphia March 31- April 1, 2017. CLICK HERE for more information and learn how to register your family!
