New conference series helps families grow stronger in faith

Today’s families are experiencing a disconnect when it comes to faith. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center study, teenagers are less likely to pray daily (27 percent vs. 48 percent), believe in God definitively (40 percent vs. 63 percent), and consider religion a very important part of their lives (24 percent vs. 43 percent) when compared to their parents. But a new conference series from New Jersey’s five Catholic dioceses hopes to change that.

The Joy of Love & Family Conference Series 2021 will teach families how to strengthen their faith and relationships by offering 22 free recorded talks delivered by experts — many of whom are nationally recognized — in fields like marriage, parenthood, and caregiving. The initial four videos are now online at https://lightingheartsonfire.org/talks-in-english2, while the rest will be released monthly through November. The full schedule is included at the end of this article.

The conference series offers something for everyone, too. The lectures are designed for people at different life stages — young adults, the newly married, families with young children, single and married adults, senior citizens, and those in need of family healing — so everyone will find information relevant to their specific needs. That way, participants will more easily strengthen their faith and, as a result, be better able to help improve their family’s overall faith as well.

“There are a lot of societal pressures on families — there are a lot of things that are trying to take our attention away from faith,” said Brian Caldwell, director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Family Life Ministries. “Hopefully, this conference series will help us put our priorities back in line. We want to keep God at the center of our family and build from there.”

As a parent, Caldwell said he is particularly excited for the talks related to fatherhood. But there are more than enough topics to pique anyone’s interest, with titles ranging from “How to Save Your Marriage Before Meeting Your Spouse” to “Being Fruitful and Multiplying Without Kids.” The Archdiocese of Newark’s own Anne Masters, director of the Office of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, will talk about raising a son or daughter with disabilities in November.    

Even if parishioners cannot find a topic that pertains to them, Caldwell hopes they will check out a few of the videos regardless. He said learning about situations different from their own helps people understand other perspectives, which enhances familial relationships. Plus, after living through the COVID-19 pandemic, he said many people can use the extra counseling.

“If families had been dealing with issues before the pandemic, those issues might have become even more of a challenge while everyone stayed at home together for a year,” Caldwell said. “I hope that the topics can strengthen families where they’re struggling.”

But the conference series is not intended to stand on its own. Caldwell said families will be able to access follow-up resources based on each talk, and he hopes parishes will host discussions to broaden people’s understanding of the topics. Each of the five dioceses will examine the conference’s outcomes to plan future programming, too, he said.

Additionally, Caldwell encourages families to expand on what they have learned through the conference series to strengthen their faith. He said that includes establishing a consistent moment of prayer or anything else that puts God at the center of everything they do. And if they are parents, he stressed that the most important thing they can do is serve as a positive influence in their children’s Catholic journey.

“Parents are the first teachers of their children,” Caldwell said. “We have to teach our children who God is and what He’s called us to do. And we have to be strong in our faith because there are a lot of messages in society children will be bombarded with that are going to counteract that. The goal of the conference series is to show people how they can do that.”    

Those interested in the Joy of Love & Family Conference Series 2021 are encouraged to sign up for email alerts to let them know when new talks are available. To register and make a voluntary donation to the conference, visit https://lightingheartsonfire.org/sign-up.

Full Conference Series Schedule

June
“Protecting the Family Through the Rosary and Devotion to St. Joseph”
– Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, author and member of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception

“The Greatness of Fatherhood”
– Devin Schadt, author and cofounder of the Fathers of St. Joseph

“Porn: 7 Myths Exposed”
– Matt Fradd, author and host of the “Pints with Aquinas” podcast

“Called to Greatness: Authentic Masculinity”
– Paul J. Kim, author, musician, and nationally sought-after speaker

July
“How to Save Your Marriage Before Meeting Your Spouse”
– Jason Evert, author and cofounder of the Chastity Project

“Emotional Virtue and Dating”
– Sarah Swafford, founder of Emotional Virtue Ministries

“The Single Life: Pickle Juice or Champagne?”
– Katrina J. Zeno, MTS, author, international speaker, and coordinator of the Diocese of Phoenix’s John Paul II Resource Center for Theology of the Body and Culture

A talk from Catherine Wiley, founder of the Catholic Grandparents Association

August
“Educating Kids in the Faith”
– Mark Hart, author and executive vice president of Life Teen

“Good News About Sex & Marriage”
– Bill Donaghy, senior lecturer and content specialist at the Theology of the Body Institute

“Parenting Courageously: A Guide to Educating in Sexual Integrity”
– Enza Cerami, LSW, founder and executive director of Living Stones, Inc.

“Growing Your Family Culture”
– Mike and Alicia Hernon, founders of The Messy Family Project

September
“What St. Joan of Arc Can Teach Us About Motherhood”
– Emily Wilson, author and founder of Emily Wilson Ministries

“Women’s Health and Fertility for a New Generation”
– Dr. Monique Ruberu, NaProTECHNOLOGY-trained pro-life OB/GYN

“The Freedom of Authentic Femininity”
– Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director of the Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of Family Life

October
“Family Healing After Suicide”
– Fr. Chris M. Alar, director of the Association of Marian Helpers

“Accompanying and Healing the Wounds of Adult Children and Divorce”
– Dr. Daniel and Bethany Meola, founders and directors of Life-Giving Wounds

“Healing After Miscarriage”
– Lindsay Schlegel, author and host of the “Quote Me with Lindsay Schlegel” podcast

November
A talk from Sr. Ann Immaculee of the Sisters of Life

“Being Fruitful and Multiplying Without Kids”
– Eniola Honsberger, director of the Diocese of Paterson’s Office of Family Life

“Raising a Son or Daughter with a Disability: Believing in Possibilities and Some Considerations from Other Parents and Our Faith”
– Anne Masters, director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities

“Caring for Loved Ones at the End Stage of Life”
– Jennifer Ruggiero, secretary of the Diocese of Metuchen’s Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life