Parish holds family day of reflection

In the spirit of The World Meeting of Families and in honor of Pope Francis’ visit to The United States, on Sept. 12 Father Joseph Perreault, pastor, and the members of Parish Council of St. Joseph Church, Sea Isle City, hosted a Day of Reflection in the parish auditorium titled “Love Is Our Mission: Make Your Family Fully Alive.”

The event included presentations from six parish families, each followed by round table discussions that allowed for a lively exchange.

The day’s topics of discussion were “Created For Joy & The Mission of Love,” “The Meaning of Human Sexuality, Two Become One & Creating the Future,” “All Love Bears Fruit & Light in a Dark World,” “Choosing Life,” and “A Home For The Wounded Heart & Mother, Teacher, Family: The Nature & Role of The Church.”

While adult parishioners were sharing ideas and discussing concepts that affect families worldwide, younger members of the parish enjoyed crafts and other activities.

“At this point in my life, I really do consider my parish my family, and I am thankful for the chance to spend time journeying with them,” said Dolly Mount, one of the many parishioners who attended the day of reflection.

“It was a beautiful day and I got a lot out of it,” said Yeni Herrera, a parishioner and local restaurateur. “I wasn’t sure what the day would hold, but it went beyond any expectations I had. What I liked most was hearing families share their experiences, because it reminded me that we all often have similar experiences. Everyone was impacted differently by what we heard, which was very clear during the round table discussions that followed each presentation.”

“The day met all of our expectations,” said Parish Council President Marie Peltier. “It was an exciting, inspiring and motivating event that brought the St. Joseph Community together as the Sea Isle City Meeting of Families.”

For more information about St. Joseph Catholic Church, visit http://www.stjosephsic.org, email info@stjosephsic.org or phone the rectory at 609-263-8696.