Parenting today is undeniably complex, influenced by socio-economic disparities, crime, single-parent households, evolving disciplinary practices, and the pervasive impact of social media. Responding to these challenges, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) remains steadfast in its mission to support parents and build nurturing families within the diocese and across Trinidad and Tobago.
On November 23, 2024, 17 enthusiastic participants began their transformative journey to becoming Children Are Gift facilitators. The session was facilitated by the Episcopal Delegate, Tricia Syms and was alive with energy and a shared commitment to personal and communal growth. Opening with a symbolic yarn activity, participants built a web of connection, learning firsthand the beauty and complexity of sharing love. This exercise demonstrated that fostering love requires communication, balance, mutual effort, and sometimes untangling messiness—an unforgettable metaphor for family life.
Throughout the day, participants explored various skills, tools and concepts like the Total Person Windmill, delving into the emotional, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and social dimensions of their lives. They reflected on their values and virtues, envisioned ways to keep God at the centre of their lives and that of their families through creation spiritual plans, and engaged with creative practices like building altars and advent wreaths to cultivate peace at home and maintain God’s presence.
Tricia also highlighted the crucial distinction between discipline and punishment. She emphasised that discipline aims to guide and foster positive behaviour change, focusing on growth and development, whereas punishment often targets the child as a person, potentially leading to feelings of shame or resentment rather than improvement. The participants engaged in an exercise to showcase their understanding of the difference between discipline and punishment using clay as the medium.
Before lunch, a powerful testimony by Darendra Boodram, AFLC’s Administrative Programme Assistant, reflecting on fatherhood from a son’s perspective, sparked an impactful conversation on the critical role of fathers in shaping a child’s life. Participants openly shared their own experiences, creating a space filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and mutual support.
The session closed with excitement for what lies ahead, as participants expressed looking forward to the follow-up Zoom sessions to deepen their understanding of the Children Are Gift program.
The upcoming session, on December 10, 2024, will explore the stages of a child’s development and delve into the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life and its Three Rites, offering more tools to empower facilitators in their mission.
For those inspired to join this journey of being a Children Are Gift facilitator, contact us at familycommission@catholictt.