Theology of the Body revisited
Group discussion at weekend workshop
Group discussion at weekend workshop

In November 2008 Christopher West presented a seminar in Trinidad entitled “Created and Redeemed” in which he sought to explain the catechesis developed by Blessed Pope John Paul II known as the Theology of the Body (TOB). Twelve hundred persons attended the weekend seminar which was sponsored by the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission and since that time the AFLC has continued to present opportunities for further reflection and understanding of this crucial teaching which seeks to enlighten modern men and women on the goodness and beauty of God’s plan from the beginning when “God created man in his own image…male and female he created them” (Gen 1:27).

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Princes Town parenting workshop

Holy Cross Parish, Princes Town recently completed its first Common Sense Parenting Workshop at the Princes Town RC School Library/Computer room.

The facilitators at this workshop were Angela Young Lai and Patrice David. The workshop which was held for six consecutive Wednesdays from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. ended on Wednesday, April 6, with certificates being distributed to participants by Fr Karuna Kumar, our resident parish priest.

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Protecting God’s Children
Archbishop Gilbert (centre) with members of the clergy in a group session.
Archbishop Gilbert (centre) with members of the clergy in a group session.

The Archdiocese Family Life Commission in collaboration with the Catholic Commission for Social Justice successfully launched one of the VIRTUS’s programmes “Protecting God’s Children” on March 29 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Bushe Street, Curepe.

Facilitating the programme were Dr Dexter and Frieda Shim, a married couple nominated by the Archdiocese, along with Leela Ramdeen, Chair of Catholic Commission for Social Justice. Archbishop Edward Gilbert was among the 98 attendees of priests, deacons and administrators.

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A catalyst for change in family relationships
Faciliators Joanne Alexander (left) and Nicole Sinclair
Faciliators Joanne Alexander (left) and Nicole Sinclair

“I learnt to be a parent from my parents and together with my wife, I had very little problems with my children. However, it’s the grandchildren I cannot handle. I suffer with hypertension and I don’t want that to kill me, so I did the course. It has helped and I am so grateful. I hope more parents participate in this programme.” Henderson Matthew, participant.

The St Joseph RC Parish which serves the communities of Mon Repos and Ste Madeleine concluded its Common Sense Parenting (CSP) Programme on the parish feast day, Saturday, March 19. The six-session course, an initiative of the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission with funding from Republic Bank is available to all parishes, schools and other groups in Trinidad & Tobago.

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Teams – a message of hope
Teams of Our Lady
Teams of Our Lady


article appeared in Catholic News Dec 19, 2010

Scholarly evidence suggests that at the heart of the explosion of crime and delinquency in today’s world is the loss of the capacity of fathers and mothers to effectively care for the children they bring into the world. Even children who are having their physical and financial needs met continue to feel deprived, the main reason being “the basic and most important emotional need as a human being is to feel unconditionally loved and accepted” (Dr Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages).

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Family Fun Sports Day

The Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of  you who supported the Family Fun Sports Day (FFSD) on August 31st, 2010 at Presentation Grounds, Chaguanas   We wish to thank especially, all our Priests, Deacons and Family Life Units (FLUs) for your presence and active participation on the day. Once again, heartfelt thanks…

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Archdiocese Family Life Commission celebrates…Emerging leaders

By Matisha Olivier

Over the past four months, the Family Life Commission – in association with Jubilee Women’s Ministries – has had the honour of celebrating the contributions of some of the Archdiocese’s most outstanding women.  
As we bring this series to a close we go out looking towards the future. Today, we recognise some of our Archdiocese’s dynamic “Emerging Leaders” – Nicole Sogren, Tricia Hudlin –Cooper, Taresa D. Best and Natasha Lamy-Ramsden.

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Archdiocese Family Life Commission celebrates…Leaders in ministry

By Paula Cumberbatch

“He touched me, O He touched me, and oh the joy that floods my soul.  Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole”. – William J. Gaither

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word touch as ‘coming into contact with or having an effect on’ something or someone.  Sometimes this ‘touch’ denotes closeness, trust and intimacy and can extend to a deep, loving relationship. 

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