Pause, Pray, Play at the Family Faith Retreat

Twenty families had a wonderful weekend at the Family Faith Retreat at the spectacular Tyalgum Ridge Retreat. (5 November 2022)

The Parent Assembly Family Faith Retreat brought together twenty families from the Richmond and Tweed Regional Service Areas for a beautiful weekend filled with engaging spiritual experiences and entertaining games at the Tyalgum Ridge Retreat.

Surrounded by a spectacular cauldron of green at the foot of the Tweed Valley Range, the weekend did not disappoint as the families explored the theme of Pause, Pray, Play. 

The weekend began with a delightful prayer experience with a scripture-based nature walk. Families enjoyed the awe and wonder of the impressive scenery walking through the bush, looking out over the valley at the farms and trees that dotted the landscape under the shadow of Mount Warning peeking out of the horizon. It was an inspiring experience for parents and their children to rejoice in and be grateful for God's gift of creation.

Families also created a Pause, Pray and Play box to take home, containing a wealth of creative ways to engage in times of rest, prayer and family fun. 

‘We loved attending the Family Faith Retreat and found it a wonderful way to connect as a family with each other and with God. Our kids love the outdoor activities, but we also really liked having the chance to learn more about our Catholic faith,’ said parent Roxanne Murphy.

Fr Wilber Tobe led a warm and welcoming Sunday Mass, bringing parents and children for a wholesome Eucharist meal. 

Sunday also provided an opportunity for fun and adventure as the young at heart zipped down the flying foxes while others showed off their Robin Hood-like accuracy at the archery field. The day concluded with epic naval battles in the kayaks at the lake. 

‘It was wonderful to once again be able to invite families to join the Parent Assembly at our weekend Family Faith Retreat after two years of missing out on this important faith formation event. We were thrilled that we had so many families register to attend. It was a beautiful, spirit-filled weekend with many opportunities for prayer, worship and quality family time,’ said Janita Thomson, Lead, Family Partnership.

The Family Faith Retreat is just one of the ways that the Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly supports families to gather as a community and deepen their relationship with each other and God.