On Saturday, November 2, Holy Family Church in Hebron hosted Catholic Youth and Family Day — a joyful celebration of faith, friendship, and community for families across the region. The day was filled with music, games, prayer, and fellowship — a time for all generations to come together and grow in faith.
The event opened with a special welcome and prayer, inviting everyone to pause and reconnect with God in the busyness of daily life. “Prayer is more than words,” said Liza Roach. “It’s a friendship with God — a way to open our hearts, speak honestly, listen deeply, and find peace in His presence.” Her message set the tone for a day centered on connecting with God through prayer in all its forms — spoken, sung, and lived.
Following the opening prayer, three speakers — a youth, a parent, and a priest—shared reflections on different ways to pray.
• The youth speaker, Luna Tefera, described prayer as a conversation with God, a moment to be real and authentic: “Even when I don’t know what to say, I know God listens.”
• Laura Pirrucello, a parent, reflected on prayer as gratitude and service, finding God’s presence in everyday moments of love and care.
• Fr. Julian Cuero-Lozada invited everyone to experience prayer as listening and adoration, reminding participants that “being still with God is enough.”
Together, their voices reminded everyone that prayer takes many shapes—whether through joyful singing, acts of service, quiet reflection, or heartfelt conversation with the Lord.
Later in the day, Fr. Jeffrey Ellis spoke about the power and purpose of prayer, showing how developing a relationship with God begins and deepens through prayer. He offered six simple steps to help grow in that relationship:
1. Praise God.
2. Thank God for His blessings.
3. Ask forgiveness.
4. Request His help and guidance.
5. Share your questions and concerns.
6. Listen and trust in His love.
His message reminded everyone that prayer is not only speaking to God but also opening one’s heart to listen and trust in His presence.
The celebration continued with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Reidy, who encouraged youth and families to keep their relationship with God strong through prayer. His presence and words of encouragement inspired all to live out their faith more deeply.
As families departed, they were encouraged to carry that message home—to find their own way to stay connected with God: in words, in silence, in gratitude, in prayer, and in love.
Catholic Youth and Family Day was more than an event; it was a living experience of prayer, faith, and community — a reminder that when we open our hearts to God, He meets us right where we are.
By Liza Roach