Story and photos by Anthony Richards
Smiles, joy and faith, are the three words to best describe the Diocese of St. Augustine’s Second Annual FAMILY FEST, which took place on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine on April 25.
There was something for the entire family to do at the event, which was organized by the offices of family life, human life & dignity, and the youth & young adult ministry, from sand, blocks and face-painting for younger children to a “teen hut” providing a dedicated space where teens could enjoy.
According to Robin Shipley, director of the diocese youth & young adult ministry, said that the teens were very appreciative of the “teen hut” and having a place to call their own where they could interact with other teens during the event.
There were also many interactive inflatable activities for families to take part in, including an obstacle course, a baseball hitting cage, golf and a human foosball area.
In the midst of all the family fun were the constant reminders of God’s love on display throughout the day and His constant presence in our lives, which can sometimes get busy, but FAMILY FEST allowed families to reflect on what it truly means to be a family and how it is one of God’s greatest gifts.
One of the special moments Maureen Shilkunas, director of the diocese human life and dignity office, witnessed was when she saw a child take a piece of paper she was coloring with an image of a chalice on it and lift the paper up in the air just as she said she had seen Bishop Pohlmeier do during Mass earlier in the day.
“That was just a reminder that the day meant so much more,” Shilkunas said.
The event started with Mass, had feature speakers Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford share their testimony, and ended with a Eucharistic Procession led by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier through the shrine grounds and adoration on the event stage.
Multiple priests concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Pohlmeier and were available to hear confessions. Deacon Angel Sanchez assisted in helping the young altar servers during both the Mass and Eucharistic Procession.
There were many different types of families that attended the event, from large and small in size to foster families, and even couples who were not yet married or had children.
Mike Day, director of the diocese family life office, noticed the large number of families that chose to follow along with the Eucharistic Procession.
“The significance of that hit me,” Day said. “It reflected the entire day, with each family allowing Christ to be truly present in their lives. That is something that resonates with both young and old.”
