Families Renewed in Faith at Family Camp in Tasmania

CFCA Victoria recently spent a grace-filled weekend in Tasmania, answering the invitation of the Archdiocese of Hobart to lead a three-day Family Camp held from March 13 to 15, 2026. Set at the quiet and beautiful Riverbend Youth Centre in Smithton, in the north‑west of Tasmania, the retreat offered families a much‑needed pause from their routines, an opportunity to breathe, reconnect, and realign their homes with God at the center.

The event was made possible through the efforts of Ms Christine  Woods, Director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis in the Archdiocese of Hobart together with CFCA‑Tasmania Area Leaders Michael and Lis Ryan.

A mission team from Victoria, headed by Brother Ed and Sister Joh Cablao, Brother Mike and sister Sheila Nuestro and their children Kaila and Klark, travelled to support and facilitate the sessions.

Throughout the weekend, Bro Ed and Bro Mike shared teachings that helped families reflect on God’s plan for the home and the intentional work needed to build strong, loving relationships. Their talks were complemented by heartfelt testimonies from Sis Joh and Sis Sheila, whose openness and honesty encouraged many to look more deeply into their own family journeys.

One mother shared, “Hearing their stories reminded me that God doesn’t abandon us in our struggles. He works quietly, even in the messiness of family life.”

Kaila and Klark brought lightness and joy to the retreat, especially for the younger participants. Their meet-and-greet activities, hosting, sharing, and warm presence helped the youth feel at home. As one teen put it, “It felt like being part of one big family, not just attending a retreat.”

Families from various parts of Tasmania, including King Island, took part in this camp. The retreat was also blessed by the presence of Archbishop Emeritus Julian Porteous, who joined the group and participated in the activities, discussions, and fellowship through the second day. His gentle encouragement and willingness to journey with the families added a deeply meaningful spiritual presence to the weekend.

The retreat opened with a creative Meet and Greet, where families designed banners expressing what makes their household unique. This simple activity quickly sparked laughter, teamwork, and heartfelt conversations.

The Saturday sessions included talks on God’s Plan for the Family, Roles, Skills, Verified and Practiced (RSVP) and Healing Relationships between Parents and Children, followed by group discussions that encouraged open sharing among fathers, mothers, and children. These moments created meaningful conversations and deeper connections among families.

Across the sessions, families reflected more deeply on God’s design for the family, understanding personal roles and building healthier relationships between parents and children. Group discussions created moments of honesty and support. One father reflected, “Hearing other families share helped me realize we’re not alone. We’re all trying, we’re all learning, and God is guiding each of us.”

Another participant added an insight many nodded to:“This retreat reminded us that family time is important, that we need to talk openly, and that every member has a role in making our home peaceful. Respect and care don’t happen by accident—we build them together, day by day, with God’s help.”

Between sessions, families enjoyed simple bonding moments using the camp facilities, watching children paint, parents chatting over coffee, and youth forming new friendships. The final evening was filled with laughter during family presentations, followed by a cozy movie night featuring “David”, complete with popcorn and drinks.

On the last day, the talk “Partnership in Building a Christian Home” brought together the weekend’s themes, encouraging families to continue nurturing their faith at home. A beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr. Amal of Circular Head Parish brought the retreat to a peaceful and hope‑filled close.

As families prepared to leave Smithton, many carried with them a renewed sense of purpose. One participant shared, “We’re going home with a deeper appreciation for each other. We may not be perfect, but with God at the centre, we can grow as a family every day.”

The retreat stood as a gentle but powerful reminder that when families nurture their faith together, they become living witnesses of God’s love, shining first in their homes and then radiating into their communities.