Reflection 

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

As we approach the school holidays, we are reminded of the simple but profound gift of time spent with family. In the busyness of our day-to-day routines, it can be easy to overlook how precious those quiet moments together can be—sharing a meal, going for a walk, laughing at a silly movie, or simply sitting and talking.

The Catholic tradition places deep importance on the family as the “domestic Church”—a sacred space where faith is lived and love is nurtured. Pope Francis reminds us in Amoris Laetitia that “the family is the first school of human values” (AL, 274). When we spend time together, we are doing more than resting—we are building connection, understanding, and love. These are the foundations of a strong family and a strong community.

During this holiday break, we encourage our families to take time to pause, reconnect, and celebrate the gift of each other. Whether you're travelling, staying at home, or simply slowing down your pace, consider ways you can make this time meaningful:

• Start or end each day with a short family prayer or reflection.
• Share stories about your childhood or family history.
• Practice gratitude together—what are you each thankful for?
• Make time for fun, joy, and laughter!

Jesus Himself was born into a family and grew up with Mary and Joseph in Nazareth. He teaches us that family is a place of belonging, love, and growth. May this school holiday be a time of renewal for your family—a chance to deepen your bonds and grow in love and faith.

From all of us at St Bede's, we wish you a safe, restful, and joyful holiday. May your homes be filled with peace, laughter, and the presence of God.