National Family and Life Week Reminds Us that God is with Us Always

National Family and Life Week is taking place from May 10 to 17, centering on the theme “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Below, Michelle Dabrowski, Director of the Office for Family and Life at the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), discusses the importance of this week. Michelle and her husband reside a short drive east of Ottawa and delight in raising two young sons with a little girl on the way.

1. What is the mission of the Office for Family and Life at the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)?

 The mission of the CCCB’s Office for Family and Life is to encourage families in faith across Canada, affirm the family’s vital role in society, and promote the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death.

Grounded in Catholic social teaching and supported by a Standing Committee of bishops and lay people, the Office responds to the pastoral needs of dioceses, parishes, and families by curating and developing practical resources. We also create opportunities for diocesan pastoral leaders to connect, share leading practices, and learn from one another.

2. How will this year’s theme, “I am with you always,” help to inspire families?

We hope families—children, young people, parents, grandparents, elders, and extended family—will take to heart Christ’s promise that, through the Holy Spirit, he remains with us always. It’s an invitation to remember that Christ is close in moments of need and in times of joy, across generations—and to trust that he walks with us through life’s trials and triumphs.

3. What resources has the CCCB developed to help support the families?

We developed simple, age-specific activity pages for families to print and use to spark conversation. These free resources can be downloaded and printed at home, at school, or at the parish. We’ve also provided pastoral and liturgical resources for parishes, including suggested Universal Prayer intentions with a family focus for Mass during National Family and Life Week. And I can’t forget to mention the beautiful one-minute YouTube video filmed at a vibrant parish here in Ottawa, along with ready-to-use social media graphics.

For those involved at the parish, we’ve also provided ideas to bring families together for fellowship and support—such as a first Coffee Sunday, a family activity fair (cupcake decorating, face painting, and more), an intercultural potluck, or a “Big Give” event. Our hope is to inspire families to connect within their faith communities and to know they are not alone.

4. In addition to your role as director, you are also a mother. How does this year’s theme speak to you and encourage you in your own family life?

In our day-to-day, it’s so easy to get caught up in the to-do list: what’s for dinner, who’s on duty for tonight’s extracurricular activity—family life is very busy. But when I stop, pause, and pray the words “I am with you always,” I’m brought back to the simple and profound promise of Jesus’ presence in my life. Sitting with his words helps me refocus and renew my relationship with Him: Christ is with me in my family, in my joys and struggles, across generations, in the vulnerable, in love’s journey, and on mission.